Fantasy Focus: 10/18 – 10/24

I’ll do this each week, either on Sundays or Mondays (depending on game schedules), and forecast the week ahead.  From hot streaks, cold streaks, matchups and more, we’ll have the news on who to start, sit, and drop on your Buffalo Sabres.

Matchups

1. Wed., 10/21 @ Florida PanthersThe Panthers currently sit at 2-4-0, giving up an average of 3.67 goals per game early on in this young season.  With a powerplay that currently sits at 12.5% and a penalty kill at 72%, not to mention the Panthers rank 30th in shots against per game.  The Panthers have a 1-2 record at home, so ice advantage looks to be minimal.  This looks to be a favorable matchup for the Sabres to rebound from their loss to Atlanta on Saturday.

   Starts: Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, Tim Connolly, Ryan Miller

   Sits: None

   Game Time Decisions: Thomas Vanek, Clarke MacArthur

   On the Cusp: Tyler Myers

   If Vanek can go, then MacArthur’s minutes will decrease, and he should probably sit.  If Vanek won’t be suiting up, then start MacArthur.  If the General wants to warrant full time fantasy play, he’ll have to keep up this pace for longer than 6 games.

2. Sat., 10/24 @ Tampa Bay Lightning

   The Lightning will come in having played some of their worst hockey of the young season, getting trounced 7-1 in Ottawa, then bounced 4-1 by the Penguins in Pittsburgh.  With Vinny Lecavalier and Alex Tanguay yet to have lit the lamp for the Lightning, their offensive punch has yet to develop.  If Ryan Miller isn’t a 100% play yet for you, he is come Saturday.    The Lightning do sport a 2-0-1 home record, so be wary of that.

   Starts: Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, Tim Connolly, Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek

   Sits: None

   Game Time Decisions: Clarke MacArthur

   On the Cusp: Tyler Myers

The rested Sabres, 3 days before Florida, and a short travel day and another off before Tampa, should make for the team we saw opening the season to show up.  If you have a Sabre in your line-up, I’d start him.  With both opponents in the bottom quarter of the league in shots against per game, PK%, and are struggling up and down their lineup, you won’t be wasting a roster spot this week.

Tags: Clarke MacArthur, Fantasy Focus, Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek