Clanregeln » As such, Brian Boyle is your top fantasy dark-horse

MINNEAPOLIS -- The regular season opening of the Minnesota Vikings gleaming new $1.1 billion stadium was truly a grand one, filled with gray-haired legends, white-hot pyrotechnics and some purple rain for good measure.And noise. Lots and lots of noise.The Vikings opened U.S. Bank Stadium in earnest on Sunday night with a 17-14 victory over NFC North rival Green Bay, the culmination of a decade-long struggle to replace the drab and dingy Metrodome.The fixed-roof beauty has already hosted a soccer game, a couple of concerts and two preseason football games. But this was its first truly big moment, with a showdown against the hated Packers in front of a primetime, national television audience serving as the perfect backdrop.There were more than 20 stars from the teams proud past in attendance, including the entire Purple People Eaters defensive line that led the Vikings to four Super Bowls in the 1960s and `70s. Hall of Famers Fran Tarkenton, Randall McDaniel and Cris Carter were there, too, and beloved former coach Bud Grant blew the gjallahorn to welcome the team to the field.For the first time ever, the best fans have the best stadium, Carter said during an in-game interview. This is the greatest platform weve ever had to perform.Pregame festivities included a huge party on the commons area in front of the stadium with live music for a crowd of thousands that piled into downtown Minneapolis hours before kickoff. As the game grew closer, the worlds largest pivoting glass doors opened on the west side of the stadium to allow nearly 67,000 fans to stream in, and the Vikings showed a video featuring Thor Bjornsson -- The Mountain from Game of Thrones -- who helped introduce a new cheer based on an Icelandic war chant.Commissioner Roger Goodell attended to help celebrate a stadium that got more than $450 million in public money to ensure the team wasnt lured away to Los Angeles. For the first time in recent memory in Minnesota, there werent thousands of cheeseheaded Packer fans from the east who breached the gates and hollered Go Pack Go! during the game.The Vikings entered the field through six cauldrons that shot bright orange flames toward the roof, quickly answering questions about whether the fancy digs could match that old, claustrophobic pillowcase when it comes to ear-splitting noise.The Packers were backed up near their own end zone on their first possession of the game, and the full-throated crowd created a din that rivaled anything that was heard at the Metrodome.It was awesome. The best environment Ive ever played in, Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph said. The crowd was amazing all night.Maybe a little too amazing for some. Left guard Alex Boone said the crowd was actually too loud when the Vikings had the ball, which led to some of their penalty problems.Im not saying its the fans fault, but it would be nice if they would just shut (expletive) up, Boone said.The Vikings asked the NFL for an extended halftime to put on an elaborate show, with the Minnesota Orchestra playing the soundtrack for a highlight video that was projected on to the field. After the video, members of Princes band, the New Power Generation, joined the orchestra for a stirring rendition of Purple Rain that culminated with shimmering, purple confetti blanketing the crowd in tribute to the Minneapolis native who died in April.As fans exited their purple seats after Trae Waynes late interception sealed victory for the home team, lights in the ceiling caused the stadium to glow with a purple hue that couldnt be darkened even by an injury to star running back Adrian Peterson.It exceeded my expectations, Goodell said. And you know where you are. Youre in a Vikings stadium. And this is part of the Minnesota community. You can see how it fits into the community walking around the outside. The way they brought the tradition and the history of the team in, I think its really incredibly well-done.---Online:AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL coverage on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Carter Rowney Jersey .com) - The Chicago Blackhawks aim for their third three-game winning streak of the season when they host the struggling Edmonton Oilers in Sundays battle at the United Center. Anaheim Ducks Gear . Once again Jordan Cieciwa (@FitCityJordan) and I (@LynchOnSports) go head to head in our picks. Last weekend at UFC Fight Night 32 my #TeamLynch got the best of #TeamJC by a score of 9-6. Let us know which side youre on for UFC 167 use the hashtag #TeamLynch or #TeamJC on Twitter. https://www.cheapducks.com/137c-adam-oates-jersey-ducks.html . PAUL, Minn. Todd Ewen Jersey . Jay Feely kicked a 41-yard field goal in overtime, and the Cardinals edged the Tennessee Titans 37-34 in overtime after blowing a 17-point lead late in the fourth quarter. Sam Steel Jersey . In the response filed Wednesday to the complaint by 30-year-old Alexander Bradley, attorneys say the former University of Florida player is invoking his Fifth Amendment right that protects people from incriminating themselves. Every week, well mine the waiver wire for lesser-owned assets to help your squad, whether you favor dynasty or the re-draft format -- and well also toss in some tips for DFS players out there. Categorized by position, the players are ranked in descending order by ownership percentage in ESPN leagues.Well also include some former go-to fantasy assets who may be overvalued -- in the short or long term -- for one reason or another.ForwardsTroy Brouwer, RW, Calgary FlamesOwnership percentage: 18.2Additionally precious in leagues that put a premium on scoring with the man advantage, Brouwer is on a special teams tear, with six power-play points this December; that includes two goals and two assists with the extra skater in his past three games. Additional points at even strength are also reasonably within reach, considering the 31-year-old is competing alongside dynamic center Sean Monahan.Anders Lee, C/LW, New York IslandersOwnership percentage: 16.7Since just about every Islanders forward appears to be earning a go on the left side of John Tavares and Josh Bailey, Lee is more than deserving of his fair shot. Couple that role with Lees gig on the top power-play unit, and youve got yourself an inflated fantasy asset, as indicated by last games output of a goal and five shots. Just be prepared to relinquish him if and when he loses his plum assignment.Brandon Sutter, C/RW, Vancouver CanucksOwnership percentage: 12.4Showing a proclivity for scoring in fits and bursts, Sutter garners attention this week for his recent three-game goal streak. Its worth checking to see if you play in one of the leagues where hes available, and also consider investing in the 27-year-old in DFS while the streak persists.Mark Letestu, C, Edmonton OilersOwnership percentage: 5.1As a top power-play contributor, the bottom-six center has eight points in 10 games this December, including three goals and one assist with the extra skater. This uncharacteristic warm streak from the 31-year-old is temporarily worth exploiting in deeper, seasonal leagues, as well as DFS tournaments.Phillip Danault, C/LW, Montreal CanadiensOwnership percentage: 1.7The latest shuffling in Montreal sees Phillip Danault bumped to center the top line with Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov. After notching an assist (and firing three shots) from that position Saturday, the 23-year-old former first-round draft selection (No. 26, 2011) is tapped to remain alongside the clubs two top wingers versus the Anaheim Ducks Tuesday.Miles Wood, LW, New Jersey DevilsOwnership percentage: 0.1Those not familiar with young Mr. Wood might like to learn hes skating with Adam Henrique on an even-strength line, and the secondary power-play unit with Travis Zajac. The 21-year-old has two goals and 11 shots in his most recent three games. Consider the AHL call-up a provisional roster Band-Aid in deeper leagues, or an ultra-inexpensive DFS asset.DefensemenJake Gardiner, Toronto Maple LeafsOwnership percentage: 26.8After more than a quarter seasons warmup, Gardiner has finally found his offenssive stride in 2016-17.dddddddddddd While the collection of five points in six recent games is partially telling, watching the 26-year-old only provides additional promise. He looks good out there; confident in moving and rifling the puck on net. His shot from the point on the power play has been especially impressive (and accurate) of late.Derrick Pouliot, Pittsburgh PenguinsOwnership percentage: 0.5Justin Schultz undeniably inherits the role of top fantasy blueliner for the Penguins while Kris Letang and Trevor Daley convalesce off ice, but theres a defensive prospect that also merits some attention from profoundly invested fantasy owners. Recently promoted from the minors, Pouliot should continue to see top-four and secondary power-play minutes for the foreseeable future. While theres no cause yet to jump all over the former first-rounder (No. 8, 2012) we suggest you keep a casual eye on his progress.Brad Hunt, St. Louis BluesOwnership percentage: 0.0The seasoned AHLer reportedly returns to the Blues lineup Tuesday versus the Dallas Stars in place of Carl Gunnarsson. We care in fantasy because the 28-year-old -- whos been on fire with the Chicago Wolves this season -- has earned a point in each of his four NHL games to date, including a couple with the extra skater.GoaltendersAntti Niemi, Dallas StarsOwnership percentage: 37.6Niemi is on a roll, stopping all but four of 97 shots in three straight tremendous appearances (two of which were victories). Even those wary of enlisting a Dallas netminder as fantasy asset might be convinced to give Niemi a go under current circumstances. But be ready with an alternative at the first signs of trouble.Lowered expectationsNikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay LightningOwnership percentage: 99.0The Lightning are beyond a little banged-up this holiday season. With Steven Stamkos already out long-term, and veteran Ryan Callahan inactive since late November, coach Jon Cooper must now manage without two more prominent forwards. While Ondrej Palat wore a non-contact sweater ahead of Tuesdays tilt versus the Red Wings, Kucherov (lower-body injury) remains out, having skipped the skate altogether. As such, Brian Boyle is your top fantasy dark-horse option in the near term, playing alongside Tyler Johnson and Jonathan Drouin.Rick Nash, LW/RW, New York RangersOwnership percentage: 85.3Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports Nash will likely be sidelined for at least three games after pulling his groin against the Devils on Sunday. Not the section injured just recently, but the other side. Look for J.T. Miller or Michael Grabner to reclaim a top-six role alongside Kevin Hayes during Nashs absence.Mike Green, D, Detroit Red WingsOwnership percentage: 84.0Greens healthy run this season has come to an end. Nursing some variety of undisclosed injury, the Red Wings top offensive defenseman is loosely expected to sit out this week, at minimum. Shelve him for now. ' ' '