Fantasy Hockey Week 17 (Part 2) Waiver Wire Picks & Preview
In the 46th episode of the Fantasy Hockey Hacks Podcast, the FHH team discusses the second part of week 17 in the NHL – John’s List & Fantasy Lock Of The Week, Headlines With The Hacks, Ask The Hacks, and Edge Work (Schedule Notes, Week 17 (Pt 2) Waiver Wire Picks). Subscribe to our podcast on all major directories; and stay up to date with the latest in fantasy hockey news and fantasy hockey advice. Be sure to visit LeftWingLock.com, the best source for fantasy hockey intelligence; and The Hockey Podcast Network for more great hockey-related content.
Highlights:
- Nazem Kadri, Frederick Andersen, Johnny Gaudreau NHL’s 3 Stars for the week ending Jan. 30th
- Mason Marchment tied a franchise record with a 6-point (2 goals) game against CBJ
- Mitch Marner on a 7-game goal streak
- Evgeni Malkin on a 9-game point streak
- Kevin Fiala on a 12-game point streak
- Kyle Connor scores 25 goals in 42 games played
- Vitek Vanecek left Tuesday’s contest against Pittsburgh with an upper-body injury
- Jeff Petry has been made available for trade by the Montreal Canadiens
- Philipp Grubauer records first shutout in Seattle Kraken history
- Peter Chiarelli in the running for the GM job in Chicago
- Jack Eichel to be cleared for contact after the All-Star Break
- John’s List/Fantasy Lock Of The Week (2:33), Headlines With The Hacks (9:30), Ask The Hacks (32:32), Edge Work – Schedule Notes (49:02), Edge Work – Waiver Wire (58:38)
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John’s List
If you have been listening to our podcast for a while, you’ve undoubtedly heard about “John’s List”; which is basically John’s $h!t list of players past and present. We’ve decided to make this a regular segment on the podcast and will include it in the blog for fun as well. If you have any suggestions for players we should add to the list, let us know!
The NHL All-Star Game
Fantasy Lock Of The Week (Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2022) | Presented by Left Wing Lock
🔥 Mitch Marner, RW, 99% Rostered (Yahoo)
7 Points, 3 Goals, 9 SOG, +7, 68% PP Share, 19:27 ATOI in 2 games played. Since January 1st, Marner is 2nd in the NHL in points per game (1.78 Pts/GM) having posted 16 points (8 goals, 3 PPG, 5 PPP) in 9 games played. Currently on a 7-game goal streak dating back to January 15th.
Honorable Mentions: Auston Matthews (6 points – 4 goals, 2 assists, 1 GWG, 1 PPP, 8 SOG, +6, 72% PP share in 2 GP), Mason Marchment (6 points – 2 goals, 4 assists, 10 SOG, +5, 9 PIMS, 11% PP in 2 GP).
Headlines With The Hacks (News & Injuries) | Jan 24 – 30, 2022
Our partner, Left Wing Lock, has a complete up-to-date list available on their website for all players placed on COVID protocol. You can see that list here.
January 31
- Nazem Kadri, Frederick Andersen, and Johnny Gaudreau are the NHL’s 3 Stars for the week ending January 30th.
Nazem Kadri (@Avalanche), Frederik Andersen (@Canes) and Johnny Gaudreau (@NHLFlames) named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Jan. 30.#NHLStats: https://t.co/klkrLYxTkT pic.twitter.com/VAvnKFmPA5
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 31, 2022
- Jordan Greenway signed a 3-year, $9 Million contract extension with the Minnesota Wild on Monday.
Go Greener 💪
The #mnwild has agreed to terms with forward Jordan Greenway on a three-year, $9 million contract extension that goes through the 2024-25 season.
More information 🗞 » https://t.co/pTrsu8DlGi pic.twitter.com/8yL91lVYtz
— Minnesota Wild (@mnwild) January 31, 2022
- The Florida Panthers won a franchise-best 12 games in the month of January. Beat Columbus by a score of 8-4 on Monday night.
- Anton Lundell (32 points, 10 goals in 42 games played) is now tied with Trevor Zegras for 2nd in rookie scoring after posting 5 assists against Columbus. Mason Marchment tied a franchise record with 6 points (2 goals) in a single game.
What a night for Mason Marchment 👏
He ties a @FlaPanthers franchise record with his sixth point of the game. pic.twitter.com/ePEfXWi1mI
— ESPN (@espn) February 1, 2022
- Auston Matthews posted his 9th career 4-point game on Monday night against New Jersey. Matthews also scored his 5th career hat trick, and reached 400 career points in just 372 games played.
Ninth career four-point game.
Fifth career hat trick.
And 400 career points for @AM34.#NHLStats: https://t.co/LGa2Xuu1v0 pic.twitter.com/uDkvwf003f— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 1, 2022
- Mitch Marner now has goals in 6 straight games after scoring against New Jersey Monday night.
Six straight games with a goal for Mitch Marner (@Marner93)! 😤 pic.twitter.com/XAMqcKR84S
— NHL (@NHL) February 1, 2022
- Montreal Canadiens GM, Kent Hughes, has made Jeff Petry available for trade.
Maybe now, maybe the Summer,but if he wants to go, he will#Canadiens‘ Trade Destinations for Jeff Petry@HabsUnfiltered #THW #CH #Habs #HockeyTwitter #Club1909 #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/734ZVP5xPR
— Blain Potvin (@BlainPotvin_THW) January 31, 2022
February 1
- Jonathan Huberdeau (25 points, 6 goals), Juuse Saros (8-2-2, 2.49 GAA, .934 Save %), and Bryan Rust (21 points, 10 goals) are the NHL’s 3 Stars for the month of January.
Jonathan Huberdeau (@FlaPanthers), Juuse Saros (@PredsNHL), Bryan Rust (@Penguins) named “Three Stars” for the month of January. #NHLStats: https://t.co/gOa2yYRN8d pic.twitter.com/JG86Cak4sH
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 1, 2022
- Anton Lundell was named the NHL’s rookie of the month for January with 17 points (14 assists)in 15 games played.
Anton Lundell (@FlaPanthers), who topped all rookies with 14 assists and 17 points (3-14—17 in 15 GP), has been named “Rookie of the Month” for January. #NHLStats: https://t.co/4CgL8GSZ0x pic.twitter.com/WJ1xLsxIxa
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 1, 2022
- Casey Mittelstadt did not play on Tuesday night against the Vegas Golden Knights; and he has an appointment with the surgeon that performed the procedure that kept him out of the lineup for 7 weeks.
Casey Mittelstadt will not play tonight in Vegas and has an appointment to speak to the surgeon who performed the procedure that kept him out of the lineup for seven weeks.
— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) February 1, 2022
- Ryan Pulock was activated from long-term injured reserve.
- Braden Holtby was listed as DTD with a lower-body injury on Tuesday. Rick Bowness expects him to be ready after the All-Star break.
- Vitek Vanecek left Tuesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins with an upper-body injury. Will update as more info is available.
- Artemi Panarin became just the 4th undrafted player to record 7+ consecutive 50-point seasons!
Artemi Panarin became just the fourth undrafted player to begin his career with 7+ consecutive 50-point seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky (15: 1979-80 – 1993-94), Peter Stastny (12: 1980-81 – 1991-92) and Mike Ridley (9: 1985-86 – 1993-94).#NHLStats: https://t.co/eHZV2zqIER https://t.co/tz4rSU4kLB
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2022
- Mitch Marner scored for the 7th consecutive game on Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils.
7️⃣ straight goals in 7️⃣ straight games for Mitchell Marner.@Marner93 & @AM34 combined for the third season in @MapleLeafs history where two players recorded a goal streak of 7+ games. The others: 1993-94 & 1921-22. #NHLStats: https://t.co/eHZV2zqIER pic.twitter.com/97KdQMelgI
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2022
- With a goal on Tuesday night against the Capitals, Evgeni Malkin extended his point streak to 9 games – the 2nd longest active point streak in the league currently. Kevin Fiala at 11 games is the longest.
Evgeni Malkin scored to extend his point streak to nine games (3-7—10), which trails only Minnesota’s Kevin Fiala (11 GP) for the NHL’s longest active run.#NHLStats: https://t.co/eHZV2zqIER pic.twitter.com/Kc4jFHLvfp
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2022
- Kyle Connor scored his 25th goal of the season in 42 GP. Only 1 player in franchise history has reached that mark in fewer games – Ilya Kovalchuk.
Kyle Connor scored his 25th goal of the season (42 GP). Only one player in @NHLJets / Thrashers history reached the mark in fewer games: Ilya Kovalchuk, who did so with Atlanta (32 GP in 2007-08, 35 GP in 2009-10 & 37 GP in 2005-06).#NHLStats: https://t.co/eHZV2zqIER pic.twitter.com/VGzF2BgPlu
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 2, 2022
- According to TSN, Jeff Petry is on the trade block, and the Dallas Stars could make sense (Klingberg for Petry). Nazem Kadri is going to test free agency after the season. Colorado has not been ruled out at this point. The Arizona Coyotes are willing to take on player salary in exchange for picks and prospects.
- With a 4-2 win over the Panthers, Gerard Gallant reached 300 NHL wins as a head coach.
CONGRATS, TURK! 🥳 pic.twitter.com/NwIxbmJk2j
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 2, 2022
- The Arizona Coyotes beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in a shootout to end the Avs Home win streak at 18 games.
The streak is over!
The Coyotes win it in a shootout to end the Avs’ home winning streak at 18 games. pic.twitter.com/NT95fduNBV
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 2, 2022
February 2
- Marcus Foligno and Matt Dumba (both upper-body injuries) did not play on Wednesday night. With a goal and an assist, Kevin Fiala extended his point streak to 12 games! The second-half Fiala trend continues.
Kevin Fiala of the @mnwild extended his career-high point streak to 12 games (8-7—15).
Only four players have posted a longer run this season: Connor McDavid (17 GP), Troy Terry (16 GP), Nathan MacKinnon (13 GP) and Jake Guentzel (13 GP). #NHLStats: https://t.co/uDJUfbr5lQ pic.twitter.com/rOvUz4FqFX
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 3, 2022
- It’s expected that Mike Smith will be ready to go when the team returns from the All-Star break.
- Alex Ovechkin will miss the All-Star game and Wednesday’s matchup with the Edmonton Oilers after testing positive for COVID. Tom Wilson will replace Ovechkin at the All-Star Game.
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has tested positive for Covid-19. He is unavailable for tonight’s game vs Edmonton, per team.
Ovechkin was also supposed to be the Metro Division captain at the All-Star Game this weekend in Vegas. He will no longer be attending.
— Samantha Pell (@SamanthaJPell) February 2, 2022
- Tyson Barrie returned for the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night; a 5-3 win for Edmonton over the Washington Capitals. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was outstanding – 4th short-handed goal of his career (2 G, 1 A, 16:17 TOI). Evander Kane also had a very solid fantasy outing, posting 1 G, 1 A, 3 SOG, 7 Hits in 16:51 TOI.
- Philipp Grubauer made 19 saves against the Islanders to earn Seattle’s first franchise shutout.
First shutout victory in #SeaKraken history ✅
19th career shutout ✅Way to go, GRUUUUU!!! pic.twitter.com/2agj6AD9FH
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) February 3, 2022
- According to Pierre LeBrun, Pat Verbeek will be named the next GM of the Anaheim Ducks. Update: the announcement was made on Thursday, February 3rd.
All signs point to Pat Verbeek being named the next GM of the Anaheim Ducks, sources say. Announcement possibly as early as Thursday. The former NHLer has worked alongside Steve Yzerman in Tampa and Detroit. Seems primed and ready for this opportunity. @TSNHockey @TheAthletic
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) February 3, 2022
February 3
- Darren Dreger reported that Peter Chiarelli is in the running for the Chicago Blackhawks vacant GM position.👀
February 4
- Shawn Horcoff was named the Detroit Red Wings Assistant General Manager; and General Manager for the Grand Rapids Griffins.
- Jack Eichel should be cleared for contact after the All-Star game according to head coach Peter DeBoer.
Golden Knights center Jack Eichel could be cleared for contact after the All-Star break, coach Pete DeBoer said. #VegasBorn
— David Schoen 🗞🏒 (@DavidSchoenLVRJ) February 4, 2022
February 5
The Metropolitan Division won the All-Star Game 5-3 over the Central. Flyers captain, Claude Giroux was named the MVP (3 Goals).
Ask The Hacks
- I was offered Bo Horvat and Josh Morrissey for Ivan Provorov; should I take the deal?
- Thoughts on David Perron? Do you think he will rebound? Just terrible right now…
- How do you see Evan Bouchard and Tyson Barrie playing out the rest of the season?
- What is the keeper value of Nick Suzuki? Is he worth selling at this point or holding for the future? Worried about Montreal’s production in the coming years.
- Could you provide a few “buy-low” targets for players that have heavy playoff schedules?
- Should I sell high on Chris Kreider or Timo Meier? They’ve been my workhorses all season, and I drafted them both so late! I’m in a bangers league, no blocks.
Edge Work | NHL Schedule, Week 17 (Part 2)
The schedule after the All-Star break features just 38 total games; and nearly half (16) of those games are played on “light” or off-days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday). The Dallas Stars play all 3 of their games on light days; while the Ottawa Senators and New Jersey Devils play 2 of their 3 games on light days – so consider players from those teams to really take advantage of the schedule. The Senators play 5 games this week, providing rare volume; however, they do have some tough matchups that you should be mindful of, particularly if you are rostering Matt Murray. NOTE: The Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, and San Jose Sharks DO NOT PLAY the week ending February 13th. Owners of Sergei Bobrovsky, Cal Petersen/Jonathan Quick, Igor Shesterkin, and James Reimer/Adin Hill should make other arrangements in goal for the upcoming week.
- Monday – 2 Game
- Tuesday – 7 Games
- Wednesday – 6 Games
- Thursday – 7 Games
- Friday – 4 Games
- Saturday – 8 Games
- Sunday – 4 Game
Teams With 5 Games:
Team Of Interest | Ottawa Senators (Strength of Schedule: 23)
- As I mentioned, Ottawa does not have the most-favourable matchups this week with a strength of schedule rating of +23 (from LeftWingLock.com); but with 5 games on the slate, they are worth rostering based on volume alone. The Senators are actually a respectable 3-3-1 collectively versus their opponents for next week; and most games in those season series were decided by 1 or 2 goals, with 3 going to OT or a shootout. Ottawa starts the week with 4 home games where they are 7-11-1; and they are 4-4-2 (2.70 GF/GP, 2.70 GA/GP) in their last 10 games played. Over the same stretch of games, Ottawa is a top 10 possession team with a USAT% of 52.5. Ottawa faces New Jersey (1-0-0) and Carolina (1-1-0) on a back-to-back, followed by Pittsburgh (1-1-0) on Thursday, then Boston (0-1-0) on Saturday, and finally a road matchup with Washington (0-1-1) on Sunday. Players To Consider: Tyler Ennis (5%), Alex Formenton (6%), Nick Paul (2%), Chris Tierney (1%), Artem Zub (4%), Matt Murray (16%).
Teams With 4 Games:
Team Of Interest | Carolina Hurricanes (Strength of Schedule: 5)
- Of the teams that play 4 games next week, Carolina is the only one that I can recommend in good conscience. The Canes are in the midst of a 4-game win streak, posting a 7-2-1 record with average possession numbers (50.3 USAT%, 18th). Goal scoring has not been an issue though, producing 3.40 GF/GP (9th) thanks to a 6th ranked PP that is converting at 29.6%. Carolina carries a 4-1-0 season series record against the teams that they play next week; unfortunately, the team does not have many fantasy relevant players available on the waiver wire. Of note, the Hurricanes have absolutely owned the Boston Bruins this season, outscoring them by a total of 10-1 over 2 games played. If you’re streaming players from Carolina, or looking for a spot start, keep Thursday’s contest against Boston in mind. Players To Consider: Seth Jarvis (4%), Jesper Fast (1%), Nino Niederreiter (20%), Jacob Slavin (56%), Brady Skjei (20%), Antti Raanta (8%).
Teams With 3 Games:
Team Of Interest | Pittsburgh Penguins (Strength of Schedule: -17)
- The Pittsburgh Penguins are 6-1-3 in their last 10 games played, good enough for 6th in the NHL in terms of point percentage over that span. The team is scoring a 9th-best 3.50 goals for per game (GF/GP), while giving up 2.70 goals against per game (GA/GP). Pittsburgh’s power play is humming at 34.6%, 4th best in the league over the team’s last 10 games; and they also have the 10th best possession numbers with a USAT% of 51.9%. The Penguins take on Boston, Ottawa, and New Jersey next week – Pittsburgh has split games with both Ottawa and New Jersey this year, so we should see some interesting games next week. Pittsburgh has not played Boston yet this season, but has struggled all-time with a points percentage of just .413. Players To Consider: Kasperi Kapanen (15%), Evan Rodrigues (48%), Jeff Carter (41%), Brian Dumoulin (6%), Mike Matheson (16%)
- ALSO: Columbus Blue Jackets (Strength of Schedule: -27) – @WSH, @BUF, @MTL; Washington Capitals (Strength of Schedule: -36) – Vs.CBJ, @MTL, Vs.OTT
Teams With 2 Games:
Team Of Interest | Buffalo Sabres (Strength of Schedule: -38)
- The Buffalo Sabres have been okay over their last 10 games, posting a 4-4-1 record; however, the special teams have left much to be desired. Both the PP (18.4%, 22nd) and PK (65.9%, 30th) rank in the bottom third of the league. What makes the Sabres appealing for next week is the fact that Columbus and Montreal are struggling even more – the Blue Jackets are 4-6-0 and the Habs are 1-6-3 in their last 10 games. In the first game of their season series, Columbus beat Buffalo 7-4. The Habs are a different story though, as Buffalo has throttled Montreal this year to the tune of a combined 9 goals to 2 over 2 games. Thompson, Skinner, and Oloffsson have all performed well against Montreal this year, so definitely give them consideration for the upcoming week. Players To Consider: Alex Tuh (35%), Jeff Skinner (16%), Tage Thompson (31%), Peyton Krebs (2%), Dylan Cozens (4%), Craig Anderson (8%).
- ALSO: Detroit Red Wings (Strength of Schedule: -28) – @PHI, Vs.PHI
Teams With 1 Games:
Team Of Interest | Anaheim Ducks (Strength of Schedule: -38)
The Anaheim Ducks play just one game (Vs.SEA) next week, but I would be looking to spot start a player or two for that game. The Ducks have absolutely owned Seattle so far this season, winning 7-4 on November 11th and 4-1 on December 15th. The Ducks are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games, but carry a 13-7-2 record at home. Gibson and Grubauer have both struggled in this season series; but Anthony Stolarz managed to post a .950 SV% in the Ducks win on December 15th, so keep an eye on the starter for that game. Players To Consider: Ryan Getzlaf (30%), Rickard Rakell (10%), Max Comtois (5%), Adam Henrique (14%), Jamie Drysdale (16%), Anthony Stolarz (11%).
Edge Work | NHL Week 16 Waiver Wire Targets
Waiver wire targets will be focused on players with ownership ~50% or less.
Top Waiver Wire Targets
📈 Tyler Ennis (LW/RW), OTT | Rostered: 6% (Yahoo) | GP: 5 (Vs.NJD, Vs.CAR, Vs.PIT, Vs.BOS, @WSH) | Line: 1 (w/ Tkachuk & Sutzle, PP1)
- The former Edmonton Oiler has 6 points (4 goals) in his last 6 games played; and with the injury to Drake Batherson, Ennis is getting top line and PP1 deployment. The Senators play a total of 5 games next week, 2 of which are on “light” days (Monday, Sunday); so value in terms of production and maximizing games played. ALSO: Alex Formenton (6%)
📈 Jared McCann (LW/RW), NYR | Rostered: 28% (Yahoo) | GP: 2 (Vs.ARI, @ANA) | Line: 1 (w/ Johansson & Eberle, PP1)
- Jared McCann has somehow managed to maintain the level of production that he showed in Pittsburgh last season when Malkin was out of the lineup. To date in Seattle, the former Penguin has 30 points (19 goals) in 41 games (0.73 Pts/GM); last season, McCann scored 32 points (14 goals) in 43 games (0.74 Pts/GM). McCann is currently on a hot streak – 7 points (4 goals) in his last 6 games, playing on PP1 and an average of 16:04 TOI. McCann’s iSH% (18.1%) and IPP (81.1%) are of concern, so don’t be surprised to see some pull back on his production. Interesting note: Seattle in their last 10 games have the 6th best possession numbers in the league with a USAT% of 54.1; however, it has not translated to goals with a goals for per game (GF/GP) of 2.20, and a 31st ranked power play (8.1%).
📈 Blake Coleman (LW/RW), CGY | Rostered: 29% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (Vs.VGK, Vs.TOR, Vs.NYI) | Line: 2 (w/ Mangiapane & Backlund)
- Blake Coleman has been excellent over his last 10 games played, scoring a total of 9 points and 5 goals skating largely alongside Mikael Backlund and Andrew Mangiapane. That trio has been very good at even-strength to date, posting a 69.14 CF% and 70 GF%. Individually, Coleman is on-pace for just 36 points, but he is shooting at a career-best 3.1 SOG/GM, and will very likely finish the season with 180+ hits and 65+ PIMS. The Flames are just 6-4-0 in their last 10 games, but they have scored at a rate of 3.50 goals per game.
📈 Boone Jenner (C/LW), CBJ | Rostered: 42% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@WSH, @BUF, @MTL) | Line: 1 (w/ Nyquist & Laine, PP1)
- With 30 points and 18 goals in 43 games played to date, Boone Jenner is on-pace to finish with a career-best 57 points. Jenner should finish the season with approximately 200 shots on goal, 125 hits, and 100 blocks, so he does a nice job covering some key categories. Also of note, the Columbus captain is seeing a career-high 67% PP share and average time on-ice at 20:12. One big concern for Jenner is his iSH% (15.4%), which is well above his 3-year (9.9%) and career averages (10.1%).
📈 Clayton Keller (LW/RW), ARI | Rostered: 45% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@VAN, @SEA, Vs.TB) | Line: 1 (w/ Galchenyuk & Schmaltz, PP1)
- Somehow, in Arizona, Clayton Keller is in the midst of a career-year in which he is on-pace for 69 points over 82 games. Keller is shooting a career-best 2.8 SOG/GM and playing a career-high 66% PP share and ATOI of 19:56. iSH% (13.4%) is elevated relative to 3-year (11%) and career (10%) averages, but not substantially. Looking at team even-strength shooting percentage (tEVSH%), IPP, and secondary assist rate – I would expect to see some regression the rest of the way, but I am not hesitating to pick up this player if he’s available.
📈 Mike Hoffman (LW/RW), MTL | Rostered: 15% (Yahoo) | GP: 4 (Vs.NJD, Vs.WSH, Vs.CBJ, Vs.BUF) | Line: 1 (w/ Gallagher & Dauphin, PP1)
- The Montreal Canadiens are one of just three teams that will play four games next week; and three of those games are against struggling teams in New Jersey (1-9-0 last 10 GP), Columbus (4-6-0 last 10 GP), and Buffalo (4-5-1). The Habs power play over the last 10 games is 8th in the NHL at 24.1%. Mike Hoffman has been a key contributor on the power play, receiving a 60% PP share and scoring 4 PPP over that stretch. Overall, Hoffman has posted 6 points (3 goals) in his last 9 games – and the numbers suggest we could see some real positive regression. Hoffman’s secondary assist rate is currently zero, IPP (63.6%) is a touch low, and his team’s even-strength shooting percentage (tEVSH%) with him on the ice is quite low at just 5.3%. Give him a serious look for next week!
📈 Alexis Lafreniere (LW/RW), NYR | Rostered: 26% (Yahoo) | GP: 0 () | Line: 1 (w/ Kreider & Zibanejad, PP1)
- Alexis Lafreniere is still just on-pace for 24 points over 82 games played; however, the 2020 1st overall pick now has goals in back-to-back contests, and he is playing alongside NHL goals-leader Chris Kreider and Mikka Zibanejad. In a limited sample size, that line has a 75 GF%, 63.57 xGF%, and a 75 HDCF%. NOTE: The New York Rangers are off next week, but keep Lafreniere in mind for the following week.
📈 Adam Larsson (D), SEA | Rostered: 17% (Yahoo) | GP: 2 (Vs.ARI, @ANA) | Pair: 1 (w/ Giordano)
- Adam Larsson is currently on a rare hot streak, scoring 5 points (2 goals) in his last 6 games played. The former Oiler has always been a good source of hits (2.4/GM this season) and blocks (1.95/GM), so any offense you receive is a bonus. Better yet, Larsson has been paired with former Flames captain, Mark Giordano, on Seattle’s top pairing – providing valuable exposure to Seattle’s top line. ALSO: Mark Giordano (48%).
📈 Noah Dobson (D), NYI | Rostered: 31% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@VAN, @EDM, @CGY) | Pair: 1 (w/ Chara, PP1)
- The New York Islanders play the most games of any team between now and the end of the regular season; and Noah Dobson just happens to be a top pairing defenceman that quarterbacks the power play for the Islanders. Need I say more? Dobson has posted just 3 points (1 goal) in his last 5 games; but offers up some value in terms of shots on goal (2.5/GM), hits (1.2/GM), and blocks (2.10/GM).
📈 Alec Martinez (D), VGK | Rostered: 42% (Yahoo) | GP: 2 (@EDM, @CGY) | Pair: 1 (w/ TBD)
- Alec Martinez has not played since November 11th against the Minnesota Wild, but it appears that he may be nearing a return for the Golden Knights shortly after the All-Star break. Mostly brings value to deep leagues that count blocks where he has banked 33 blocks through just 11 games played so far this season. Martinez was on-pace for 50 points last season over 82 games played though, so the offensive capability is there; and Vegas (especially with Eichel) is a very deep team.
📈 Philipp Grubauer (G), SEA | Rostered: 61% (Yahoo) | GP: 2 (Vs.ARI, @ANA) | Role: Starter (74% Net Share)
- Since January 17th, Philipp Grubauer is sporting a record of 5-2-0 with a 2.14 GAA, .915 SV%, and a 0.7530 GSAA; including Seattle’s first franchise shutout on February 2nd against the Islanders. As mentioned earlier, Seattle has been posting some great possession numbers lately; and with matchups against Arizona (3-7-0, 2.18 GF/GP last 10 GP) and Anaheim (4-4-2, 2.50 GF/GP) next week, Grubauer could be a great play in goal.
📈 Mike Smith (G), EDM | Rostered: 39% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (Vs.VGK, Vs.CHI, Vs.NYI) | Role: Tandem (14% Net Share)
- According to Edmonton Oilers head coach, Dave Tippett, the veteran goaltender is apparently healthy and set to return after the All-Star Game. It’s been a down year for Smith, making just 6 appearances and posting a 2-2-1 record with a 3.76 GAA and .898 SV% heading into All-Star weekend. This after posting fantastic numbers for the Oilers last season – 21-6-2, 2.31 GAA and .923 SV%. There are two things to consider here: 1. Smith’s PKSV% (.865) is right at the league average, so no concerns for major regression there. 2. Smith’s EVSV% (.899) is the lowest we have seen since 2010-2011; meaning there is room for positive regression. The Oilers have added depth up front, and should add some help on D, which hopefully translates to Smith getting back to his 3-year average save percentage of .911, at minimum. Tippett absolutely loves Smith, and it would not be surprising to see Smith get the bulk of the starts down the stretch, assuming he is healthy. Also of note, in the final quarter of the season last year, Smith posted some impressive numbers – 7-2-0, 1.96 GAA, .937 SV%, 7.04 GSAA.
📈 Craig Anderson (G), Buffalo | Rostered: 8% (Yahoo) | GP: 2 (Vs.CBJ, @MTL) | Role: Tandem (18% Net Share)
- Craig Anderson has posted some impressive numbers for Buffalo in a limited sample size this season. In 8 games: 5-3-0 record, 2.62 GAA, .917 SV%, and a 1.52 GSAA. Those numbers are propped up a bit by a PKSV% of .909, which will regress closer to the league average of .865. However, with matchups next week against Columbus and Montreal, now is probably the best time to stream Craig Anderson if you’re in need of help in goal.
Also: Matt Murray (16%), Petr Mrazek (44%), Pavel Francouz (51%), Jonas Korpisalo (10%), Karel Vejmelka (12%).
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