Fantasy Hockey Is Just Around the Corner!

Time has come to drop the puck for the coolest sport on earth. The National Hockey season is just around the corner—and to all those who can’t be in the NHL, that means the fantasy hockey season is on its way too.

The season opens up on Saturday, October 4 in Prague, where the New York Rangers will take on the Tampa Bay Lighting. Two teams full of new faces will look to build some chemistry on their long two-game trip in the Czech Republic.

Also, the defending Eastern Conference-champion Pittsburgh Penguins will take on the always-strong Ottawa Senators in Stockholm, Sweden.

All four teams look to get a good start to their season, while fantasy owners can’t wait to watch their superstars play. So here are the top ten players you’re going to want to have on your team:

1.      Alexander Ovechkin, WAS

Following his best season of his three-year career, Ovechkin is looking to have an even better season. Last year, Ovechkin finished a league-leading 112 points and an outstanding 65 goals.

Not only is he an hard-working athlete, but he is a beast of a, man not missing a single game in his last two seasons of play.  Look for him to play in all 82 this year. Playing with a very skilled Nicklas Backstrom as his center, expect similar numbers, in the 115-point range, for him this season.

2.      Evgeni Malkin, PIT

There is not enough to say about the natural skill that Evgeni Malkin brings to the NHL. Malkin increased in every single stat category from his rookie to sophomore year in ’07-’08.

He may not be playing alongside the amazing Crosby, but look for Malkin to be just as or even more effective for the Penguins. Malkin will once again increase his season highs in multiple categories, especially in his power-play totals. Look for Malkin to get about 108 points and break the 20 ppg mark.

3.      Vincent Lecavalier, TB

With the potential to be part of the number-one line in the National Hockey League, Lecavalier will be playing with pure chemistry.  He will be the center between Martin St. Louis and Vaclav Prospal, who are both offensive threats on the ice.

Three very talented forwards who have played together for a long time, expect them to do well with the leadership of the big powerful Lecavalier. Don’t expect more than a 45-goal season out of Vinny—but don’t be surprised if he breaks his career high and goes for more than 60 assists.

4.      Jarome Iginla, CGY

Jarome Iginla is a fan favorite of many because not only is he a goal scorer and a strong leader, he also is a beast of a fighter. Iginla is the entire package, and will get any fantasy owner good stats in every category. Look for him to have a solid 50-goal, 45-assist season and have a few fights turn into a solid 80 penalty minutes.

5.      Sidney Crosby, PIT

Sid the Kid is back, and ready to start off a fresh season. After a disappointing end to last season, Crosby is back and going to have a great year.

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