FANTASY HOCKEY, WHAT’S THE POINT MAN? METROPOLITAN DIVISION PREVIEW 2014 – 2015 NHL REGULAR SEASON – PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Greetings readers, welcome to Fantasy Hockey, What’s the Point Man? Honestly, what is the point man? The point man is the player who plays the point on the powerplay, near the blueline. They in many ways run the power play by acting as an outlet for forwards on the half walls, by setting up for seeing eye shots, and by being the last line of defense should the penalty kill counter. The point man could also be considered the player with the most goals and assists. Soldiers, politicians, and even entrepreneurs could play the part of a point man as well. But, What is the Point Man? The point is to dominate your foes at fantasy hockey to win cash and pain inflicting bragging rights. Here is where you can find the scoop to help you get to the top.

As part of Hockeyland Canada’s season preview, each division will be examined one team at a time to identify players to pick and players to avoid. There are six categories of players covered and it’ll begin with the Metropolitan Division. Tons of talent and intriguing players to kick things off right, lets get going with the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Elite Suite – Shockingly left off perhaps the greatest team in history, the Canadian 2014 Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey team, Claude Giroux ended up being nominated for the Hart trophy and was a tour de force over the last 60 games. He’s lost long time linemate Scott Hartnell, but Giroux has plenty of offensive weapons around him to maintain a better than PPG pace.

Dependable Joe – Jakub Voracek recorded a career year in 2013-14 with 23 goals and 62 points in a full 82 games, thats the picture of dependable. With owner Ed Snider claiming Voracek “could be a superstar”, you may see an expanding game with an added role. Jakub’s 2011 trade cousin Wayne Simmonds has been scratching on the 30 goal door for years now. On a path to dominance, this is the year we see Simmonds’ net front presence score him that elusive 30 goal plateau. Whether he’s on the Habs, Islanders, or Flyers, a healthy Mark Streit will get you 40 points from the backend in fantasy hockey.

Risky Plays – A head scratcher for many around the league when inked to a 5 year, $22.5 million dollar contract with a no movement clause, Vincent Lecavalier was a risk the moment he signed that deal. For a player who was a minus in his prime years, the upside is not worth the very real downside for fantasy poolsters. Finally, somehow, Steve Mason re-discovered the game he had as a young rookie but we’ve been burned before and are wary of a historically cursed Philadelphia crease.

Sleeper Seeker – A prolific scorer primarily for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL, Brayden Schenn has hinted at offensive exuberance. With steady progress in his first few seasons, Schenn plays a rugged game and could continue the trend upwards. Somewhat held back on the third line, Matt Read is a young player with a couple 20 goal seasons to his name and room to grow. In a perceived salary dump of Scott Hartnell, the Flyers netted a former player in RJ Umberger who has been productive in under the radar lean years in Columbus. With a shot at some of Hartnell’s old duties, Umberger could feel back at home with a breakout 30 goal year.

Rookies Ready to Break the Ice – Essentially knocking on the door every year since he was drafted, Scott Laughton once again is a contender for a roster spot. After taking his offense to another level in junior as a 20 year old, its likely Laughton starts his first pro season in the AHL, becoming a future premier shutdown center.

Keep Eyes Peeled – His offensive numbers have been just so-so in the NHL, but Sean Couturier is a victim of his checking role. Seen in that context, his numbers have progressed decently well, however slowly. On a deep team, Couturier could take yet another modest jump to the 45 to 50 point range.