Who is For Real?

Now that every team has played at least 2 games of this shortened season I think it is time to look at some of the players that have started strong. Obviously there are a lot of players who are playing well right now, but I can’t touch on all of them…. However I will try to talk about as many as I can and tell you who I think will keep it up and who is going to cool off. Now keep in mind this is fantasy hockey and no one can accurately guess who’s going to do what, so feel free to use this information but don’t live by it.

Patrick Marleau, Logan Couture and Joe Thornton – San Jose Sharks

All three of these guys are on absolute fire right now. They had a strong game against Calgary on Sunday, but last night’s first period against Edmonton was something else. I think that all three of these players are going to stay hot. Marleau is one of the most consistent fantasy players year-to-year but is always undervalued (Scored 30+ goals each of the past 4 seasons). Couture is one of the NHL’s best young scorers with back-to-back 30 goal campaigns in his Rookie and Sophomore seasons. He’ll stay hot and could score 20-25, maybe more. Then there is Joe Thornton… There is just no stopping ‘Big Joe’. He’s almost guaranteed 60 assists every season, so 40 in a 48 games season isn’t out of the question.

Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Daniel Winnik – Anaheim Ducks

Teemu just doesn’t age, he’ll keep it going because he always does. Getzlaf and Perry were so dynamic a few seasons ago but Getzlaf just fell off the map last year (by his standards). Getzlaf was probably picked up in the middle-rounds this season and is rewarding his fantasy owners who stuck by him. I think Perry and Getzlaf are going to finish close to being point-per-game players this year, with the possibility for more. Now, Daniel Winnik… He already has half the amount of goals this season as he’s had in the last two seasons combined. He could have a career year, but even still I don’t think he’s worth a roster spot in fantasy. Ride the hot streak but I think it is nearing its end.

Marian Hossa, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane – Chicago Blackhawks 

I shouldn’t even have included these guys in here. They’re all fantastic players and will absolutely stay hot as long as they’re healthy. Start with confidence every day.

James Neal – Pittsburgh Penguins

Now I’ve included him in here just to poke fun at myself. I’m guilty of thinking Neal wouldn’t repeat what he did last year. However once I saw the Penguins play I thought to myself… “How could he not be good?” The Penguins are just too strong and when Crosby, Malkin and Neal are on the ice for the power play its just not fair. Neal will stay hot and even has a chance to lead the league in goals.

Vladimir Tarasenko – St. Louis Blues, Cory Conacher – Tampa Bay Lightning

This article had to have these two in here because their starts have been spectacular. Tarasenko looked like a polished vet in his first 2 games and Conacher is playing with Lecavalier who is just a great leader and teacher. I think both these guys will have solid seasons and are both great keepers for those of you in keeper leagues. However this point-per-game pace they’re on through 3 games will not continue all season. I think approximately 30 points is a much more reasonable expectation.

Others that will slow down

– Martin Erat – Nashville Predators

– Jaromir Jagr – Dallas Stars

– Saku Koivu – Anaheim Ducks

– Andy McDonald – St. Louis Blues