Roto Exclusive : Guest Contributions and Featured Articles
Roto Exclusive : Guest Contributions and Featured Articles
Roto Exclusive : Guest Contributions and Featured Articles
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y Eric Daoust<br />
Surprises :<br />
• Nicklas Backstrom<br />
Only two seasons removed from scoring 101 points, Backstrom is<br />
primed for a return to form. With new coach Adam Oates in the<br />
mix, Backstrom st<strong>and</strong>s to benefit <strong>and</strong> has a strong foundation to<br />
work from considering that he had 44 points in 42 games last<br />
season. The concussion does present a small risk though.<br />
• John Carlson<br />
Many poolies have been waiting for the day that Carlson delivers on the hype surrounding his<br />
name. His first two full seasons produced 37 <strong>and</strong> 32 points, both very respectable totals.<br />
However, talent will eventually take him to the next level <strong>and</strong> there is a good chance that he<br />
takes a step forward this season. There is too much talent up front for him not to benefit.<br />
• Roman Hamrlik<br />
Last season, Hamrlik scored just 13 points but in the four prior campaigns in Montreal he<br />
averaged about 30 points per season. He is getting older but still has good hockey left in him.<br />
With a lot of talent at forward <strong>and</strong> a renewed emphasis on scoring, it will be interesting to see if<br />
Hamrlik can revisit the 30-point plateau.<br />
Disappointments :<br />
• Alex<strong>and</strong>er Ovechkin<br />
It is very reasonable to assume that Ovechkin will improve upon last season’s<br />
(relatively) poor 65 point output. However, some people could be banking on<br />
a return to 60 goals <strong>and</strong> 110 points. It would be wise to be a bit cautious<br />
because there are fewer goals in the NHL today than there were a few years<br />
ago <strong>and</strong> a player’s confidence does not necessarily return overnight.<br />
• Mike Green<br />
Much like Ovechkin, Green is in a great position to relive some past glory this upcoming season.<br />
But again, confidence is not always regained immediately <strong>and</strong> the emergence of youngsters<br />
Carlson <strong>and</strong> Dmitri Orlov could mean that there are fewer points to roll around. A 40-point<br />
season is a safer projection until he proves that he can stay healthy.<br />
• Braden Holtby<br />
Last spring’s playoff hero enters this season projected to be the team’s starting goaltender.<br />
However, players <strong>and</strong> especially goaltenders experience bumps in the road during their<br />
development. Holtby will not be immune to such growing pains. He will be effective, but Michal<br />
Neuvirth is a very capable goaltender himself <strong>and</strong> will earn a lot of starts. Expect a split in<br />
playing time, with Neuvirth perhaps winning out this season.<br />
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