Posted by Victoria Matiash
All new relationships need time to blossom and grow. In the case of recently formed couple Rick Nash and Kristian Huselius, four games did the trick. Huselius assisted on both of Nash's goals in Columbus' 5-3 victory over Nashville, and they had plenty of opportunities to do even more damage. On paper, this is a match made in hockey heaven, and now it's becoming a reality. With Nash's scoring talent and Huselius' outstanding playmaking abilities, it was only a matter of time. And with his tendency to crash the net, linemate R.J Umberger will also figure into the scoring mix shortly. Once all three solidify their chemistry, expect the fantasy fireworks to fly all season long. There's no limit to the numbers these three can put up.
Nikita Filatov enjoyed his first game in the NHL by scoring a goal of his own. Even with less than 10 minutes of ice time, the 18-year-old made an impression skating alongside Fredrik Modin and Andrew Murray. This kid is fast. Really fast. And he's going to be a superstar. It's only a matter of when. With limited action, the teenager doesn't carry much fantasy upside at the moment, but he deserves serious monitoring.
Another youngster to keep an eye on is Derick Brassard. Playing on an exciting, high-energy line with Jason Chimera and Jakub Voracek, the 21-year old has four points already. As with Filatov, there's no reason to overreact and snag Brassard immediately, but it certainly doesn't hurt to keep him on the radar, either.
Pascal Leclaire will miss Saturday's installment of the home-and-home series with Nashville after using the wrong side of his blocker to stop a shot. No broken bones, but his thumb is bruised. Fredrik Norrena will fill in for Leclaire in the meantime, but barring the unexpected, Leclaire should be back in action Tuesday against Vancouver.
As for the Predators, there's word captain Jason Arnott could be back on the ice as early as Saturday night, after sustaining a broken bone in his hand. That's probably a little premature, but you can expect him back in the lineup for Thursday's game against Calgary.
Ice Chips
A seemingly fed-up Jean-Sebastien Giguere took matters into his own hands and ended Anaheim's winless start to the season by stopping all 38 shots in a shutout victory over San Jose. … Daniel Alfredsson returned to the ice ahead of schedule from minor knee surgery and rejoined linemates Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley. Alfredsson's quick-healing abilities helped inspire the three stars to combine for seven points in a 6-3 win over Phoenix. Former top-line substitute Nick Foligno no longer carries much fantasy bite. … On Ottawa's blue line, Filip Kuba has quietly strung together six points in four games. … The Coyotes' Daniel Carcillo missed out on Friday's tilt while serving the first of a two-game suspension. He came off the bench to fight Chicago's Ben Eager on Wednesday. Carcillo will also miss Saturday's game in Montreal. … Although Vesa Toskala was more deserving, Stephen Valiquette earned a shutout in the Rangers' 1-0 shootout win over the Maple Leafs. Valiquette won't start often for New York, but he should perform well whenever he does -- much like any netminder would behind the Rangers' stellar defense. Deserving the rest, Toskala will get the night off on Saturday with Curtis Joseph starting in his place. … With eight points already in this young season, don't expect Thomas Vanek to cool down anytime soon. Vanek is playing with a load of confidence and is averaging more than six shots per game. … The numbers aren't there yet, but Steve Bernier will score plenty this season as long as he keeps himself planted in front of opposing goaltenders while playing alongside the Sedin twins. … As if garnering six points in five games wasn't enough, the Canucks' Alex Burrows earned himself a 10-minute game misconduct late in Vancouver's 5-2 loss to Buffalo. He ticked off the refs by slamming the penalty box door extra hard while serving two for holding. … Goaltender Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers earned a win in his first NHL start by stopping 26 of 29 shots against Calgary. But the rookie doesn't have much fantasy upside unless No. 1 Mathieu Garon falters heavily. Garon will start Saturday night against the Flames. … Todd Bertuzzi scored his fourth goal in as many matches for Calgary -- especially impressive considering he netted only 14 in 68 games last year in Anaheim.
