The Hockey News: Fantasy Pool Look Column: Fantasy Pool Look: Goligoski finally getting noticed

Fantasy Pool Look: Goligoski finally getting noticed

Alex Goligoski takes a shot against the Tampa Bay Lightning during a pre-season game. (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Darryl Dobbs
2008-09-30 12:28:14

Pittsburgh prospect Alex Goligoski’s stock has risen within the organization over the past two years, but it has taken a shoulder injury to Sergei Gonchar and Ryan Whitney’s foot surgery for fantasy owners to start paying attention.

The highly talented – and very smart – defenseman was a second-round pick (61st overall) in 2004. He put up impressive college numbers playing for the University of Minnesota.

With teammates such as Erik Johnson, Blake Wheeler and Kyle Okposo, it is easy to see how the Minnesota native can fall through the cracks in the fantasy world. After all, his numbers could be attributed to the talent around him. Besides, with Gonchar, Whitney and Kris Letang, how could Goligoski ever get onto the top power play?

Goligoski must not have received that memo as he has done nothing but improve his game since he turned pro last summer. His American League numbers were decent in the regular season last year with 38 points in 70 games, not to mention two points in three games with the big club, but he exploded in the post-season, setting an AHL record for defensemen with 28 playoff points.

With five points in four pre-season games, while logging more than 20 minutes of ice time, Goligoski has earned a spot on a roster that will kick off the NHL season in Europe.

He is very much in Pittsburgh’s plans – both short- and long-term – and has the ability to put up big numbers in the first month. As for what will happen when Gonchar returns, that will depend on Goligoski. If the youngster starts off with 14 points in 18 games, would the Pens pull him from the top power play?

The feasibility the team could face such a decision shows the kind of strides this 23-year-old has made…

Patrick Eaves and Sergei Samsonov have seen time on Carolina’s top line with Eric Staal. Rod Brind’Amour’s return would certainly shake things up as far as line combos go, but if these two players can put points on the board early they could stick. Samsonov is most assuredly a top-six player on the Canes now that Justin Williams is sidelined, but Eaves will need to fight to hold on to his spot…

With Nikolai Khabibulin seemingly done in Chicago, Cristobal Huet’s value rises dramatically. That happens when your potential starts jump from 50 to 65. However, don’t forget about Corey Crawford, who will be Huet’s backup as soon as the Bulin Wall goes to a new team. Given Huet’s history of missing a few weeks of the season with various lower body injuries, Crawford will see his fair share of action.

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Darryl Dobbs’ Fantasy Pool Look is an in-depth presentation of player trends, injuries and much more as it pertains to rotisserie pool leagues. Get the edge in your league - check out the latest scoop every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the season. Also, get the top 300 roto-player rankings on the 1st of every month in THN’s Fantasy section.

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COMMENTS (5)

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Ian Altenbaugh Posted
(2009-04-30 07:06:17)

I attended Penguins training camp. Malkin is manning Gonchar's old place on the left point and Letang is on the right point. Staal, Crosby, and Satan are up front. Goligoski may be used on the second unit PP and sparingly in five-on-five. The Pens have dressed seven defensemen in the past and will likely do it again. Sorry to burst a bunch of bubbles. If Goligoski adapts, later on he may come on the roster, but I would not hold my breath for the month of October. Ryan Whitney barely saw time on the top PP last season, why would a guy who has played two games be treated any differently? That type of responsibility is rarely handed to rookies.

RedToronto Posted
(2009-04-30 07:04:44)

I see, it will be interesting to see how it plays out...I am sure Goligoski will his share of opportunities with the 1st unit but as far as same amount of ice time on the PP, 3 minutes on the second unit is not the same as 3 minutes on the first unit. Letang did put up good offensive numbers in juniors so it seems logical to conclude that he has QB powerplay skills. Seems like the production of each one will be limited by the presence of the other.

Caz Posted
(2009-04-30 07:04:43)

RedToronto - You are right that the Pens will use 4 forwards on the powerplay. Malkin will be on the point again this year to start the powerplay but will move up front for the second half and probably stay on for the full 2 minutes if they don't score. However, Goligoski will be getting just as much powerplay time as Letang if not more. I've only seen him in a handful of games but he seems to be a better powerplay quarterback while Letang is more of a smooth-skating puck-moving defenceman.

Napoli Posted
(2009-04-30 07:04:43)

I know they put Malkin on the point because of his hard shot and one-timing ability. But he has said before that he's not comfortable there.

RedToronto Posted
(2009-04-30 07:04:28)

In my opinion: For the short-term, Goligoski seems overrated to me right now. I imagine Letang would have priority and the Penguins use a 4-forward 1st powerplay unit right now (as they did in the second half of last season and the playoffs). A lot of teams have used split lineups, with 2nd line powerplay players getting 1st powerplay time, so I am not sure that 5 points in 4 games is what it seems to be.