By JIMMY D / Tiger comeback trail excites fantasy golf fans | Jimmy's archive

Left-handed pitchers get teased for being a bit weird and lefties in general sometimes have personalities to match their unusual southpaw dexterity.

Then there’s Phil Mickelson, the often-brilliant, sometimes-terrible golfer nicknamed Lefty. As fantasy golf crept back into our consciousness this week at the Northern Trust Open and with news that Tiger Woods would resume his career this week, it was Lefty’s performance that had fans jaw dropping.

He fired a personal-best 63 on the first day at Riviera, eight strokes under par. He gave most of it back with a one-over par 72 the next day. Refocused, Lefty scorched the green with a 62, only to nearly blow the tournament Sunday with another 72.

To put a twist on Forrest Gump’s credo on things: Life is like a round of golf with Phil Mickelson – you never know what you’re gonna get.

Holy Goalies! Marty back, Miller down

Fantasy hockey nuts can seldom sit comfortably with their goalie situations. Fading vets, emerging journeymen and injuries have all kept poolies moving and planning this year.

You think Marty Brodeur and Roberto Luongo are as safe as it comes and both miss extended periods to injury. Well, Broduer is on schedule to return Thursday to reclaim the seat that Scott Clemmenson kept incredibly warm for him.

Just as Brodeur returns, Sabre fans and Ryan Miller owners are dealing with the dreaded high ankle sprain suffered when Ranger Scott Gomez knocked him down on the weekend. That injury can be a few days or a few months depending on its severity.

In the meantime, its Patrick Lalime to the rescue in Buffalo, pending a move by the Sabres at next week’s trade deadline. Jimmy’s struggling Ice Gremlins – currently seventh in a league where the Top 6 make the playoffs – scooped him off waivers Sunday.

Rumours out of Tampa Bay have the Bolts shutting down concussed Mike Smith for the year, putting Mike McKenna and Kari Ramo into rotation there. But with the playoffs out of reach, don’t expect any lightning in a bottle in Tampa as they look to avoid wins for draft lottery reasons.

In Colorado, Andrew Raycroft has been playing well and earned time ahead of Peter Budaj, whom Jimmy never touched with a 10-foot fantasy pole. If you are in need of some extra goalie production, he could be worth a spin as he is expected to get the start against the lowly Thrashers tonight.

In Chicago, the Huet-bulin platoon has turned into the Cristobal Huet Show with six straight starts. Khaby, who is injured, would be great trade bait, but the young Blackhawks would do well to have some insurance between the pipes as they head for the playoffs.

The Panthers are in the thick of the playoff race because if stellar goalie play. First, they rode a Craig Anderson hot streak, now they are back to leaning on Tomas Vokoun, who has pitched three shutouts in his last six starts.

Sens deal makes no sense?

True, they rode a hot streak to some wins and inched closer to a playoff position, but they just lost Daniel Alfredsson and are due for a little letdown after a successful road trip. Is this the smart time to be peddling first-round draft picks for Chris Campoli and Mike Comrie?

Ottawa got a jump on next week’s trade deadline, scooping an offensive defenceman (who is cheap at $675,000 for next season) and some veteran help at center. So much for Ottawa selling at the deadline for the first time in more than a decade.

jpoole@herald.ca