Yardbarker: Andrew Brunette

Fantasy Hockey Sleepers - Pick 'em up!

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:55:00 -0500

The Hockey Counselor is IN:

First off hello! This is my first post at FSC and I'm mighty proud to be here!

We're a few weeks into the NHL season now and there have been plenty of injuries within the past week or so that may or may not have ravaged your starting line up and now you're dealing with the fact you have to plug those holes for the next 4-6 weeks or whatever the case may be. I'm here to help you with that, this will be a weekly article giving the reader some options on possible waiver wire pick ups that are available in most leagues:

Forwards:

Brooks Laich (Washington - C) - the little known Laich has been benefiting from playing with Alexander Ovechkin and others on the Capitals potent power play. Laich has 9 points so far this season (4 goals, 5 assists) mostly coming from playing in front of the net and putting in rebounds on the power play. He's a great 3rd or 4th center to have on your squad, he'll put the puck in the net and get you some power play points at the same time. He's available in 35% of Yahoo! leagues, and he's definitely worth a pick up
Andrew Brunette (Minnesota - LW) - Although the Wild are struggling so far this year, especially on the road where they are 0-8-0, Brunette already has 10 points with 7 goals and 3 assists. He's had 50+ point years each of the past two seasons on mediocre teams, he'll be a go to guy if he can keep up this pace in Minnesota. If you can overlook the fact that so far he is a -7, he will help you in the goal category without a doubt and is available in a staggering 75% of Yahoo! Leagues!!!

Ales Kotalik (New York Rangers - RW) - The newly acquired New York Ranger Kotalik has been putting up impressive numbers playing along side of Vinny Prospal and Marian Gaborik on the power play, he has 5 goals and 7 assists along side an incredible 9 power play points that will definitely put you over the top in a close matchup. While he's not the go to guy on the power play, he's turning into an assist machine thus far. He's available in 40% of Yahoo! leagues so go check him out, he's definitely worth a look!

Defensemen:

Alex Goligoski (Pittsburgh - D) - With the loss of star defensemen Sergei Gonchar on the blue line, the Penguins have turned to a little known second year player in Goligoski to run their potent power play. He already has 9 points this year (3 goals, 6 assists) and looks to add a ton more just by being on the ice when Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby do their thing. He has a great first pass out of his defensive zone which also should prove for some more assists. I think he'll get a bunch more goals in the coming games because the opposing teams won't respect him like they would Sergei Gonchar with a slap shot from the point. He is available in 40% of Yahoo! Leagues, so definitely check him out, he is a must have!

Jason Demers (San Jose - D) - While Demers doesn't see much Power Play time with the sharks, he's still accumulated 8 assists thus far throughout the season, which is a ton for a guy that has no power play points so far. He's benefiting from being on the ice with guys like Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton. Although he doesn't offer much in other categories (6 PIM's, only 10 shots) he does have a +5 rating and is definitely worth looking into particularly in deeper leagues. He's only owned in 25% of all Yahoo! Leagues so its very likely he's available.

Goaltenders:

Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles - G) Quick has an impressive 8 wins so far this season, especially because he's been seeing competition from fellow Kings' goaltender Erik Ersberg. Have no fear though, Quick is the clear cut number 1 in LA now, and with a 2.91 Goals Against Average, he's definitely a solid number 3 goaltender pick up.

Jaroslav Halak (Montreal - G) Although entrenched in a goaltending battle in Montreal, Halak has started the past 4 games for the Canadiens and they've been winning with him in net. Carey Price may have checked out in Montreal, and Halak is a perfect handcuff for anyone with Price. Halak has a 2.28 Goals Against Average and a .910 Save Percentage, which makes him a very viable option, especially if you have Carey Price

Thanks for reading everyone, check back next week with a whole new batch of fantasy sleepers, and until then stop by FSC for all the fantasy football help you can ever want from Larry Bud!!

The Hockey Counselor is OUT:

Brunette lights lamp in OT to lift Wild past Ducks

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:52:52 -0500

ST. PAUL, Minn.(AP) Andrew Brunette 's power-play goal in overtime lifted the Wild to a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night in Minnesota's home opener.

Wild use overtime power play to defeat Ducks

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:21:22 -0500

Andrew Brunette's power-play goal in overtime lifted the Wild to a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday in Minnesota's home opener.

Brunette's PP goal caps Wild's rally past Ducks

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:14:18 -0500

Andrew Brunette's power-play goal in overtime lifted the Wild to a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night in Minnesota's home opener.

Like Twins, Wild stages thrilling rally at home

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 22:06:55 -0500

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -Andrew Brunette's power-play goal in overtime lifted the Wild to a 4-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday night in Minnesota's home opener.

Andrew Brunette: 'Chomping at the bit'

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 09:56:00 -0500

FLASHBACK * Wild TV Brunette rehab (June 6, 2009) A. Brunette highlights The summer of 2009 ha...

Player Profile: Andrew Brunette

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 19:28:00 -0500

No. 15, Left Wing, Shoots leftAge 35, Born: Aug 24, 1973Height: 6'1" Weight: 210 lbs.Drafted 174th overall in the seventh round by the Washington Capitals in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft.Strengths: One of the game's top puck handlers down low along the boards. Has good offensive talent and can score as well as set up plays. Rarely out of position and has great hockey instincts. Also has the ability to fight through nagging injuries and has a team-first mentality.Weaknesses: Sub-par s...

Brunette works at rehab in 'dungeon'

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 23:18:31 -0500

Recovering from knee surgery "stinks," but Andrew Brunette is pushing himself hard -- with the help of team taskmaster Kirk Olson.

Ruegsegger might play this weekend.

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:42:10 -0500

I have been following this story via the Denver post hockey blog and it appears that DU forward Tyler Ruegsegger is going to do everything and anything in his power to play in this weekend's regional down in Minneapolis. Originally it was announced that he was out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. As a hockey fan you have to admire his grit and effort. Kind of reminds me of the Wild's Andrew Brunette who is playing with an is playing on at least a partially torn right ACL. If the Pioneers have both Bozek and Ruegsegger they are substantially a much better hockey team and really tough to beat.
Meanwhile, junior center Tyler Ruegsegger surprisingly participated in some practice drills Tuesday, donning full equipment and an orange “no crush” sweater. Ruegsegger’s season was deemed over when he partially tore a ligament in his right knee on March 13 against Alaska-Anchorage.

“We’ve been working really hard with rehab and I’m wearing a custom brace right now that helps stabilize it,” said Ruegsegger, who is tied for the team lead with 15 goals, including a team-high 12 on the power play. “We originally thought 4-6 weeks, and it still might be that time, but it doesn’t feel too bad . . . I’m definitely happy with the way rehab is going so far.”
(Read the whole story here)

Andrew Brunette: Iron Man

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:56:53 -0500

As Iron Man, all jets ablaze, he's fighting and smiting with repulsor rays! Amazing armor! That's Iron Man! A blazing power! That's Iron Man! You all know about Cal Ripken. You all know about Brett Favre. You all know about those men of iron..

KGB: Rink Date 01-27-09

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:42:42 -0500

Note of the - Andrew Brunette is set to play in his 500th consecutive game tonight. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Brunette will become just the fourth NHL player in the last 16 years to reach 500. Brendan Morrison played in 542 games in a row from 2000-07, Mark Recchi in 570 ...

AccuScore NHL Rundown 3/11

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 13:15:14 -0500

Colorado @ Atlanta Fantasy Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Colorado – Start Milan Hejduk, who will come out of his slump tonight, scoring the second most goals for Colorado in simulations. Sit Peter Forsberg, as he is only scoring a goal in 13 percent of simulations and might miss the game with an injury. Atlanta – Mark Recchi is scoring the second most points for the Thrashers in simulations, making him a start. Fantasy Sleeper Watch: Colorado – Andrew Brunette is scoring...