Fantasy Hockey Roundtable

11/13/2009 8:09 PM - 

This week, we asked our panel: “We’ve seen a lot of serious injuries so far this season. Whose absence is going to most negatively affect his teammates’ statistics?” Here’s what the panel had to say on the matter.

To answer this question effectively, I should identify which team can least afford the injuries they have right now. That team would be the Carolina Hurricanes, who are dead last in the NHL standings and the proud owners of a 13-game losing skid. Not surprisingly, their two impact players — Eric Staal and Cam Ward — are sidelined.

The plus/minus was already a disaster before Ward was accidentally cut in the leg by Rick Nash’s skate. But any savvy Fantasy owner should know that Manny Legace is not an upgrade in net, meaning that the frigid plus/minuses of Joe Corvo (-9), Joni Pitkanen (-10), Aaron Ward (-12), and even former Selke Trophy winner Rod Brind’Amour (-13) will not improve anytime soon.

Staal’s absence means that oft-injured regular linemate Erik Cole is practically worthless in Fantasy leagues this season (one point in seven games). Heck, if Jussi Jokinen (10 points in 17 games) is your leading scorer, you know that your team is in big trouble.

Ian Gooding, fantasyhockey.com

The rest of the article can be found at rotorob.com.