This article is part of our Frozen Fantasy series.
Some days, living within earshot of the world's biggest hockey market is great. I get hockey talk 365 and love it.
Or at least I used to.
This year, Gravol hasn't been strong enough to quell the nausea from the chatter in the Toronto marketplace.
The Mike Babcock saga went on far too long. I thought he was entrenched - $50 million will do that for a guy. But no. He and his ego are gone – it's the first time he's been fired.
Don Cherry and his ego are gone, too. It's not the first time he's been fired.
The conversation about both has been non-stop. People have no problems using social media to express ugly and awful opinions they wouldn't otherwise say out loud to your face.
Trust me, I know. I've heard my share being a so-called pioneer in this business. I still laugh at the number of times I've been told to go back barefoot to the kitchen.
The tension from social media is dripping into talk radio. And the hosts are milking it – I guess it drives ratings.
But under it all, the bottom line is simple. And it's not really being discussed. And yes, it applies to fantasy.
Resisting change is futile. Hanging on to what you know from the past is, too.
Babcock didn't change his style to fit the players he had. Instead, he tried to make them fit his.
Cherry? Well, he's never really changed. Even his so-called apology focused
Some days, living within earshot of the world's biggest hockey market is great. I get hockey talk 365 and love it.
Or at least I used to.
This year, Gravol hasn't been strong enough to quell the nausea from the chatter in the Toronto marketplace.
The Mike Babcock saga went on far too long. I thought he was entrenched - $50 million will do that for a guy. But no. He and his ego are gone – it's the first time he's been fired.
Don Cherry and his ego are gone, too. It's not the first time he's been fired.
The conversation about both has been non-stop. People have no problems using social media to express ugly and awful opinions they wouldn't otherwise say out loud to your face.
Trust me, I know. I've heard my share being a so-called pioneer in this business. I still laugh at the number of times I've been told to go back barefoot to the kitchen.
The tension from social media is dripping into talk radio. And the hosts are milking it – I guess it drives ratings.
But under it all, the bottom line is simple. And it's not really being discussed. And yes, it applies to fantasy.
Resisting change is futile. Hanging on to what you know from the past is, too.
Babcock didn't change his style to fit the players he had. Instead, he tried to make them fit his.
Cherry? Well, he's never really changed. Even his so-called apology focused on the wrong thing.
Failing to change leaves you behind every single time. And in fantasy, you can't hang on like Babcock or Cherry. Every year – and multiple times in year – you need to change how you look at things, people and success.
Sometimes you'll make a mistake. But at least you'll have information. More info than you had the day before. And knowledge is ultimately king in this game.
Let's take a look at who caught my eye this week.
Derick Brassard, LW/RW/C, New York Islanders (23 percent Yahoo! owned) – Brassard took an 18% ownership jump overnight at week's end and for good reason. Go get him. Now. His positional versatility is outstanding. Brassard's best seasons came with the Rangers from 2014-16, but he has struggled since. Maybe it's about a New York state of mind because he's back to his old self. Brassard has 16 points in 20 games and is on a five-game, nine-point streak. And he has points in 10 of his last 12 games (six goals, nine assists). Enough said.
Anthony Beauvillier, LW/C, New York Islanders (17 percent Yahoo! owned) – Go grab this guy. He's riding a four-game goal streak (six) and has eight points in that span. The Islanders are hotter than hot right now and Beauvillier and Brock Nelson have reignited their chemistry. You might as well take advantage. He won't keep this up – that's stating the obvious. But Beauvillier is exactly the kind of underrated player you need to carry you to a title. Other fantasy owners are catching on; you should, too. Before it's too late.
Anthony Cirelli, C, Tampa Bay (5 percent Yahoo! owned) – Cirelli's ascension to the second line looks really, really good – for him, the Bolts and fantasy owners alike. He's riding a three-game, five-point streak heading into play Saturday that includes three goals. Cirelli is winning face-offs (remember, this guy got Selke votes as a rookie!) and his clutch play – whether you believe in that or not – is renowned. Grab him now. Tyler Johnson owners beware – I just don't think Cirelli is going to let go of this role.
Charlie Coyle, RW/C, Boston (11 percent Yahoo! owned) – The Bruins are a one-line team. Or are they? There's plenty of potential lurking under that brilliant top line and Coyle is right in the mix. I talked about David Krejci last week; now it's Coyle's turn. His five-game, six-point streak was snapped Thursday night, but it's pushed him to a 40-point pace. And remember – Coyle does have a 56-point point under his belt. He might be on the third line, but he's still getting a little power-play time. I have a feeling he just needed a little time to truly get comfortable in the Hub of Hockey. And by season's end, Coyle will be challenging the 50-point mark. Time to get in early before it's too late.
Anthony Duclair, LW/RW, Ottawa (16 percent Yahoo! owned) – Duclair is on fire. Four goals - including two on the power play - two assists and 12 shots in four games! Duclair has always had talent, but fit really matters for this guy. His rookie year in Arizona had people dreaming about his future, but until now, Duclair hasn't lived up to that billing. The young and growing Sens under D.J. Smith look like they're the right fit for this winger. Just remember – Duclair is a product of his linemates, not the other way around. So you need to watch that carefully. But any guy on a mid-50s scoring pace should be rostered in more than 16 percent of leagues.
Tristan Jarry, G, Pittsburgh (11 percent Yahoo! owned) – The Pens have three starting goalies, so expect one of Jarry or Casey DeSmith to be traded. Jarry has won two games this week, beating the Leafs and Devils. He'd probably fetch the best return – after all, his AAV is just $675,000. And there are teams like the Leafs that desperately need production from a backup goalie with a low salary hit. Be ready to pounce if there's a deal. Even without one, Jarry can help - especially in daily formats.
John Marino, D, Pittsburgh (1 percent Yahoo! owned) – Marino has been a bit of revelation since stepping into Kris Letang's boots. The young Harvard alum is on a four-game, four-point streak and has seven points - including two goals - in nine games since Letang went down. Marino has never shown this type of production before, but he's clearly smart and responsible. Grab him and take advantage of this run. Who knows – he could be yet another good one that got away from the Oilers. That's probably good for Marino. We both know Edmonton can't develop players.
Alex Stalock, G, Minnesota (7 percent Yahoo! owned) – Stalock is a great story. Three days after winning his NHL debut in 2011, the former Minnesota-Duluth standout suffered a freak skate cut injury that severed his peroneal nerve. He's lucky to be walking today, let alone playing hockey. A year later, he was back in the ECHL. Now, he's the best goalie in the State of Hockey. Stalock has won two straight and is 4-2 in his last six starts. The Wild is 2-4 in the other six games in that span. I gave up on Devan Dubnyk last year. Stalock looks like he's close to owning the blue paint, albeit on a mediocre team. And there's still value in that, especially at seven percent ownership.
Back to knowledge.
I've told you before that I change my style every season. Has it always led to success?
Not a chance in H-E-double hockey sticks. But it has made my seasons way more interesting. And I have a many more tools in my belt for circumstances that befall my team and me.
This year – BIG knock on wood – I'm seeing more consistent performances across all of my six leagues. I'm top-third in the majority and better than top-half in all but one. I'd like to believe it's because of all the tools I now own.
Keep on changing your perspective. Look at every piece of advice, whether it's your cup of tea or not.
Sometimes truly hearing an alternative perspective can be the thing that helps you see a different view.
And brings you success. Now if only Babs or Grapes could do the same.
Until next week.
