WK23 - the Gun Show

I know I sound like a broken record, but this has got to be the closest fantasy race we've ever had. And Burgundy's sure making a case for himself - he's showing the competition that he's ready to win, guns a-blazin'.

Adds McGuire: You're absolutely right, Commissioner, and I'm glad you brought that up because it's an excellent, excellent, excellent point.

Thanks, kiss-ass McGuire.

With WK23 wrapped up like a German sausage, let's have a look at the visuals, courtesy of the stats machine:

Adds McGuire: A monstrous, monstrous week for camp Burgundy. He was this week's biggest performer, producing 193.95 fantasy points, lead by Crosby (of course), who scored six goals and two assists during the week. That's unbelievable! I should be shocked, but then again it's Crosby! You factor that monstrous performance with the slowed performance of Sitch (who is still without Malkin or Stamkos), and the result? A very, very close race, my friends. (chuckles) VERY CLOSE!

It's important to note that Safari had a respectable week as well, bringing home 140.25 fantasy points, lead by Marchand. The left-winger from Boston has been an absolute beast for Safari; who would have thought that he'd be in the hunt for the Art Ross?

Adds McGuire: If you had asked me that a year ago, I would have thought, "Are you kidding me?" No disrespect to Marchand, but he's always been more of a utility guy, you know? A body you need in the playoffs for sure, someone who can be a difference maker. But a leading scorer? I didn't think that would be the case. Shows you how wrong I was!

Adds McGuire: And with that monstrous performance, Burgundy has now actually overtaken Sitch for the lead in PPGP. It seemed impossible but Burgundy's done it. He now sports a 3.31 (+0.03 from last week) while Sitch sits second with a 3.29 (-0.02 from last week). Safari was able to improve his to 3.26 (+0.01 from last week). I can't believe the spread between first to third is only 0.05 PPGP; the parity in the League is incredible.

"Ebbs and flows, bitches!" screamed Burgundy.

On the money, Burgundy. Sitch had been flowing so well for much of the season; he was consistent and doing his own thing at his own pace. But in the last two weeks his stats have really started to slide; the absence of Stamkos was being hidden for quite some time, but now with Malkin out and a shortage of goalie wins, Sitch is returning to human form.

Sitch was last seen on Friday night, sulking over his lack of performance while gorging on a hefty serving of Gabriel's Pizza and Chicken Wings.

"That's a fine pizza joint," said Burgundy.

Adds McGuire: We didn't see any major changes in the Rainbow, except that Burgundy is now leading in PPGP by players (previously held by Sitch). Sitch has also dropped to the lowest PPGP by goalies. Other than stacking up wins, he's been at or below League averages in all other goalie statistics, and he hasn't been able to muster out many shutouts.

Adds McGuire: No major changes to Rank, except that Dick Burns and Tree Bone have swapped positions (again).

"It's important to swap positions," said Dick. "You need to mix things up."

Wise words, Dick.