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Victoria Matiash, Fantasy Hockey
Every Monday, we’ll mine the waiver wire for lesser-rostered performers who have the potential to help fantasy teams in a variety of leagues. We’ll also present several strong streaming candidates for the immediate week ahead.
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Forwards
Kyle Palmieri, F, New York Islanders (rostered in 57.1% of ESPN Fantasy leagues): The Islanders veteran could register a point every single game and still not garner the appropriate fantasy respect he deserves. Hardly an outlandish claim, considering Palmieri has 13 points in his past dozen contests, failing to dent the scoresheet just three times since Oct. 25. Forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau also boasts extra potential in deeper leagues while filling in for Mathew Barzal on the Isles’ top line. New York battles the Flames, Red Wings and Blues this week.
Mason Marchment, F, Dallas Stars (34.9%): The recent run of four goals and five assists in three games can’t be ignored. Competing on a scoring line with Matt Duchene and Tyler Seguin, Marchment is clearly zoned in at present. At least consider giving the streaky forward a fantasy whirl when the Stars host the Ducks and Sharks before visiting the Lightning this week. Then reevaluate.
Patrik Laine, F, Montreal Canadiens (28.7%): While end of November feels a bit optimistic, we can probably look forward to seeing Laine (knee) back on the competitive ice by the second week of December. At which point, we should finally get a look at what the former Jet/Blue Jacket can accomplish as member of the Canadiens’ top six. The (still only) 26-year-old will undoubtedly feel extra jazzed to get back to it after missing out on meaningful NHL action for almost a year. Perhaps on a scoring line with young center Kirby Dach, the dynamic goal scorer will want to make the most of this fresh start, straight away.
Bobby McMann, F, Toronto Maple Leafs (1.8%): Taking full advantage of playing with Mitch Marner and John Tavares, McMann has three goals on 11 shots in his past two games. As long as he continues to contribute in near fashion, the winger will remain in the Leafs’ top six even once the return of Auston Matthews inspires another reshuffling. Managers who have lost a significant performer to injury of late might mull over McMann as a roster replacement, at least in the short term.
Eric Robinson, F, Carolina Hurricanes (0.7%): A gig on a scoring line with a red-hot Martin Necas is working out well for the 29-year-old. After logging a two-point showing earlier in the week, Robinson provided both primary assists on Necas’ two goals in Sunday’s 4-1 win over the Blues. He also scored himself, with Necas assisting on that second-period tally. The former Blue Jackets merits a thought in deeper fantasy competition, as long as you’re willing to endure some ice-cold outings along with those more fulfilling.
See also:
Defensemen
Thomas Chabot, D, Ottawa Senators (57.3%): The Ottawa blueliner is putting in a well-rounded fantasy performance of late, contributing five assists on 15 shots though five contests, while averaging more than 24 minutes/game. Toss in a handful of blocked shots, and it works out to 2.6 fantasy points/contest in standard leagues.
Mikey Anderson, D, Los Angeles Kings (5.4%): No NHL defender has more blocked shots thus far this November. By also pitching in a few shots and hits, plus the odd point, Anderson boasts tangible value in fantasy leagues that reward defensive play.
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Stat Stories: Friday’s standout NHL fantasy performances
Check out some of the top performers in fantasy NHL from Friday, including Dustin Wolf and Tomas Hertl.
Goaltenders
Jonathan Quick, G, New York Rangers (23.5%): That’s two shutouts in a row for the Rangers’ backup, following Sunday’s 24-save outing in Seattle. Quick has been outstanding in limited play this season, boasting a 4-0 record, .970 SV% and 0.91 GAA. Don’t be surprised if Quick spells Igor Shesterkin — who hasn’t been consistently terrific — a little more often.
Logan Thompson, G, Washington Capitals (58.0%): The better of Washington’s two netminders, Thompson was fantastic in Sunday’s 40-save, 5-2 victory in Vegas. The Capitals’ goalie has yet to lose in regulation this season with just the one OT loss to show for nine starts (.913 SV%). While Charlie Lindgren is 4-4-0 (.897 SV%) on the year.
See also:
Short-term streamers
Utah Hockey Club: Utah plays the Capitals, Bruins, Penguins, and Maple Leafs this week. While Pittsburgh ranks dead last in goals allowed (3.90/game), Boston also resides in the league’s bottom quarter (3.37). This stretch presents as a ripe opportunity some of the club’s more productive types to break out of their current respective funks. If you’ve remained patient with the likes of Dylan Guenther, Logan Cooley, Barrett Hayton et al., make sure they’re active this week.
Marcus Johansson, F, Minnesota Wild (0.6%): Currently subbing in for Mats Zuccarello on a top line with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, the veteran forward could be worth rostering in deeper leagues through the next spell. After undergoing surgery for a lower-body issue, Zuccarello isn’t expected back until after the first week of December. The Wild visit the Blues, Oilers and Flames this week.
Jake Walman, D, San Jose Sharks (26.0%): The San Jose defenseman is back to it after losing five games to an upper-body injury. Logging nearly 25 minutes of ice time and earning an assist, the club’s top fantasy blueliner looked no worse wear in Pittsburgh on Saturday. At minimum, consider enlisting Walman as a fantasy performer when San Jose plays the Wings, Stars, Blues, and Sabres this week. Not the unfriendliest of schedules.
David Rittich, G, Los Angeles Kings (3.4%): The Kings’ No. 2 projects to start against the Sabres and Kraken this week while Darcy Kuemper deals with his latest lower-body injury. Aside from one disastrous performance against the Golden Knights back in October, Rittich has been solid enough in L.A.’s crease.
Source: www.espn.com