Born Again Fantasy Gamble of the Week . . .

Fantasy sports are just like people. They make mistakes. They sin. They see the error in their ways and they repent and sometimes it sticks for longer periods of time than others.

In this section I will pick a player who has done just that. Under-performed, misbehaved or generally exhibited behavior unbecoming of a fantasy roster spot who I believe will turn it around. These guys can usually be had pretty cheaply and can occasionally pay huge dividends.

"Sin binners" who can lead you to the promised land

If you are link most fantasy GMs at this time of year you are having injury problems. However, if you have navigated the season so far and are still in contention congratulations are in order. If your players are now returning from injury you are in a good spot to make a run at your league title. However, if you are just now losing players and watching your lead dwindle day by day help is here. I have compiled a list of players how should be available in your league who can ease your pain, mostly by inflicted in on others. If your league scores PIMs, hits or rewards any kind of general thuggery or sinning I have some stats you will be interested in.

When to stop believing in a saintly centre

My fantasy flock, let us play . . .

We are faced with many, many decisions year in and year out as members of the Cult of Fantasy Hockey. However, one of the hardest is when to let a player go. Especially a player who has provided us with so much enjoyment and value over the years. It is hard in fantasy hockey because it is all numbers-based. There is no worrying about what the fans think. There is no pillar of the community. There is no diminished role for the aging veteran who is great in the dressing room. There is simply a roster spot. A roster spot that needs a specific number of points produced from it for you to have a shot a the title.

To Thy Own Self Be True

Fantasy Flock, Let us play . . .

There are many things to keep in mind as your progress through your life as a devout member of the Church of Stats. We know stats can lie. We know that interpretation of the same data can be vastly different between two members. We know that the most accurate stats, projections and algorithmic formulas can be trashed and cast out by Lady Luck through an injury, contract dispute or even death.

However, there is one area that we need to be aware of to be a productive member in the Cult of Fantasy Hockey. Get the tablets ready. Commandment #2 is Know thy own biases.

Read more . . .

How to use the NHL Standing to your Advantage

My fantasy flock, let us play . . .

Any fantasy hockey GM is inundated with trade offers every month. Some are just terrible. It is obvious the other GM is simply looking to "win" a trade, a term the modern media has so unfortunately coined. We will cover this in future columns and I promise it will be a commandment at some point.

However, today we will discuss the other trades. The close ones. With most leagues' only weeks away from their respective trade deadlines it is important to have an idea of what your needs are down the line. It is also important to understand what you are comfortable in giving up to get what you need. As we all know, "you have to give to get."

Blessed be he who draft before us . . .

My fantasy flock, let us play . . .

I am heading to the NHL All Star Fantasy Draft tonight. This is where respective captains, this year Daniel Alfredsson and Zdeno Chara, pick their teams like a game of pond hockey.

Know your opposition, but know your own team and needs better.

Onward Fantasy Forwards

My fantasy flock, let us play . . .

Most pools have between 12 and 14 teams. If you are in a larger league or a smaller league this sermon is not for you.

As we approach the All Star break many teams on the cusp of contention will be looking for an upgrade a forward. You may still be a few days or weeks from pulling a trade. If you are in a keeper league it could be worse. You may be a tweener and not sure if you are buying or selling. However, a waiver move at this time of year can pay huge dividends either way. If you get the right player now you can use him for the rest of the season or your can move him in a package for a more valuable keeper who is under performing at the deadline.

Welcome to Statistical Salvation

Dearly Beloved,

We are gathered here today in the presence of you and your computer screen, to join your fantasy team and first place in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men. As I stand before you I can openly tell you that there is one thing, and one thing alone that will pry your team out of first place. It is not the devil. It is not just Lady Luck, although she has had a hand in the downfall of many a team. It is not the your opposition and their ability to spend hours a day pouring over stats and to predict the exact player you are targeting, only moments before your pick.

It is, simply, yourself.