Blogger's Breakouts - Pittsburgh Penguins

Q1) Penguins Breakout of the Year?

On a team with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the potential for a breakout player is pretty high.  Guys like Matt Cooke and Pascal Dupuis can turn out 15-20 goal seasons if in the right position, but I really think the go-to guy in this department is Mike Comrie.  If you find yourself in need of a winger, there's a chance he's still available on waivers.  I say, take him.

Q2) Darkhorse Breakout on the Penguins?

I say Alex Goligoski.  His shot has to find the net this year.  HAS TO.  If that's the case, then he's good for 40-50 points.  Not bad for a d-man.

Q3) Breakdown Player on the Penguins?

Honestly, I can't say.  I know there are high expectations for Kris Letang to put up some numbers this year, so he could be a candidate.  But outside of him I can't think of anyone who might be a qualifier for the breakdown label.

Q4) League-Wide Breakout of the Year?

I'm calling Mikko Koivu.  I don't think he'll have a 2009 Henrik Sedin-like season, but he's going to put up some strong numbers for the Wild.  I'm thinking upwards of 90 plus.

Q5) Who are your First Five Picks in a Fantasy Draft?

In this order: Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Steven Stamkos & Ilya Kovalchuk 

Q6) Best Value for Money Fantasy Goalie?

Craig Anderson or Antti Niemi. 

Q7) Taylor or Tyler?

Taylor Hall.

Q8) Your Stanley Cup Pick?

Don't think I'm prepared to pick the winner just yet, but I can see the matchup being between Washington and Colorado. 

BONUS)  What's your take on Marc-Andre Fleury?  Off-year last year & .906 career sv%... is he this era's Grant Fuhr (winning goalie on great team) or do you think he'll bounce-back? 

I genuinely feel he's going to bounce back.  Fact is the Penguins have never really been known for their goaltending.  If anything, Tom Barrasso was that winning goalie on a great team sort of guy.  Fleury will never be the guy to make a run for most shutouts in a season or even save percentage, but he can be the guy to backstop wins.  Plus, I think there is a regular season MAF and a playoff MAF.  I'd like to see the playoff MAF a bit more consistently throughout the regular season.

Thanks to Frank for his insight... make sure you check out Frank's work and everything Penguins over at PensBurgh.