An Interview with Fantasy Hockey Specialist Dobber, from DobberHockey

First off I'd like to thank Dobber from DobberHockey.com   for taking the time to do this.

Q: Which rookie should we watch out for this year?

A: My Calder pick is Jordan Eberle, followed by Taylor Hall, and P.K. Subban. Also, watch for Tyler Ennis, Jamie McBain, and John Carlson

Q: Which sophomore should we watch out for this year?

A: I did this year's THN column for their Ultimate Fantasy Guide on the sophomore slump. I found that since the lockout, rookies 21 and older were three times as likely to suffer from the slump as 18 to 20-year-olds. I don't have the exact numbers in front of me, but it was something like 30 percent vs. 10 percent. That puts the likes of Niklas Bergfors, Brandon Yip, etc. as a little riskier. In the safe group—Matt Duchene. And that's who you should watch.

Q: In your opinion, who is a player who you think will under-achieve based on people's general fantasy expectations?

A: Kovalchuk in New Jersey—80 to 85 points. People expect miracles.

Q: Who is this years diamond in the rough?

A: Jiri Hudler. I unabashedly say 70 points easy. Related: look for a big year from Filppula as well.

Q: Name five players who fantasy owners should watch out for this season.

A: In a good way? Peter Mueller, Tyler Bozak, and I mentioned Ennis, Subban, and McBain. In a bad way—Prospal.

Q: What can fans expect from Simon Gagne this year?

A: His best points per game average in three or four years. It's the games played that fans should be more worried about. Will it be 10, or 75? Pencil him in for 65 to 70 games.

Q: Ovechkin or Crosby?

A: Points: Crosby. Multi-categories: Ovechkin

Q: J. Toews or M. Richards?

A: In my Fantasy Guide I have Toews for 73 and Richards for 79 points. I agree with that, giving it a second look.

Q: Jimmy Howard or Tuukka Rask?

A: Rask is a far superior goalie and I would take him in a keeper league by a mile. But for this year, due to the backup situation, you have to go with Howard, who should flirt with 40 wins. Tim Thomas will hold Rask to the low 30s.

This concludes my interview with "Dobber", enjoy.

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