Hey everybody, welcome again to a different fantasy hockey week in evaluation. Final week was a busy one with 13 groups enjoying 4 video games. This week we’ve received notes on Alexander Ovechkin, Alexis Lafreniere, Timo Meier, Jamie Benn, Mitch Marner, Alex Tuch, and extra.
Let’s dive in.
The true Ovechkin has arrived simply in time for the playoffs. In 4 video games, Ovie scored seven objectives and added one help, with 4 of these objectives approaching the ability play. With 26 objectives on the season, reaching 30 is firmly inside his grasp. I stated it final week, and I’ll repeat it: Ovechkin is a participant to purchase this summer season, particularly should you’re making a run.
That is the primary time Matthews has landed within the three stars with extra assists than objectives. In 4 video games, he solely had three objectives, but it surely’s the seven assists he tacked on that deliver him again right here. His efficiency was anchored by a five-point evening in opposition to the Capitals. Seventy objectives appear to be a protracted shot, however Matthews is able to a number of multi-goal video games in a row.
The objectives aren’t there this 12 months, with simply 26, but he’s on tempo for 139 factors. With two assists final evening, McDavid is now six assists away from changing into the primary participant since Wayne Gretzky in 1990-91 to have 100 assists in a single NHL season. It makes one surprise if McDavid can put all of it collectively in a single season: you recognize, 60-plus objectives and 100-plus factors.
With 11 objectives in his final 12 video games, Meier is delivering in a giant approach to your playoff run. I traded for him simply as he began to take off six weeks in the past. I additionally traded him away in November. I’m pleased with each offers. I acquired Owen Tippett and Mike Matheson within the deal I gave him up. I’m a giant believer in Tippett. He might be producing Meier numbers as quickly as subsequent 12 months. Matheson is likely one of the top-ranked defensemen in my pool’s format.
With eight factors in his final seven video games, Lafreniere is on the cusp of breaking 50 factors in a season for the primary time in his profession. He nonetheless isn’t receiving a lot in the way in which of time on the ability play, and solely a uncommon sniff on the primary unit. Till his energy play share doubles from its present 27.9%, Lafreniere may as nicely have a glass ceiling above his head. With a 20.5% improve in factors (47 from 3), Lafreniere has accomplished sufficient for many house owners to consider massive issues lie forward. This isn’t the buy-low choice you’re on the lookout for.
Like Meier, Thompson has sprung to life during the last month. Over his final seven video games, Thompson has 9 factors and 25 photographs. That is what we anticipated all season lengthy. The wonderful thing about slumps that final 55 video games; quite a lot of house owners bounce ship. Stars appear to all the time put it collectively by the tip of the 12 months. A chilly begin equates to a scorching end. Tage house owners are having fun with the end-of-year bump in manufacturing.
We’d as nicely persist with the Sabres a second longer. Tuch has additionally discovered his sport in March. He finds himself on a mini five-game level streak (1 aim, six assists). I had a number of groups lowball me on the commerce deadline to amass him. Once I say lowball, I imply, third and 4th spherical picks within the upcoming prospect draft. Nobody ought to be buying and selling a 27-year-old ahead for late picks, particularly one contemporary off a season the place they produced 1.07 factors per sport.
After lacking 38 video games, Zegras returned to motion final evening. This has been a season to neglect for Zegras. It would possible take Zegras a sport or two to seek out his sport legs. It will be nice to see Zegras put collectively a stable remaining 4 weeks of the season. If he doesn’t, it may open a small buy-low window. Fantasy house owners could be fickle. Get able to kick some tires this summer season.
Crosby has two objectives and 5 assists in his final two video games. He’s as much as 76 factors in 71 video games and has a shot at 90 factors. At 36, he exhibits no indicators of slowing down. I personal him in two swimming pools and he’ll retire on these rosters. I may by no means commerce a fellow ‘Bluenoser’.
Appears solely becoming I swing round and touch upon the participant I acquired for Meier a couple of months in the past. With 9 factors in his final seven video games and 12 factors in his final 14, Tippett is now one aim and one level away from tying his profession highs in each (27 objectives, 49 factors) and has tied his profession excessive in assists (22). He already has 27 extra photographs than his earlier profession excessive of 231 (258).
Tippett was the principle piece the Flyers acquired once they traded Claude Giroux to the Florida Panthers. That is the participant the Panthers thought they have been drafting in 2017, not the participant they thought they have been buying and selling in 2021-22. I can’t assist however consider what he may produce if he features John Tortorella’s full belief and locks down a spot on the primary energy play unit.
Right here’s one other participant who produced at a subpar degree over the primary 50 video games, solely to bust out when it issues essentially the most. He has seven objectives and 7 assists in his final ten video games, together with six power-play factors. He’s additionally rocking a faceoff proportion of over 60% throughout that stretch.
He’s skating however on his personal. Marner might want to return to follow earlier than he’s cleared to play. The Leafs have little to play for proper now so there isn’t any cause to hurry him again. That might all change in the event that they lose a pair extra video games and the Tampa Bay Lightning win a pair extra video games. They’re creeping up on the Leafs for third. Nonetheless, although, the Leafs received’t threat dropping Marner long-term by bringing him again earlier than he’s prepared.
Level has been on fireplace currently. In his final three video games, he has produced seven factors, together with 5 objectives. This doesn’t even deliver us again to his six-point sport two weeks in the past in opposition to the New York Rangers. He’s at present day-to-day, which is poor timing for house owners. Tampa Bay solely performs two video games this week so the impression ought to be minimal.
That’ll do it for this week. Thanks for studying
Observe me on X: @doylelb4
Fantrax is likely one of the fastest-growing fantasy websites within the fantasy sports activities trade, and we’re not stopping any time quickly. We’re essentially the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform within the trade, providing the best fantasy expertise to your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and greatest ball leagues. Fantasy sports activities doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons operating 12 months a 12 months. Take your fantasy leagues to the subsequent degree now at Fantrax.com!
Let’s dive in.
Fantasy Hockey Week in Assessment
NHL Three Stars of the Week
First Star: Alexander Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
The true Ovechkin has arrived simply in time for the playoffs. In 4 video games, Ovie scored seven objectives and added one help, with 4 of these objectives approaching the ability play. With 26 objectives on the season, reaching 30 is firmly inside his grasp. I stated it final week, and I’ll repeat it: Ovechkin is a participant to purchase this summer season, particularly should you’re making a run.
Second Star: Auston Matthews, C, Toronto Maple Leafs
That is the primary time Matthews has landed within the three stars with extra assists than objectives. In 4 video games, he solely had three objectives, but it surely’s the seven assists he tacked on that deliver him again right here. His efficiency was anchored by a five-point evening in opposition to the Capitals. Seventy objectives appear to be a protracted shot, however Matthews is able to a number of multi-goal video games in a row.
Third Star: Connor McDavid, C, Edmonton Oilers
The objectives aren’t there this 12 months, with simply 26, but he’s on tempo for 139 factors. With two assists final evening, McDavid is now six assists away from changing into the primary participant since Wayne Gretzky in 1990-91 to have 100 assists in a single NHL season. It makes one surprise if McDavid can put all of it collectively in a single season: you recognize, 60-plus objectives and 100-plus factors.
Fantasy Hockey Standouts
Timo Meier, LW/RW, New Jersey Devils
With 11 objectives in his final 12 video games, Meier is delivering in a giant approach to your playoff run. I traded for him simply as he began to take off six weeks in the past. I additionally traded him away in November. I’m pleased with each offers. I acquired Owen Tippett and Mike Matheson within the deal I gave him up. I’m a giant believer in Tippett. He might be producing Meier numbers as quickly as subsequent 12 months. Matheson is likely one of the top-ranked defensemen in my pool’s format.
Alexis Lafreniere, LW/RW, New York Rangers
With eight factors in his final seven video games, Lafreniere is on the cusp of breaking 50 factors in a season for the primary time in his profession. He nonetheless isn’t receiving a lot in the way in which of time on the ability play, and solely a uncommon sniff on the primary unit. Till his energy play share doubles from its present 27.9%, Lafreniere may as nicely have a glass ceiling above his head. With a 20.5% improve in factors (47 from 3), Lafreniere has accomplished sufficient for many house owners to consider massive issues lie forward. This isn’t the buy-low choice you’re on the lookout for.
Tage Thompson, C/RW, Buffalo Sabres
Like Meier, Thompson has sprung to life during the last month. Over his final seven video games, Thompson has 9 factors and 25 photographs. That is what we anticipated all season lengthy. The wonderful thing about slumps that final 55 video games; quite a lot of house owners bounce ship. Stars appear to all the time put it collectively by the tip of the 12 months. A chilly begin equates to a scorching end. Tage house owners are having fun with the end-of-year bump in manufacturing.
Alex Tuch, RW, Buffalo Sabres
We’d as nicely persist with the Sabres a second longer. Tuch has additionally discovered his sport in March. He finds himself on a mini five-game level streak (1 aim, six assists). I had a number of groups lowball me on the commerce deadline to amass him. Once I say lowball, I imply, third and 4th spherical picks within the upcoming prospect draft. Nobody ought to be buying and selling a 27-year-old ahead for late picks, particularly one contemporary off a season the place they produced 1.07 factors per sport.
Trevor Zegras, C, Anaheim Geese
After lacking 38 video games, Zegras returned to motion final evening. This has been a season to neglect for Zegras. It would possible take Zegras a sport or two to seek out his sport legs. It will be nice to see Zegras put collectively a stable remaining 4 weeks of the season. If he doesn’t, it may open a small buy-low window. Fantasy house owners could be fickle. Get able to kick some tires this summer season.
Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
Crosby has two objectives and 5 assists in his final two video games. He’s as much as 76 factors in 71 video games and has a shot at 90 factors. At 36, he exhibits no indicators of slowing down. I personal him in two swimming pools and he’ll retire on these rosters. I may by no means commerce a fellow ‘Bluenoser’.
Owen Tippett, LW/RW, Philadelphia Flyers
Appears solely becoming I swing round and touch upon the participant I acquired for Meier a couple of months in the past. With 9 factors in his final seven video games and 12 factors in his final 14, Tippett is now one aim and one level away from tying his profession highs in each (27 objectives, 49 factors) and has tied his profession excessive in assists (22). He already has 27 extra photographs than his earlier profession excessive of 231 (258).
Tippett was the principle piece the Flyers acquired once they traded Claude Giroux to the Florida Panthers. That is the participant the Panthers thought they have been drafting in 2017, not the participant they thought they have been buying and selling in 2021-22. I can’t assist however consider what he may produce if he features John Tortorella’s full belief and locks down a spot on the primary energy play unit.
Jamie Benn, C/LW, Dallas Stars
Right here’s one other participant who produced at a subpar degree over the primary 50 video games, solely to bust out when it issues essentially the most. He has seven objectives and 7 assists in his final ten video games, together with six power-play factors. He’s additionally rocking a faceoff proportion of over 60% throughout that stretch.
Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
He’s skating however on his personal. Marner might want to return to follow earlier than he’s cleared to play. The Leafs have little to play for proper now so there isn’t any cause to hurry him again. That might all change in the event that they lose a pair extra video games and the Tampa Bay Lightning win a pair extra video games. They’re creeping up on the Leafs for third. Nonetheless, although, the Leafs received’t threat dropping Marner long-term by bringing him again earlier than he’s prepared.
Braydon Level, C, Tampa Bay Lightning
Level has been on fireplace currently. In his final three video games, he has produced seven factors, together with 5 objectives. This doesn’t even deliver us again to his six-point sport two weeks in the past in opposition to the New York Rangers. He’s at present day-to-day, which is poor timing for house owners. Tampa Bay solely performs two video games this week so the impression ought to be minimal.
That’ll do it for this week. Thanks for studying
Observe me on X: @doylelb4
Fantrax is likely one of the fastest-growing fantasy websites within the fantasy sports activities trade, and we’re not stopping any time quickly. We’re essentially the most customizable, easy-to-use, and feature-rich platform within the trade, providing the best fantasy expertise to your dynasty, keeper, redraft, and greatest ball leagues. Fantasy sports activities doesn’t sleep, and neither does Fantrax, with seasons operating 12 months a 12 months. Take your fantasy leagues to the subsequent degree now at Fantrax.com!