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The Minnesota Wild have allowed less goals than any other team in the NHL with the exception of Ottawa and Nashville, and the Senators have played three less games while the Preds have played two less. 

This does not come as a surprise seeing as a Jacques Lemaire coached team is generally amongst the stingiest teams in the league. 

What may have slipped under the poolies' radar is the fact that the Wild have been scoring goals, too... and lots of them! Top five in the NHL, in fact. 

So how do you take advantage of this information and who do you pick up? 

All poolies know that Marian Gaborik is finally back from his groin injury. The Wild were very smart in being extra cautious with him, holding him out for three or four games longer than most teams would hold out their stars just to make certain he will be back to stay. The extra caution has paid off, as Gaborik has six points (two goals, four assists) in three games. 

Poolies also know that Brian Rolston can be depended on for 50- to 55- points, and Todd White is good for 40. Both are currently on pace for 80 to 90, so rotisserie players may want to jump on them while they're hot – White has six points in his last three games heading into Sunday’s action. (By the way, White is a plus-7, for those in roto pools that count such stats.) 

Pierre-Marc Bouchard has been on fantasy owners' radars for a couple of years now, and many predicted a breakout year for him in 2005-06. So far so good, as his point per game early season pace dictates. 

The ultimate dark horse so far in the early season has been Marc Chouinard. He has emerged as Minnesota's early season leader in points with eleven. Historically, fantasy owners have steered clear of Minnesota players (or rather – Minnesota players not named "Marian"). Sticking stubbornly with this way of doing things could cost you some easy points in the pool. 

Meanwhile...

...Gaborik's linemates are currently Alexandre Daigle and the aforementioned Chouinard. This can only help their performance.

...This could wind up to be a huge comeback year for defensemen in hockey pools. You're seeing a lot of them sprinkled amongst the NHL leaders in points. However, there seems to be a changing of the guard of sorts. Only two of the top twelve defensemen in scoring are over the age of 32 (Alexei Zhitnik and Mathieu Schneider). Some of the old reliable's that are struggling: Sergei Gonchar (two points in eight games), Scott Niedermeyer (two in seven), Sandis Ozolinsh (two in five), and Chris Pronger (two in nine).

...Jeff Halpern of the Washington Capitals had four points in his first two games and looked to exceed his usual 45 or 50 point ways. He has none in his last six, and the old rule of statistics is proven right once again: the more games that are played, the more a player's numbers fall into line.

...One of a handful of young defenders that I thought would really step up offensively this year was Calgary's Jordan Leopold. He is pointless in nine games. At least John-Michael Liles, Mike Van Ryn, and Paul Martin are making me look good!

Oct. 17, 2005 - Striking Gold – Thanks to Linemates
Oct. 10, 2005 - A Surprise Fantasy Asset
Oct. 03, 2005 - Last of the Late Picks to Put You Over the Top
Sept. 26, 2005 - More Late Picks to Put You Over the Top
Sept. 19, 2005 - Late Picks to Make or Break Your Pool Team

Dobber's Fantasy Tips exclusively appear Monday's at TheFourthPeriod.com.
Comments/Concerns/Criticisms/Compliments: rotohockey@rogers.com