Feb 28 Fantasy Tips: Pickups

FOLLOWING CONCENTRATES ON WAIVERS FOR THE PUCKINEH? YAHOO FANTASY LEAGUE:

FORWARDS

- Brandon Dubinsky: NYR- Center--Jaromir Jagr has been struggling this entire season, partly because he could not gel with any of the centers the Rangers had in their arsenal. Then comes along Dubinsky in his first full season. He has developed chemistry with Jagr and has picked up 8 points (4 G 4 A) in his last 6 games. Through in the fact he provides PIM, he can be a great late season boost to a team in need of offensive stats.
- Word of warning: for those concerned with obtaining more powerplay points (PPP), Dubinsky is not seeing a whole of powerplay time. Obviously, this is due to the amount of talent on the Rangers roster.

- Sean Avery: NYR - LW--everyone knows Avery's a pest and provides tremendous PIMs. But recently, while also playing with Jagr, he has posted 10 points (7 Goals!) in his last 10 games. So definitely a worthy pickup for anyone looking for goals, +/-, and PIM.
- Avery has actually had a respectable year statistically, although it is a contract year for him. Either way, a great pickup regardless, as the Rangers are playing really well right now as they are trying to achieve home-ice advantage for the playoffs.

- Niklas Hagman: DAL- LW--most of you probably had no idea who this guy was prior to this season. Heck, maybe you still don't know anything about him. But with Brad Richards in Dallas and Hagman playing on the same line, Hagman is looking to benefit. He already has 2 Goals against Chicago in Richards first game, so things look promising.

- Sam Gagner: EDM- C--I had to throw in a hometown player. He has enjoyed a huge boost in minutes since Shawn Horcoff went down with a season-ending injury. Combine a recently-ended 9 game point streak and plenty of ice time, Gagner is not looking to be slowing down anytime soon. He is a must have for those GMs looking for a boost in assists and PPP.
- The benefit with Gagner at this point point of the season is that the Oilers are on the outside looking in for a playoff position. Their main goal to well enough to avoid finishing in the bottom 5 so that the Ducks don't get a great draft pick. Thus, MacTavish probably won't stay true to his "juggling" act of the lines, and will keep Gagner on the 1st unit with Penner and Hemsky. Nevertheless, keep an eye on Gagner's minutes. The moment you see his minutes drop, could be time to bench him.

- Patrick O'Sullivan: LA- C--a second year forward, having a respectable sophomore season. But recently, he has been placed on a line with Alexander Frolov and Michael Cammalleri and they have gelled. All three have been on fire, especially O'Sullivan--13 points in his last 11 games (5 goals). The Kings are not playing for anything this year, so expect O'Sullivan to continue receiving plenty of ice time with LA's top talent.
- Keep in mind, this guy was traded from Minnesota for Pavol Demitra in the 2006 offseason. So he must be a talented player!


DEFENCE

- Niklas Kronwall: DET-D--this is strictly a short term solution, as the Wings just activated him off the IR. Since the Wings are having their share of injuries on the blueline, Kronwall (who is an offensively minded d-man) will be seeing a large share of minutes in the next couple of games for the Red Wings. More importantly, he can provide a boost to the Detroit team who have been struggling to score, especially on the powerplay.
- If his injury is making you hesitant, look at Derek Meech from the Wings as well. He has 3 assists in the last 4 games, all on the powerplay.

- Joe Corvo: CAR-D--Corvo was overshadowed by Wade Redden and Chris Phillips in Ottawa, but now has all the limelight in Raleigh. He has put up huge minutes in Carolina, while also providing occasional PPP. I would recommend him as an emergency pickup in case of an injury to your starter D-man.