Nose picking perfect in NHL

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the beginning of the 2008-2009 NHL season is just around the corner. The Stanley Cup is back up for grabs, and while the outcome is predictable, the ride should still be fun. In case you’re wondering what I mean; if the Red Wings don’t win the Stanley Cup, the Tigers’ failure will be forgotten. With the beginning of the NHL season comes the beginning of fantasy hockey. Roll your eyes if you must, but fantasy hockey is a sport in itself. If you’re panicking about your upcoming draft, I’ll give you a breakdown of who’s hot and who’s not. Even if you’re not a fantasy player, this should help catch you up to speed with whom to look out for this season. If you have the first pick of the draft you should pick Ovechkin, period. Call me bold, but he will achieve 50 goals in 50 games this season. Crosby, Malkin and Zetterberg should be going early as well. Overlooking goaltenders could be your largest mistake of the year. Brodeur is looking at fewer games this season, but he is no doubt the best goaltender in the league, heck, in history. Nabokov is also a safe pick. He won’t be seeing quite as many games as last year, but he won’t go below 70. Giguere is also a guarantee, but if you have first dibs on tenders, I’d opt Brodeur. There is small group of goaltenders that one can truly rely on, so take my advice and use an early pick to have your shot with one. If Stamkos isn’t on your radar, you need to reevaluate your strategy. This kid is coming into the league with limitless potential, and a starting position in Tampa Bay. He will get 75 points or more. If you’re lucky, you can get him later in the draft for a steal. Sergei Zubov is one of the top defensemen in the league and ranked 75 overall. Pick him up as late as you can and you’ll be happy. If you’re looking to sabotage your own team you should pick up Daniel Briere. On the ice, this guy is as hot as Rosie O’Donald in a bikini. Sure he’ll get you some points, as will every center, but he will murder you in the plus/minus category. Beyond individual players, if you’re in a head-to-head league, remember that it is important to pick the best available players instead of the just filling your needed positions. Also, it’s important to talk trash. It adds emotion to the league, and can throw your opponents off-kilter enough for them to make hasty trades. The Red Wings should hoist the cup at the end of the season, but what happens in your fantasy league is entirely up to you. Just never forget the key to success: trade them when they’re hot, trade for them when they’re cold.