Only two games on the schedule tonight, so going more in-depth...

STUDS

Roto monsters

No astronimical offensive games tonight but there were some very impressive roto performances, in some cases from some unlikely sources:

Letang: assist, +3, 2 PIM, 2 shots, blocked shot, 2 hits
Dupuis: goal, assist, +1, shot, blocked shot, 4 hits
Vitale: 2 assists, +1, 3 blocks, 2 hits, 9/13 faceoffs
Neil: goal, assist, +2, 2 shots, blocked shot, 8 hits
Regin: 2 assists, +2, 5 shots, 10/17 faceoffs
Park: goal, GWG, SHG, 2 PIM, 3 shots, blocked shot, 9/16 faceoffs

Marc-Andre Fleury

Impressive outing stopping 32 of 34 for the win. Granted, it was against the lowly Panthers (more on that later) but the fantasy leagues only care about the numbers and Fleury delivered.

Senators strong in 3rd again

Prior to tonight, the Sens had scored all of their goals in third periods. Tonight, they scored once in the second frame, but once again made a late-game comeback to force OT. Chris Neil and Colin Greening spoiled Dany Heatley's return as the Sens earned the extra point with a shootout victory.


DUDS

Tough crowd?

We all knew Heatley would be booed in Ottawa. But to the surprise of many, one Senators player, Sergei Gonchar, was booed by the home team crowd. Gonchar has enjoyed a stellar career while being a fantasy beast for many years. However, his stint in Ottawa has not been very good. Last year he posted 27 points in 67 games and was -15. This year, he is -3 after the first two games. This is far below expectations and the paying customers are voicing their frustration.

Carolina Panthers?

Usually when a team loses the numbers speak volumes. Tonight it was no different. David Booth, Tomas Kopecky were held off the score sheet and were each -2 tonight. Brian Campbell played 28 minutes but was -3 and also held scoreless. Add in Jose Theodore's four goals against on 29 shots and you are not likely to win.

Did he run out of gas?

Niklas Backstrom was outstanding through regulation and overtime tonight turning away 41 of 44 shots from the Sens. But once the shootout rolled around he forgot there was still an extra point on the line. Milan Michalek, Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson torched him to win the game for the home team.

ADDED BONUS

As a special gift from Gates who sent me this link as an idea for a major DUD, here are some NHL Bleacher Creatures which are excellent ideas for Christmas gifts for children, siblings and spouses alike!

http://shop.canada.nhl.com/family/in...oryId=12208593

Enjoy!

__________________
UHL Calgary Flames
24-team H2H (roto G, A, GWG, SHP, PPP, PIM, +/, SOG, Hits, Blks, FOW, W, SV, SV%, GAA, SO)

Capped article archive

Montreal Canadiens coverage

Twitter:@DH_EricDaoust.

Carolina Panthers lol. Someone has football on the mind!!!
Great piece BTW

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Bigbabybuda is the Hawking of fantasy hockey. Greatest hockey mind of our generation!

Shouldn't have tuned into that third period...

As a Heatley, Koivu, Zidlicky and Backstrom owner, I wanted to see Minnesota flourish. Of course, they had to shit the bed. Tough to see Backstrom let in all those goals in the shoot out.

Great report ED, thanks!

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Gates Imbeau
Assistant Manager - DobberSports.com
Writer - Fantrax.com
Regular Guest - The York Report via NextSportStar.com
Email: gates@dobbersports.com
Twitter: @GM_Gates

HAHA! As if the first Bleacher Creature is Toews. Surprised they aren't out of those already, I heard Shakedown put in quite the order.

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Dig my Cage Match articles? Follow my blog! The Laws of Sport

Also on Twitter @SteveLaidlaw

Great job ED,

Gotta boo your choice of giving #1 dud to Backstrom though lol...were it not for him the game would have been way out of hand and the Sens would have run away with that victory. I think Backstrom should have gotten a 'stud' for keeping em in it and the rest of the Wild should have gotten the #1 dud

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@B0ndon

Goalies: If I'm pickin em you best be sittin em!

He made Cristobal Huet look like a great shootout goaltender.

__________________
UHL Calgary Flames
24-team H2H (roto G, A, GWG, SHP, PPP, PIM, +/, SOG, Hits, Blks, FOW, W, SV, SV%, GAA, SO)

Capped article archive

Montreal Canadiens coverage

Twitter:@DH_EricDaoust.

Also, for those of you who like following the NHL suspension trends, there were several violent incidents yesterday that are sure to keep Mr. Shanahan busy...

http://www.dobberhockey.com/index.ph...d.php&t=112715

__________________
UHL Calgary Flames
24-team H2H (roto G, A, GWG, SHP, PPP, PIM, +/, SOG, Hits, Blks, FOW, W, SV, SV%, GAA, SO)

Capped article archive

Montreal Canadiens coverage

Twitter:@DH_EricDaoust.