Fantasy Hockey Week 22 Waiver Wire Picks & Preview
In the 52nd episode of the Fantasy Hockey Hacks Podcast, the FHH team discusses week 22 in the NHL – John’s List & Fantasy Lock Of The Week, Headlines With The Hacks, Ask The Hacks, and Edge Work (Schedule Notes, Week 22 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:
- Patrick Kane led the way for Chicago this week
- Anders Lee posts 7 goals
- Auston Matthews cross-check suspension worthy? Buffalo crushes Toronto
- Nick Schmaltz continues to produce – must-add!
- Jared McCann signs 5-year extension with Seattle
- Alex Ovechkin stuck at goal 766, tied for 3rd all-time with Jaromir Jagr
- Miro Heiskanen out indefinitely
- Gabriel Landeskog requires surgery, out 4 weeks
- Jakub Chychrun leaves with injury, does not sound serious
- Boldy just shy of point per game production
- Robert Thomas scores 4 points (2 goals) against Nashville Saturday
- John’s List/Fantasy Lock Of The Week (5:01/8:15), Headlines With The Hacks (10:30), Ask The Hacks (56:16), Edge Work – Schedule Notes (1:18:38), Edge Work – Waiver Wire (1:23:00)
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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!
Mike Ribeiro
Fantasy Lock Of The Week (March 7 – 13, 2022) | Presented by Left Wing Lock
🔥Patrick Kane, RW, 99% Rostered (Yahoo)
10 Points, 1 Goal, 2 GWG, 1 PPP, 8 SOG, +7, 63% PP Share, 22:02 ATOI in 3 games played. Kane is on-pace for 98 points against this season, and has posted 21 points (7 goals) in his last 9 games played!
Honorable Mentions: Matt Duchene (9 points – 4 goals, 5 assists, 2 PPP, 10 SOG, +4, 67.5% PP share in 4 GP). Anders Lee (8 points – 7 goals, 1 assist, 1 GWG, 3 PPP, 15 SOG, +4, 57.4% PP share in 4 GP).
Headlines With The Hacks (News & Injuries) | Mar 7 – 13, 2022
Our partner, Left Wing Lock, has developed a playoff probabilities tool! See what the odds are that your favourite team will qualify for the post-season! You can see that list here.
March 7
- Tyson Barrie was placed on IR by the Edmonton Oilers.
- Evan Bouchard missed Monday’s contest due to illness (non-covid).
- Jason Robertson (7 Goals in 3 GP), Nick Schmaltz (8 Points, 3 Goals in 3 GP), and Igor Shesterkin (3-0-0, 1.67 GAA, .955 SV%) are the NHL’s 3 Stars for the week ending March 6th.
Jason Robertson (@DallasStars), Nick Schmaltz (@ArizonaCoyotes), Igor Shesterkin (@NYRangers) named “Three Stars” for the week ending March 6. #NHLStats: https://t.co/pK5j52SDf6 pic.twitter.com/kKcPEGYshO
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 7, 2022
- Jonas Korpisalo was activated from IR Monday.
- Jeff Petry was considered DTD with an upper-body injury on Monday.
- Auston Matthews was the first player this season to reach 40 goals.
First to 40 goals this season — bravo, Auston Matthews (@AM34)! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/sf36QsxV7v
— NHL (@NHL) March 8, 2022
- Cale Makar extended his point streak to 12 games (17 points, 1 goal). First defenceman to reach 20 goals this season.
Cale Makar became the second defenseman in @Avalanche / Nordiques history to record a point streak of 12 or more games (1-16—17 in 12 GP), joining Steve Duchesne (15 GP in 1992-93).#NHLStats: https://t.co/WGTz1naGTg pic.twitter.com/rAskX5X4WI
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 8, 2022
March 8
- Jared McCann signed a 5-year extension with the Seattle Kraken.
Hey #SeaKraken fam!@jaredmccann19 has a very special announcement to share 👀 pic.twitter.com/PPvGujJXTr
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) March 8, 2022
- Jakob Vrana told the media that he would make his return to the lineup on Tuesday versus the Arizona Coyotes.
- Anton Lundell was listed as DTD, but is not expected to be long-term.
- Nico Hischier was listed as DTD with a lower-body injury on Tuesday night.
- With a goal against the Penguins, Aaron Ekblad hit 50 points for the first time in his career, and became the 5th defenceman to reach the milestone this season.
Aaron Ekblad scored and recorded his first career 50-point season and became the fifth blueliner to hit the mark in 2021-22, joining Cale Makar, Roman Josi, Victor Hedman and Adam Fox.#NHLStats: https://t.co/sqYC3jgQmR pic.twitter.com/jWvdGasqG5
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2022
- Cale Makar scored his 21st goal of the season, the most by a defenceman since Brent Burns (29) in 2016-2017.
Cale Makar scored his 21st goal of 2021-22, the most by a defenseman in a single season since Brent Burns (29 in 2016-17).#NHLStats: https://t.co/sqYC3jgQmR pic.twitter.com/dZLf2DOuXn
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2022
- With 4 points (2 goals) against the Detroit Red Wings, Nick Schmaltz is up to 11 points (4 goals) in just 2 games played!
Nick Schmaltz’s stat line through the last five periods: 4-7—11. 🤯
How many does he get in the third? #NHLStats: https://t.co/sqYC3jgQmR pic.twitter.com/qiVLQZCrpI
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2022
- Auston Matthews recorded his 3rd hat trick of the 2021-2022 season, bringing his goal total to 43. Matthews is on-pace for 65 goals!
- Carter Hart became the 3rd Philadelphia goaltender to record 47+ saves in a game. Hart made 48 saves (1.00 GAA, .979 SV%, 3.27 GSAA) in a 2-1 win over Vegas.
Carter Hart became the third @NHLFlyers goaltender to make at least 47 saves in a win. The others: Antero Niittymaki (54 on Jan. 5, 2008 & 47 on Dec. 20, 2008) and Darren Jensen (48 on Jan. 25, 1986). #NHLStats: https://t.co/sqYC3jgQmR pic.twitter.com/jGxjvxD7jq
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2022
- Dylan Strome recorded a hat trick against the Anaheim Ducks in an 8-3 win.
- In the same 8-3 Chicago win, Patrick Kane set a new career-high for points in a single game with 1 goal and 5 assists.
Patrick Kane’s name was all over the score sheet for the @NHLBlackhawks tonight. 🚨🍎🍎🍎🍎🍎#NHLStats: https://t.co/sqYC3jgQmR pic.twitter.com/Z7Ox9Paqz6
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2022
- Alex Ovechkin scored twice against the Calgary Flames to reach goal number 766 of his career; tying Jaromir Jagr for 3rd all-time in NHL goals. Ovechkin needs 35 more goals to tie Gordie Howe for 2nd place on that list.
Alex Ovechkin of the @Capitals scored twice Tuesday to reach 766 goals in his NHL career and tie Jaromir Jagr for third place on the League’s all-time list.#NHLStats: https://t.co/sqYC3jgQmR pic.twitter.com/F4tqULpbx6
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 9, 2022
March 9
- Craig Berube told reporters that Pavel Buchnevich is in concussion protocol, and NOT doing very well, after taking a high-hit against the Senators on Tuesday. Questionable to play on Thursday.
Berube says Buchnevich, who was hit high last night and went into concussion protocol, is not doing very well today and may not play tomorrow. #stlblues
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) March 9, 2022
- Viktor Arvidsson is considered week-to-week.
Viktor Arvidsson (LAK – L): Is considered week-to-week. https://t.co/5NZkWQSEFj #nhl #GoKingsGo
— Left Wing Lock (@Left_Wing_Lock) March 9, 2022
- Igor Shesterkin currently sits 2nd on the Top 10 All-Time Single-Season Save% list, with a save percentage of .9419!
Igor Shesterkin is having a historic season. pic.twitter.com/nM1OqePVif
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 9, 2022
- Zack Kassian was activated from LTIR on Wednesday. Kassian had 1 assist and 5 hits in just 8:05 TOI.
- Nicklas Backstrom recorded his 1,000th Career NHL point against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. The Capitals center has posted 263 goals and 737 assists to date in his career.
Nicklas Backstrom (1-1—2) recorded his 1,000th career point (263-737—1,000 in 1,037 GP) and became the first player from the 2006 #NHLDraft class to reach the mark.#NHLStats: https://t.co/Thujee4krf pic.twitter.com/uDL9jcm2rS
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 10, 2022
- For the 3rd time this season, J.T. Miller recorded 4 points (1 goal); Miller is now on a 10-game point streak (21 points, 7 goals). Wow.🔥
March 10
- Rasmus Ristolainen signed a 5-year $25.5M ($5.1M AAV) contract extension with the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Jack Campbell is going to miss at least 2 weeks with a rib injury. Hopefully you were able to scoop up Petr Mrazek!
- Robin Lehner was sent back to Vegas for testing related to a lower-body injury.
Robin Lehner (VGK – G): Has been sent back to Las Vegas for some tests related to a lower-body injury. https://t.co/vu7rDhdVNg #nhl #VegasBorn
— Left Wing Lock (@Left_Wing_Lock) March 10, 2022
- According to head coach DJ Smith on Thursday, Matt Murray “Isn’t Close”; dealing with an upper-body injury. Anton Forsberg should be on fantasy managers radars.
- Miro Heiskanen is out indefinitely with Mono. Placed on IR retroactive to March 2nd.
Stars Defenseman Miro Heiskanen has been diagnosed with mononucleosis and will be out indefinitely.
He has been placed on Injured Reserve retroactive to March 2.
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 10, 2022
- Ryan Getzlaf was placed on IR Thursday with a lower-body injury.
- Drew Doughty was listed as DTD on Thursday, did not play against the San Jose Sharks.
- Trevor Zegras missed Thursday’s contest with an upper-body injury.
- With 2 goals against the Minnesota Wild, Jakub Vrana required the fewest games in Red Wings history to reach 10 goals (13 games played).
Jakub Vrana (10-3—13 in 13 GP) required the fewest games in franchise history to reach the 10-goal mark with the @DetroitRedWings, besting the previous record held by Steve Yzerman (15 GP) and Bill Lochead (15 GP).#NHLStats: https://t.co/j92PzxLUI3 pic.twitter.com/2Tv7ZMbrR1
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 11, 2022
- Robby Fabbri suffered a lower-body injury against the Wild on Thursday. It was reported Friday he has torn his ACL. He is out for the rest of the season
Coach Blashill said he suspects Robby Fabbri has torn his ACL. Going for further evaluation but is expected to miss the remainder of the season. #RedWings
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) March 11, 2022
- With 4 assists against the Flyers on Thursday, Jonathan Huberdeau set a new franchise record for the most assists in a single season (64); and is currently the NHL’s point leader.
Jonathan Huberdeau stays making franchise history 🔥 pic.twitter.com/vNcoR2duQj
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 11, 2022
- Sam Reinhart scored a hat trick in the same 6-3 win over Philadelphia. Reinhart is on-pace for 85 points.
- Craig Anderson collected his 300th win against the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday, a 3-1 victory. Anderson becomes the 39th goalie, and 6th American, to reach the milestone.
3️⃣0️⃣0️⃣‼️
Congratulations, @CraigAnderson41! pic.twitter.com/2uWgCRXwSV
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 11, 2022
- Things didn’t go so well for Jack Eichel in his return to Buffalo… the Sabres would beat Vegas 3-1.
“It only took 7 years and me leaving for them to get into the game.”
Jack Eichel gives his thoughts on reaction received from #Sabres fans in his return to Buffalo.
“They must just be booing me because they wish I was still here.” pic.twitter.com/H5wAv1xfPF
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) March 11, 2022
- Gabriel Landeskog had some strong opinions regarding the officiating on Thursday night. After watching Alex Ovechkin obviously hook Zach Hyman, preventing an empty-net goal against the Oilers on Wednesday night, it’s obvious that officiating needs to be discussed again.
Gabriel Landeskog started his postgame with an opening statement.
“In 11 years I’ve never sat and talked about referees in a press conference…”
The rest of his comments: https://t.co/A4f0vTHKKF pic.twitter.com/zGzgSnF1Mj
— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) March 11, 2022
- Auston Matthews also had some words for the officials on Thursday night.
- Johnny Gadreau scored a hat trick, and the Calgary Flames took down the Tampa Bay lightning by a score of 4-1. Gaudreau is in a contract-year, and playing like it; on-pace for 111 points.
- Matt Boldy scored twice against Detroit, now has 23 points (11 goals) in 25 games played to start his career. Only Kirill Kaprizov (16) and Kevin Fiala (13) have more goals for the Wild since Boldy made his NHL debut.
Matt Boldy scored twice, including a third-period game-tying goal. His 11 career goals after making his NHL debut on Jan. 6 trail only Kirill Kaprizov (16) and Kevin Fiala (13) for the most among all @mnwild players over that span.#NHLStats: https://t.co/gijpiRCzYv pic.twitter.com/xlWvr9zWXL
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 11, 2022
March 11
- Joe Pavelski signed a one year extension with the Dallas Stars worth 5.5 million dollars
Done deal. ✍
Joe Pavelski is staying in Dallas. pic.twitter.com/xhy6BZeqdB
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 11, 2022
- Barry Trotz recorded his 900th win in the Islanders victory over the Winnipeg Jets. 3rd coach in NHL history to win 900 games.
- Kirill Kaprizov scored his 30th goal tonight. He is the seventh player in Wild history to reach this milestone.
- Patrik Laine and Jake Voracek both left tonight’s game with lower body injuries
- Mats Zuccarello tallied his 60th point of the season in the Wild’s loss to the Blue Jackets
- Mathew Barzal returned to the lineup for the Islanders
- Max Pacioretty left Friday nights game with an undisclosed injury
- Evgeny Kuznetsov scored a hat trick vs the Canucks on Friday
- Connor Hellebuyck allows another 4 goals against making this 6 straight games he has allowed 4 or more goals against. Are we worried yet?
- Anders Lee scored his 20th goal of the season. This is the 6th time in his career he has scored 20 or more goals in a season.
March 12
- Tyson Barrie returned to the Oilers lineup vs Tampa Bay and helped out with 2 assists
- Jakob Chychrun suffered a lower body injury in Saturday’s game and did not return
Jakob Chychrun (ARI – D): Has suffered a lower-body injury and will not return to the game. https://t.co/AW0bZQkpWZ #nhl #Yotes
— Left Wing Lock (@Left_Wing_Lock) March 13, 2022
- Adin Hill returned the Sharks line up on Saturday and stopped 29 shots on his way to getting his 2nd shutout of the season
- Jason Robertson scored his 30th goal of the season on the powerplay vs the Rangers
- Red Wings defenceman Marc Staal playing his 1000th career game vs Calgary. He joins his brothers Eric and Jordan in playing over 1000 games in the NHL. This is the 1st time in the NHL 3 brothers have each played 1000 games.
- Elias Lindholm also scored his 30 goal of the season against the Red Wings
- Jacob Markstrom recorded is league leading 9th shutout with a 3-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings
- Dustin Brown left Saturday’s game with the Sharks with an upper body injury.
- Connor McDavid makes another top defenseman in the NHL look silly. This time he blows by Victor Hedman. Again who says he is not the best player in the NHL????
I know that Brian Elliott is in goal; but to walk VICTOR HEDMAN…wow. 😳#LetsGoOilers #NHL #HockeyTwitter #FantasyHockey pic.twitter.com/VXkCgprT73
— Fantasy Hockey Hacks (@FHHacks) March 13, 2022
- With the Bruins 3-2 win over Arizona, Jeremy Swayman now has a personal 8 game winning streak.
- Tyler Johnson left Saturday’s game vs the Senators after getting hit in the head with a puck. He is now in concussion protocol only 6 games after his return from neck surgery
- Connor Murphy was stretchered off the ice after a hit from the Senators Parker Kelly. He did travel home with the team after the game. UPDATE: he will be out 8-12 weeks with a back injury.
Scary scene in Ottawa as Connor Murphy is stretchered off the ice after taking a hit from Parker Kelly that sent him awkwardly into the boards. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/bd5xYeQtI6
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 13, 2022
- With his goal last night Craig Smith now has 7 goals in the past 5 games.
Craig Smith is RED hot: pic.twitter.com/4KY4KbZ3tB
— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) March 13, 2022
- Trevor Zegras returned to the lineup for the Ducks for their game with the devils.
- Jamie Drysdale was not in the lineup for Ducks for their games with the Devils
- Wild’s Marcus Foligno was fined $5000 for kneeing Jacob Voracek
- Pavel Buchnevich of the Blues missed Saturday’s game vs Nashville with a concussion
- The Blue Jackets released news today then Boone Jenner is out week to week with a lower back injury. He is currently the BLue Jackets leader in goals (23) and points (44)
- Pavel Francouz signed a 2 year extension with the Avalanche worth 2 million per season.
- Colorado announced Saturday that Gabriel Landeskog will have knee surgery and be out indefinitely, also defenseman Samuel Girard will miss the next 4 weeks with a lower body injury.
Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will undergo knee surgery, while defenceman Samuel Girard is out for four weeks. 🤕https://t.co/6PjprFrZMJ
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) March 12, 2022
- Word out of Montreal is that goaltender Jake Allen will be ready to return to action next week. Either Tuesday vs Arizona or Thursday vs Dallas
- Report out of Carolina is that the Hurricanes are close to signing Jesperi Kotkaniemi to an 8 year contract worth $4.82 million per season.
March 13
- Jabob Chychrun is returning to Arizona for an MRI on his lower body injury suffered Saturday
- Drew Doughty has been placed on IR by the Kings
- For John, After scoring a goal today Sidney Crosby has scored 20 or more goals a season for the 14th time in his career.
- Elias Petterrson did not play tonight. Has an upper body injury, considered day to day
- Blue Jackets rookie Cole Sillinger scored a hat trick tonight in tonight’s game vs the Golden Knights
- Blues Robert Thomas missed tonight’s game due to a non-Covid illness
- Ducks Rickard Rakell did not play today, he is considers day to day with an upper body injury
- Aust0n Matthews will have a hearing tomorrow with the Department of Player Safety over his cross check to Rasmus Dahlin in the 3rd period for the Heritage classic.
pic.twitter.com/2Cm6Wlh600 Matthews getting a suspension or just a fine? Sound off in the comments with what you think. #LeafsForever
— Fantasy Hockey Hacks (@FHHacks) March 14, 2022
- Roman Josi scored 2 goals and added 2 assists in today’s win over the Wild
- Petr Mrazek allowed 4 goals in today’s loss to the Sabres in the Heritage Classic. He also managed to play his way off of our waiver wire pickups for this week… As John would say TRASH!
Ask The Hacks
- Drop Mikko Koskinen for Vitek Vanecek?
- Would you trade away P. Kane for Malkin? Trying to set up for playoffs, weeks 24-26. Have DeBrincat and Eichel so worried about games played in Week 24. Pts league with G, A, +/-, PPP, SHG, SOG, FW, FL, HIT, BLK. Thanks for your thoughts.
- Would you trade Alex Ovechkin for Brad Marchand and a first round pick in a points league?
- Thoughts on David Perron vs. Nick Suzuki for the rest of the season?
- Do you think Miro Heiskanen will pick up the pace once John Klingberg is gone?
- I have DeAngelo currently on IR. Just wondering who is the best option to replace him with in the interim? Damon Severson, Josh Morrisey, Shayne Gostisbehere, Erik Karlsson, Jakob Chychrun, Cam Fowler, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Luke Schenn are all available on waivers. My league counts G, A, +/-, PPP, SOG, BLKS. It’s H2H, points.
- I currently have John Gibson, Thatcher Demko, and a streaming spot for goaltenders – would you recommend trading for a goalie ahead of the trade deadline? Goalies currently available on the waiver wire: Ilya Samsonov, Linus Ullmark, Pavel Francouz, Dan Vladar, Petr Mrazek, Spencer Knight, and Anton Forsberg.
Edge Work | NHL Schedule, Week 22
Need To Know:
There are 49 games on the NHL schedule for the upcoming week(ending March 20th), with heavy action taking place on the usual Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday configuration. On the other end of the spectrum, Monday has just 1 contest which features the Ottawa Senators and Arizona Coyotes. Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday are more typical with 4, 6, 6 games respectively. The Arizona Coyotes play 4 games next week, but have 2 sets of back-to-backs; something to keep in mind if you are streaming an Arizona goaltender. Also good news if you picked up Nick Schmaltz or Shayne Gostisbehere recently. 8 teams will play 4 games next week (ARI, DAL, NYI, NYR, OTT, SJS, VAN, WSH), 6 teams will play just twice (ANA, COL, MIN, SEA, STL, TB), with the remainder of the league playing a standard 3-game schedule. The Ottawa Senators play the most games on “light days” (games with 50% or fewer teams in action), with 3 of their 4 contests taking place on slow nights, helping to optimize your roster’s number of games played.
- Monday – 1 Games
- Tuesday – 11 Games
- Wednesday – 4 Games
- Thursday – 10 Games
- Friday – 6 Games
- Saturday – 11 Games
- Sunday – 6 Games
Teams With 4 Games:
Team Of Interest | Ottawa Senators (Strength of Schedule: -28)
- The Ottawa Senators are firmly out of a playoff spot; but they have a great schedule, and can offer some real fantasy value for the upcoming week! The Senators play 3 of their 4 games on “light days”, the most among any NHL club on the schedule. Better yet, Ottawa takes on 4 teams that are also firmly out of the playoff picture – Arizona (6-4-0 last 10 GP, 8th in Pacific), Columbus (5-3-2 last 10 GP, 5th in Metro), Philadelphia (3-5-2 last 10 GP, 8th in Metro), and Montreal (7-3-0 last 10 GP, 8th in Atlantic). Record This Season Against Upcoming Opponents: 1-3-0 | Players To Consider: Alex Formenton (2%), Connor Brown (9%), Tim Stuetzle (33%), Nick Paul (3%), Anton Forsberg (32%)
Teams With 3 Games:
Team Of Interest | Boston Bruins (Strength of Schedule: -6)
- Boston has a favourable schedule for next week with contests against 3 teams that are really struggling right now – Chicago (4-5-1 last 10 GP), Minnesota (3-6-1 last 10 GP), and Winnipeg (4-4-2). The Bruins are a handful of teams next week that play the majority (2 of 3) of their games on light days as well, which will help optimize starts for your roster. Record This Season Against Upcoming Opponents: 2-1-0 | Players To Consider: Jake DeBrusk (17%), Craig Smith (7%), Erik Haula (8%), Charlie Coyle (8%), Matt Grzelcyk (19%), Swayman (76%).
Team Of Interest | Calgary Flames (Strength of Schedule: -22)
- The Calgary Flames are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, and they have another strong schedule for the upcoming week with games against New Jersey (5-5-0), Buffalo (3-7-0 last 10 GP), and Vancouver (7-2-1 last 10 GP). 2 of Calgary’s 3 games take place on “light days”, which will help to optimize starts for your roster next week; and better yet, the team still offers plenty of fantasy-relevant players that are widely available. Over the past month, Calgary ranks 3rd in goals-for per game (4.13 GF/GP), 4th on the PP (30.2%), and 4th on the PK (87.8%). Record This Season Against Upcoming Opponents: 3-1-0 | Players To Consider: Tyler Toffoli (64%), Andrew Mangiapane (74%), Blake Coleman (35%), Sean Monahan (19%), Rasmuss Andersson (55%), Noah Hanifin (21%), Daniel Vladar (10%).
Teams With 2 Games:
Team Of Interest | Colorado Avalanche (Strength of Schedule: -2)
Of the teams with just 2 games on the schedule next week, the Avalanche are the most appealing with matchups against the banged up Kings (6-3-1 last 10 GP) and the lowly Sharks (4-4-2 last 10 GP). Colorado beat the Kings 4-1 at Staples Center on January 20th, and defeated San Jose 6-2 at home on November 13th. With Gabriel Landeskog out for the next 4 weeks, there will be an opportunity for someone to fill-in in the top 6, watch the situation closely. Record This Season Against Upcoming Opponents: 2-0-0 | Players To Consider: Andre Burakovsky (64%), Valeri Nichushkin (20%), Alex Newhook (3%), Erik Johnson (35%), Pavel Francouz (41%).
Edge Work | NHL Week 22 Waiver Wire Targets
Waiver wire targets will be focused on players with ownership ~50% or less. SOS = Strength of Schedule, according to Left Wing Lock. Lower number = Easier Schedule, Higher Number = Harder Schedule.
Top Waiver Wire Targets
📈 Jakub Vrana (LW), DET | Rostered: 30% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@EDM, @VAN, @SEA, -15 SOS) | Line: (w/ Veleno & Gagner, PP1)
- Jakub Vrana has been excellent during his short time in Detroit, posting 13 points, 10 goals, and 39 SOG in 13 games with his new club. Vrana became the fastest player in Red Wing’s history to reach 10 goals, requiring just 13 games to do so. Steve Yzerman was the previous fastest player to reach 10 goals in 15 games. The former Cap could be a big acquisition ahead of fantasy hockey playoffs.
📈 Craig Smith (RW), BOS | Rostered: 7% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@CHI, @MIN, @WPG, -6 SOS) | Line: 3 (w/ Frederic & Coyle, PP2)
- With Boston shuffling their lines, Craig Smith ended up on the 3rd line with Trent Frederic and Charlie Coyle. The shakeup has not hindered Smith’s production though, as he has posted 11 points (7 goals) in his last 9 games played. Smith has generally been a good source of shots (2.7 SOG/GM), and his iSH% (9.3%) is slightly beliw his 3-Yr average of 9.6%. As mentioned earlier, Boston has a somewhat favourable schedule with 2 of 3 games taking place on light days for the upcoming week.
📈 Anders Lee (LW), NYI | Rostered: 31% (Yahoo) | GP: 4 (@WSH, @NYR, Vs.DAL, @PHI) | Line: (w/ Nelson & Beauvillier, PP1)
- After scoring his first hat trick of the season against Columbus on Thursday night, the Isles captain posted another goal Friday against Winnipeg. Lee is now up to 7 points (6 goals) in his last 3 games played; his iSH% (18.7%) is inflated, but that is the only concern with Lee for the time being. Also: Brock Nelson (20%) – a regular to our Edge Work segment, Nelson has 23 goals in 46 games – a 41-goal pace over 82 games.
📈 Dylan Strome (C/RW), CHI | Rostered: 13% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (Vs.BOS, @MIN, Vs.WPG, +9 S0S) | Line: (w/ Kane & DeBrincat, PP1)
- Dylan Strome is shooting at a career-best 2.0 SOG/GM; and is currently on-pace for 56 points and 28 goals. Strome’s iSH% (17.2%) is a touch high compared to his 3-year average (14.2%); but given his deployment alongside Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, I wouldn’t be concerned about his production. Also, Strome’s team’s even-strength shooting percentage (tEVSH%) of 7.4% also leaves a bit of room for positive regression. It should be mentioned, the 25-year old is in a 6-game point streak where he has collected 11 points and 7 goals. Also: Brandon Hagel (LW/RW, 3%) – the 23-year old is scoring at a 32-goal pace; but be warned, shot volume (1.7 SOG/GM) is low, iSH% (23.3%) is high.
📈 Tim Stuetzle (C/LW), OTT | Rostered: 33% (Yahoo) | GP: 4 (Vs.ARI, Vs.CBJ, Vs.PHI, @MTL, -30 SOS) | Line: (w/ Gaudette & Formenton, PP1)
- The German forward is putting together a solid season for the Senators – on-pace for 50 points and 20 goals; and has 10 points (4 goals) in his last 10 games played. As mentioned above, the Senators have a great upcoming schedule with 4 games, 3 of which take place on “light days”. Also: Josh Norris (C, 44%). Norris has 6 Pts (4 goals) in his first 5 games back from injury. Locked on the first line and first PP, a great waiver wire add ahead of the fantasy hockey playoffs.
📈 Adam Henrique (C/LW), ANA | Rostered: 11% (Yahoo) | GP: 2 (@NYR, Vs.FLA, +28 SOS) | Line: (w/ Comtois & Terry, PP1)
- The Ducks forward has been great for Anaheim lately, posting 10 points (7 goals) in his last 10 games played; shooting at a career-best 2.5 SOG/GM. On-pace for nearly 60 points over 82 games, Henrique has managed to win just under 59% of his face-offs to date. Note, Anaheim plays just twice this week – a road matchup with the Rangers and a home date with the Panthers.
📈 Dawson Mercer (C/RW), NJD | Rostered: 7% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@VAN, @CGY, @EDM, +7 SOS) | Line: (w/ Hughes & Sharangovich, PP2)
- The Devils rookie has found himself fortunate enough to play on a line with Jack Hughes and Yegor Sharangovich, both of whom are having fantastic seasons offensively. Mercer has gone pointless in his last two outings, but has still managed to score 9 points (4 goals) in his last 9 games played; on-pace for 47 points. iSH% (13%) is not outrageous, but his shot volume does leave much to be desired at 1.8 SOG/GM. Mercer is currently tied for 5th in goals (14) for rookies, and 6th in points (34).
📈 Arturri Lehkonen (LW/RW), MTL | Rostered: 2% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (Vs.ARI, Vs.DAL, Vs.OTT, -21 SOS) | Line: (w/ Pitlick & Evans, PP2)
- Arturri Lehkonen may be the most sought-after trade asset for the Montreal Canadiens, and it’s easy to see why, given his recent play. The 26-year old Fin has posted 8 points (6 goals) in his last 6 games played. On-pace for a career-best 42 points and 19 goals. Lehkonen has been playing 3rd line and second power-play, a role that he would likely assume should he be traded to a contender.
📈 Josh Morrissey (D), WPG | Rostered: 49% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (Vs.VGK, Vs.BOS, @CHI, -2 SOS) | Pair: 1 (w/ DeMelo, PP1)
- Josh Morrissey has typically been a player for me that fails to meet fantasy expectations; but he appears to have turned a corner this season (at least in terms of category coverage). Morrissey has finally grabbed the top power play role, playing an average of 3:37 (72% PP share) on the power play since February 1st. Also, the 26-year old is on-pace to finish the season with career highs in hits (156), PIMS (59), and SOG (2.1/GM, 175). A marginal add in shallower leagues, but could be a must-add in deeper leagues that count hits and penalty minutes.
📈 Esa Lindell (D), WPG | Rostered: 17% (Yahoo) | GP: 4 (@TOR, @MTL, @NYI, @WSH, -7 SOS) | Pair: 2 (w/ Klingberg, PP1)
- With Miro Heiskanen out, John Klingberg was expected to assume the bulk of the power play duties; but Esa Lindell has actually seen some time on the top power play unit as well, and the Stars have paired Lindell and Klingberg together 5v5. The finnish defenceman has 4 points (1 goal) in his last 3 games played, and contributes to hits, blocks, and shots on goal. Also: Ryan Suter (22%) – 6 points (1 goal) in his last 10 games, playing nearly 25 minutes per game and 50% PP share.
📈 Brandon Montour (D), CGY | Rostered: 11% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@SJS, @VGK, @ANA, -6 SOS) | Pair: 3 (w/ Lindbohm, PP2)
- Montour is on-pace to tie career-highs in goals (9) and points (35) this season with the Florida Panthers. Playing 3rd pairing minutes, but seeing time on the second power play unit (27% PP share). 5 points (2 goals) in his last 9 games played.
📈 Anton Forsberg (G), OTT | Rostered: 35% (Yahoo) | GP: 4 (Vs.ARI, Vs.CBJ, Vs.PHI, @MTL, -30 SOS) | Role: Tandem (45% Net Share)
- Senators head coach DJ Smith told the media earlier this week that Matt Murray is “not particularly close” to returning, so the net should be Forsberg’s for the foreseeable future by default. Although, it wouldn’t matter if Murray were healthy, because Forsberg has been stellar for Ottawa so far this season. Since February 13th, Forsberg has posted a 5-3-1 record with a 2.49 GAA, .926 SV%, and 4.76 GSAA. Better yet, the Senators play 4 games during the upcoming week, against favourable opponents, and 3 of their 4 games take place on “light days”.
📈 Nico Daws (G), NJD | Rostered: 8% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@VAN, @CGY, @EDM, +7 SOS) | Role: Backup (17% Net Share)
- Someone has finally grabbed the crease in New Jersey! Nico Daws has posted some very solid numbers in a limited sample size – 2.50 GAA, .916 SV%, 1.23 GSAA. Daws has also won 3 of his last 4 starts (allowing 2 or fewer goals against in 3 of those 4 games), while posting a 1.97 GAA, .928 SV%, and 1.87 GSAA. The 21-year old may not win every game, but the peripherals are good, and the volume is there. Take advantage.
📈 Cal Petersen (G), LAK | Rostered: 44% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (Vs.COL, Vs.SJS, @VGK, +8 SOS) | Role: Tandem (42% Net Share)
- Cal Petersen has started 8 of the last 11 games for the LA Kings, including a back-to-back set on March 6th and 7th where Petersen won both games. Petersen’s peripherals have been basically average, but the Kings have been rolling, and that type of volume is worth a look, particularly in deep leagues. Petersen has a higher goals-saved above expected (GSAx, 1.7) than Kaapo Kahkonen, Braden Holtby, Nico Daws, Vitek Vanecek, Semyon Varlamov, and Jack Campbell.
📈 Laurent Brossoit (G), VGK | Rostered: 19% (Yahoo) | GP: 3 (@WPG, Vs.FLA, Vs.LAK, +13 SOS) | Role: Backup (32% Net Share)
- Robin Lehner was sent back to Vegas for testing on a lower-body injury. According to Emily Kaplan, the Vegas Golden Knights do NOT believe that Lehner will miss the remainder of the season; though Lehner did require crutches due to the injury. Brossoit could be a nice streaming option for as long as Lehner remains sidelined, though his peripherals do leave something to be desired (2.78 GAA, .899 SV%, -6.83 GSAA). Note, Brossoit’s PKSV% (.816) is far from the .860 average, and should improve by the end of the season.
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