As always, the first half of the NHL season generated the usual number of statistical breakthroughs. Although the statistical leader board mostly read like a who’s who list, numerous late-round draft picks and waiver-wire refugees had big impacts in fantasy leagues.
Here are 10 glaring examples:
Devil Setoguchi, W, Sharks: As the eighth overall pick in the 2005 draft, he brought big expectations to the NHL. He flashed that potential last season, scoring 11 times in 44 games. But this season he has 18 goals in just 37 games for the high-powered San Jose attack. He is just on several beneficiaries of new coach Todd McLellan’s aggressive offensive scheme.
"I want the players to have the courage to make plays on the ice," McLellan told the San Jose Mercury News. "When it's a real obvious mistake, I don't know if we have to be in their ear. They know they've made it. And we have to make mistakes to get better."
David Krejci, C, Bruins: He started the season as Boston’s No. 3 center, then moved into a bigger role after Patrice Bergeron suffered another concussion. After scoring 27 points in 56 games last season, he scored 41 in his first 39 games this season as part of this deep and balanced attack. With the Bruins rolling, he will remain a good second-half statistical bet even if Bergeron returns.
Jeff Carter, C, Flyers: He reached fantasy radar screens last season by scoring 29 goals in 82 games. But who saw this coming: 27 goals scored in his first 39 games. He has made the most of Daniel Briere’s absence, taking a bigger offensive role on this powerful team while Briere was hobbled by a recurring groin muscle strain. Philly, like Boston and San Jose, features a deep and balanced attack. He should have some staying power.
Phil Kessel, W. Bruins: After improving from 11 to 19 goals in his first two NHL season, he took off this season – scoring 24 times in this first 39 games this season. This isn’t a total surprise, given his original draft status, but he sank to the bottom of most fantasy drafts this season.
Scott Clemmensen, GT, Devils: Martin Brodeur has been the NHL’s most durable and consistently successful goaltender since breaking into the league. So who could have guessed he would break down and miss most of this season? His demise left a massive void in New Jersey – one that Clemmensen has filled brilliantly. He is 15-6-1 this season with a 2.21 goals-against average and a .924 save percentage.
Ryane Clowe, W, Sharks: After scoring 19 goals in 73 games the last two season, he scored 16 in his first 38 this season. He is growing into the role of power forward in the mighty San Jose offense.
Kyle Quincey, D. Kings: In Detroit, he was trapped behind an army of great offensive linemen. He found no such roadblock in LA, where he scored 21 points in his first 35 games this season – or 20 points more than he scored in cameo appearances the previous two seasons in Motown.
Simon Gagne, W, Flyers: A nasty struggle with post-concussion syndrome limited Gagne to seven goals in 25 games last season. That caused his draft stock to plunge. This season he scored 18 times in 36 games before suffering a shoulder injury. He reverted back to his 2006-07 form; he scored 41 times that season.
Marc-Edouward Vlasic, D, Sharks: Back in 2006-07, he looked ready to break out as an offensive defenseman. He scored 26 points in 81 games, earning 12 points on the power play. He took a step back last season. scoring just 14 points in 82 games. After opening the season on the waiver wire in most leagues, he scored 20 points in San Jose’s first 20 games. That the Sharks have two strong power-play units have.
Steve Mason, GT, Blue Jackets: With Pascal Leclaire struggling, Mason stepped up to take advantage of coach Ken Hitchcock’s strong defensive system. He is 13-8-1 with a 1.81 GAA, a .933 save percentage and five shutouts.
