>> Scores / Schedule

Ed Olczyk is out, Michel Therrien is in. Fantasy owners may have noticed a shift in strategy for this Pittsburgh team, one that is benefiting the youngsters and hindering the veterans. 

Perhaps things will change when Mario Lemieux gets back in the lineup, but as it stand now, this team is all about Sidney Crosby, Tomas Surovy, Eric Christensen and Michel Ouellet. 

In the six games since the coaching change, Crosby has 11 points. Surovy has six goals and eight points in that span, Ouellet also has eight points, and Christensen has four. 

Meanwhile, the veterans on the team who are normally relied upon to put up the numbers are actually slowing down a little. Aside from Ziggy Palffy (seven points in six games while on a line with Crosby and Surovy), Mark Recchi and John Leclair have a combined seven points in that six game stretch, and defenseman Sergei Gonchar was pointless in three out of the six games.

The young Penguins have been getting loads of ice time on the powerplay, and this is something that you can expect to continue for the remainder of the season. Pittsburgh is likely too far out of a playoff spot at this point, so watch for a veteran or two to be unloaded as the trade deadline approaches (which in turn will free up even more ice time for the rookies).

Meanwhile...

...Calgary's Shean Donovan has five points in his last two games. Considering he had just three points in his first 36, and his linemates are Jason Wiemer and Chris Simon, I wouldn't put too much stock in Donovan at this time. He should not be on your fantasy team.

...Buffalo rearguard Brian Campbell has 15 points in his last 18 games. The 26-year-old has some offensive potential, and seems to be taking over the quarterback duties on the Sabres' powerplay.

...Chris Neil's 17 points in 22 games was a very promising start. However, the Ottawa tough guy has been pointless in his last 11 games, and is still only fantasy worthy for his penalty minutes.

...The early returns on Sergei Fedorov's stay in Columbus: 21 games, one goal, six assists. He is still logging over 20 minutes of ice time a game, and at 36-years of age, still has a couple of good 60-point seasons in him. Just not this year. Those owners rebuilding to take a run next year may want to consider trading for him, as his value has never been lower in his entire career. He could be picked up for a song.

Dec. 19, 2005 - The 'New' Sabres
Dec. 12, 2005 - Shark Outlook Upgraded to 'Buy'
Dec. 05, 2005 - Rejoice Over Recent Movement
Nov. 28, 2005 - The Most Underrated Fantasy Player
Nov. 21, 2005 - Chemistry in Chicago
Nov. 14, 2005 - Thrashers the Net
Nov. 07, 2005 - King of the L.A. blueline
Oct. 31, 2005 - October's Best and Worst Fantasy Players
Oct. 24, 2005 - Wild About Scoring
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