First-Half Fantasy Phenoms Part II: Defensemen

{...continued from Feb 2nd article}

Again, some of these are guys were highly touted coming into the season, but not quite rated elite yet. They have arrived and they are the guys that make the difference in fantasy leagues and hockey pools alike.

The Hockey Spy's Top 5 Key Defensemen:

• Mike Green: Not exactly a sleeper pick this year given his breakout season last year, but 40 points in 38 and 7 pts in his last 3 games - you gotta be kidding me! This guy is lights out. He's also a +20 on the season, which shows he's rounded out his game and is not just an offensive "rover" out there. See yesterday's post "Hockey Hail Mary" for more on Green.
• Dennis Wideman: Chara seems to get all the credit on Bruins' blueline, but this 2002 8th rnd diamond in the rough might just be their best dman. This guy has simply come into his own, leading the league with an impressive +30. He also sits 7th in dman scoring on pace for 58 pts. "Dennis the Dangler" has quietly entered the realm of the league's elite dmen.
• Shea Weber: I took Shea early in many a draft last season, only to suffer along with him though an injury-plagued season. He has somewhat cooled off offensively after a torrid start to the season. Nonetheless, this 2nd round gem from the famed 2003 draft class has future Norris Trophy written all over him. A feared point shot, superb hockey sense and physical in his own end - "Webs" has all you want in a dman!
• Kyle Quincey: Kyle Quincey, you ask? Yes, Kyle Quincey! The Kings plucked this guy off the waiver wire from the Red Wings, who were fairly sure he'd be claimed but wanted flexibility with the salary cap. So why does The Hockey Spy have him on this short list of dmen? Well, you can't ignore the fact he's on pace a more than respectful 46 pts and currently sits 20th overall in dmen scoring. Kings' coaching staff have nothing but good things to say about the 23 year old. Not sure if I'd call Kyle elite, but a surprisingly good season thus far.
• Duncan Keith: "Dunks" had a very solid campaign posting a +30 last season, with a respectful 32 pts. In the shadow of the huge Brian Campbell signing this season, Keith already has 29 pts and is close to the league lead in the plus/minus category at +26.

...Part III (The Goalies) upcoming tomorrow...

Keep your stick on the ice,

Chris