Fantasy Hockey Risers and Fallers: Week 2

One week has come and gone in the 2010 fantasy hockey season, and it’s up to us at WFS to give you the advice and tips you need to make the right lineup decisions going forward.

Need help in fantasy hockey games and leagues? Well, start off with out Risers and Fallers on the ice after the first week:

Hot

Roy is plus two and currently leads all centers with four goals scored. He also has 10 shots on goal, which is tied for fourth. He has added one assist. Look for Roy to shoot plenty for the Sabres the entire season. I would expect Roy’s assist totals to increase sooner than later en route to a career high with two talented young wingers beside him.

Alexander Ovechkin, LW, WAS

Ovechkin seems intent to avenge his embarrassing first round exit last postseason. He has opened out of the gate hot. The No. 1 fantasy pick has 16 shots on goal and three goals scored, both of which rank first among all left wingers. He has two assists, two shy of the league leader. He is also plus two, just one shy of the league leader, his teammate Brooks Laich.

Marian Hossa, RW, CHI

The veteran has been on point to open the season, clearly still excited from winning the Stanley Cup. Hossa is tied with just Nathan Horton of Boston for first among right wingers with three goals scored. He is one shy of Alexander Semin and Thomas Kopecky in assists with two. He impressively leads plus/minus with four and is tied for second with 11 shots on goal.

Jordan Leopold, DEF, BUF

Leopold has been excellent with two goals scored and two assists. He is plus one and has 10 shots on goal. Those looking for defenseman should look at Leopold, James Wisniewski of the Islanders, and John-Michael Liles of the Avalanch who have all been top defenseman to open the season.

Nikolai Khabibulin, G, EDM

Khabibulin has started two games and has two wins under his belt, including one shut out. He has a save percentage of .969, only giving up two goals. Nikolai Khabibulin was great for Chicago two seasons ago, winning 25 games. However, it will be difficult for him to match those numbers.

Cold

Nicklas Backstrom, C, WAS

Ovechkin may be off to a strong start, but his teammate is struggling mightily. Although he is plus one, Backstrom has only six shots on goal with zero goals scored and zero assists recorded. Of course, Backstrom will be among the best centers as he plays for one of the best offenses in the league.

Zach Parise, LW, NJ

Parise is one of many top left wingers to disappoint opening the year. Although he has a goal and has taken nine shots, he has zero assists and is minus two. New Jersey in general has been disappointing but should rebound quickly.

Jarome Iginla, RW, CGY

Iginla has been terrible to start the season. He has yet to score or a goal or record an assist. He is minus one with just seven shots on goal. One of the best wingers in the game, Iginla should bounce back shortly.

Duncan Keith, DEF, CHI

My top rated defenseman, Keith has opened slowly. He does have one assist, but zero penalty minutes and just four shots on goal. He is also minus two. I still look for him to be one of the best this season on arguably the best team in the league.

Martin Brodeur, G, NJ

One of the best goalies in the history of the game has not looked like it. In three games, Brodeur does not have a victory and has two losses under his belt. He has given up 11 goals (nine in the past two games), almost four per game, with a save percentage of .859.