Every Wednesday during the season, NHL.com fantasy hockey expert Matt Cubeta will provide you with an in-depth analysis of fantasy centers in our weekly segment: "Center Stage." From updated center rankings to guys you should keep a close eye on and much more, Cubeta will be your fantasy center expert all season long.
The NHL trade deadline is behind us and the playoffs are inching closer. That means fantasy leagues are drawing even closer to an end. Most fantasy league trade deadlines have passed, meaning the team you've got right now likely is the squad you're going to battle with in the most important time of the season.
That is, unless you have Sidney Crosby.
If you've got Crosby in your fantasy league, then you'll likely get a boost for the final run that no one else in your league is going to get. Sure, Pavel Datsyuk is only a week or two away from returning from a knee injury, but the owner of Datsyuk has had him in his lineup more times than not, so that boost won't be much different from their usual roster. Crosby has appeared in your lineup just eight times all season.
|
|
(Page 12 of 34)
Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Center Stage: The return of Crosby inches closer
Wednesday, 03.07.2012 / 2:45 PM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Matt Cubeta - NHL.com Staff Writer
On the 'D'-fence: Kronwall red hot for Red Wings
Tuesday, 03.06.2012 / 12:19 PM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Brian Metzer - NHL.com Correspondent
Every Tuesday during the season, NHL.com Correspondent Brian Metzer will provide you with an in-depth analysis of fantasy defensemen in our weekly segment: "On the 'D'-fence." From updated defensemen rankings to guys you should keep a close eye on and much more, Metzer will be your fantasy d-man expert all season long.
The Detroit Red Wings have been one of the best teams in not only the Western Conference, but the entire National Hockey League throughout the 2011-12 season. They reeled off a record-setting 23 consecutive home wins at Joe Louis Arena and look primed to make another sustained postseason run.
The most impressive thing about this Wings team is that they have been able to do it all while losing 141 man-games to injury. They have seen a number of key contributors go down for stretches, including Jimmy Howard, Pavel Datsyuk and most recently Nicklas Lidstrom, but someone has always stepped up to keep the gears of the Red Wings' attack turning.
The Detroit Red Wings have been one of the best teams in not only the Western Conference, but the entire National Hockey League throughout the 2011-12 season. They reeled off a record-setting 23 consecutive home wins at Joe Louis Arena and look primed to make another sustained postseason run.
The most impressive thing about this Wings team is that they have been able to do it all while losing 141 man-games to injury. They have seen a number of key contributors go down for stretches, including Jimmy Howard, Pavel Datsyuk and most recently Nicklas Lidstrom, but someone has always stepped up to keep the gears of the Red Wings' attack turning.
Fantasy Mailbag: Downie, Ott valuable for stretch run
Monday, 03.05.2012 / 2:21 PM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Pete Jensen - NHL.com Staff Writer
NHL.com fantasy insider Pete Jensen has you covered all season long with the weekly Fantasy Hockey Mailbag. The most compelling questions posed each week will be answered in an effort to provide you with the best chance to succeed in your particular league.
Submit your best questions for the NHL.com Fantasy Mailbag by contacting PJensen@NHL.com.
AMOS FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA just made a trade and has an empty spot on his roster. His current arsenal of forwards includes Steven Stamkos (C), Ryan Kesler (C), Logan Couture (C/LW), Chris Kunitz (LW), Ryane Clowe (LW/RW), Michael Ryder (RW) and Radim Vrbata (RW). He’s looking to add a winger who can provide both points and PIMs, and has narrowed his choices down to Steve Downie and Steve Ott.
This question deals with two gritty wingers of similar build that can bolster any fantasy team for its playoff push. There are likely teams out of the playoff race in many leagues -- especially keeper ones -- so this question can apply to owners who may see Downie (owned in 46 percent of Yahoo! leagues) or Ott (35 percent) on the waiver wire and also those in deeper leagues who are torn on whether to acquire either Downie or Ott via trade. Both touch on PIMs and hits with regularity, and have also proven to be catalysts on the offensive end for their respective clubs.
Submit your best questions for the NHL.com Fantasy Mailbag by contacting PJensen@NHL.com.
AMOS FROM LAS VEGAS, NEVADA just made a trade and has an empty spot on his roster. His current arsenal of forwards includes Steven Stamkos (C), Ryan Kesler (C), Logan Couture (C/LW), Chris Kunitz (LW), Ryane Clowe (LW/RW), Michael Ryder (RW) and Radim Vrbata (RW). He’s looking to add a winger who can provide both points and PIMs, and has narrowed his choices down to Steve Downie and Steve Ott.
This question deals with two gritty wingers of similar build that can bolster any fantasy team for its playoff push. There are likely teams out of the playoff race in many leagues -- especially keeper ones -- so this question can apply to owners who may see Downie (owned in 46 percent of Yahoo! leagues) or Ott (35 percent) on the waiver wire and also those in deeper leagues who are torn on whether to acquire either Downie or Ott via trade. Both touch on PIMs and hits with regularity, and have also proven to be catalysts on the offensive end for their respective clubs.
In the Cage: Is Gustavsson worthy of a pickup?
Monday, 03.05.2012 / 1:43 PM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Justin Goldman - NHL.com Correspondent
Every Monday during the season, goalie specialist and founder of The Goalie Guild Justin Goldman will provide you with an in-depth analysis of fantasy goaltenders in NHL.com's weekly segment: "In the Cage." From updated goalie rankings to guys you should keep a close eye on and much more, Goldman will be your fantasy goalie expert all season long.
Now that Randy Carlyle is the new coach in Toronto, every player has a clean slate and a chance to elevate their role and playing time with the team. For the goalies, Jonas Gustavsson already has a head start on James Reimer after backstopping the Leafs to a 3-1 win against Montreal on Saturday.
With serious lower-body injuries to Tuukka Rask and Niklas Backstrom last week, many poolies are looking for replacements. But is Gustavsson -- aka, "The Monster" -- worth acquiring at this crucial stage of the fantasy season? He only stopped 21 of 22 shots against Montreal, and that was his first win in over a month.
Now that Randy Carlyle is the new coach in Toronto, every player has a clean slate and a chance to elevate their role and playing time with the team. For the goalies, Jonas Gustavsson already has a head start on James Reimer after backstopping the Leafs to a 3-1 win against Montreal on Saturday.
With serious lower-body injuries to Tuukka Rask and Niklas Backstrom last week, many poolies are looking for replacements. But is Gustavsson -- aka, "The Monster" -- worth acquiring at this crucial stage of the fantasy season? He only stopped 21 of 22 shots against Montreal, and that was his first win in over a month.
On the 'D'-Fence: Hot commodities at trade deadline
Tuesday, 02.28.2012 / 2:00 PM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Brian Metzer - NHL.com Correspondent
Every Tuesday during the season, NHL.com Correspondent Brian Metzer will provide you with an in-depth analysis of fantasy defensemen in our weekly segment: "On the 'D'-fence." From updated defensemen rankings to guys you should keep a close eye on and much more, Metzer will be your fantasy d-man expert all season long.
The National Hockey League's trade deadline has come and gone, and though it might not have been as busy as some had hoped, we did see a number of defensemen change addresses before 3 p.m. Monday. In fact, 18 rearguards found themselves on the move which pushed the total to 22 over the last five days.
Though all of those moves did not come with fantasy implications, a number of them did, as player value was either gained or lost by the shuffling of rosters and depth charts. It is the perfect example of "one man's loss being another's gain" and today we will look at some of the scenarios that should be on your radar as we head down the stretch of the NHL and fantasy seasons.
The National Hockey League's trade deadline has come and gone, and though it might not have been as busy as some had hoped, we did see a number of defensemen change addresses before 3 p.m. Monday. In fact, 18 rearguards found themselves on the move which pushed the total to 22 over the last five days.
Though all of those moves did not come with fantasy implications, a number of them did, as player value was either gained or lost by the shuffling of rosters and depth charts. It is the perfect example of "one man's loss being another's gain" and today we will look at some of the scenarios that should be on your radar as we head down the stretch of the NHL and fantasy seasons.
Fantasy: Hodgson, Kassian lead deadline day deals
Monday, 02.27.2012 / 5:52 PM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Matt Cubeta - NHL.com Staff Writer
The 2012 NHL trade deadline came and went. We saw 16 trades go down on the final day of the deadline and the majority of fantasy owners, and NHL fans in general, were wondering what would happen to coveted superstar, Rick Nash. Perhaps to the disappointment of Nash's fantasy owners, he was not traded.
Rick Nash is still Rick Nash, so if you've got him on your squad, you know what you're getting. This hasn't been his best season (62 games: 21 G, 22 A, minus-23, 32 PIMs, 14 PPP, 236 SOG), but he is still an elite forward capable of single-handedly carrying your team to a fantasy championship -- especially for those of you in head-to-head leagues.
While Nash didn't end up getting traded, there were some other players that could see an increase in fantasy value and are available in most fantasy leagues. Let's have a look:
Rick Nash is still Rick Nash, so if you've got him on your squad, you know what you're getting. This hasn't been his best season (62 games: 21 G, 22 A, minus-23, 32 PIMs, 14 PPP, 236 SOG), but he is still an elite forward capable of single-handedly carrying your team to a fantasy championship -- especially for those of you in head-to-head leagues.
While Nash didn't end up getting traded, there were some other players that could see an increase in fantasy value and are available in most fantasy leagues. Let's have a look:
In the Cage: Bishop or Lehner down the stretch?
Monday, 02.27.2012 / 10:51 AM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Justin Goldman - NHL.com Correspondent
Every Monday during the season, goalie specialist and founder of The Goalie Guild Justin Goldman will provide you with an in-depth analysis of fantasy goaltenders in NHL.com's weekly segment: "In the Cage." From updated goalie rankings to guys you should keep a close eye on and much more, Goldman will be your fantasy goalie expert all season long.
On Sunday morning, Ottawa acquired 25-year-old Ben Bishop from St. Louis in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. A team that desperately needed help in goal due to Craig Anderson's hand laceration, the Senators not only traded for immediate support, they also likely secured a backup for next season.
On Sunday afternoon, however, it was Robin Lehner that made 28 saves in a 5-2 win over the Islanders. Despite giving up a goal to John Tavares just 49 seconds into the game, the highly-touted Swedish rookie made many key saves in the first period, and was rewarded with the game's “first star” honors.
Now the organization has an interesting decision to make. Do they start Lehner or Bishop on Tuesday night in Boston? Furthermore, do they ride the hot goalie, or do they default to their new arrival?
On Sunday morning, Ottawa acquired 25-year-old Ben Bishop from St. Louis in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2013 NHL Draft. A team that desperately needed help in goal due to Craig Anderson's hand laceration, the Senators not only traded for immediate support, they also likely secured a backup for next season.
On Sunday afternoon, however, it was Robin Lehner that made 28 saves in a 5-2 win over the Islanders. Despite giving up a goal to John Tavares just 49 seconds into the game, the highly-touted Swedish rookie made many key saves in the first period, and was rewarded with the game's “first star” honors.
Now the organization has an interesting decision to make. Do they start Lehner or Bishop on Tuesday night in Boston? Furthermore, do they ride the hot goalie, or do they default to their new arrival?
Fantasy Mailbag: Sell high on RNH to win now?
Friday, 02.24.2012 / 1:45 PM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Pete Jensen - NHL.com Staff Writer
NHL.com fantasy insider Pete Jensen has you covered all season long with the weekly Fantasy Hockey Mailbag. The most compelling questions posed each week will be answered in an effort to provide you with the best chance to succeed in your particular league.
Submit your best questions for the NHL.com Fantasy Mailbag by contacting PJensen@NHL.com.
ZOEL FROM VANCOUVER is the defending champion in a keeper league that carries over three players per year for a maximum of three years. He is considering John Tavares (5th), Kris Letang (7th) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (14th) as potential keepers. However, he is mulling a proposed trade offer where he would send RNH straight up for James Neal.
Nugent-Hopkins has played only three games since the turn of the calendar year, and the Oilers own the second-worst record in the League. With only a few weeks to go before playoffs begin in head-to-head leagues, decision time has come for his fantasy owners. While it’s likely the 18-year-old will return before the regular season concludes, there’s no doubt that the Oilers will be cautious in dealing with their rookie phenom's recovery. He missed 13 straight games after suffering a shoulder injury on Jan. 2 and re-aggravated the injury on Feb. 6, leaving him out of the lineup for Edmonton’s last seven games. This remains a treatable injury, but it’s important to note that the Oilers’ future hinges on Nugent-Hopkins, who already has a hat trick and a 5-assist outing in limited action this season.
Submit your best questions for the NHL.com Fantasy Mailbag by contacting PJensen@NHL.com.
ZOEL FROM VANCOUVER is the defending champion in a keeper league that carries over three players per year for a maximum of three years. He is considering John Tavares (5th), Kris Letang (7th) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (14th) as potential keepers. However, he is mulling a proposed trade offer where he would send RNH straight up for James Neal.
Nugent-Hopkins has played only three games since the turn of the calendar year, and the Oilers own the second-worst record in the League. With only a few weeks to go before playoffs begin in head-to-head leagues, decision time has come for his fantasy owners. While it’s likely the 18-year-old will return before the regular season concludes, there’s no doubt that the Oilers will be cautious in dealing with their rookie phenom's recovery. He missed 13 straight games after suffering a shoulder injury on Jan. 2 and re-aggravated the injury on Feb. 6, leaving him out of the lineup for Edmonton’s last seven games. This remains a treatable injury, but it’s important to note that the Oilers’ future hinges on Nugent-Hopkins, who already has a hat trick and a 5-assist outing in limited action this season.
Right of Way: Carter's new value, others to go?
Friday, 02.24.2012 / 1:19 PM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Matt Cubeta - NHL.com Staff Writer
Every Friday during the season, NHL.com fantasy hockey expert Matt Cubeta will provide you with an in-depth analysis of fantasy right wings in our weekly segment: "Right of Way." From updated right wing rankings to guys you should keep a close eye on and much more, Cubeta will be your fantasy right wing expert all season long.
One of the two big fish is officially gone. With Jeff Carter getting traded last night to the Los Angeles Kings, that leaves Rick Nash as the last remaining prime-time target before Monday's trade deadline.
Carter, center and right wing eligible in Yahoo! Fantasy Leagues, should see an immediate fantasy boost for the rest of this season, and his owners should definitely be happy about this trade. While the Kings are dead last in goals per game at just 2.05, Carter will end up playing on a better line than he was in Columbus, and despite this season's struggles the Kings clearly have more offensive depth than the Jackets -- Carter should end up playing the right side to either Anze Kopitar or former teammate Mike Richards.
One of the two big fish is officially gone. With Jeff Carter getting traded last night to the Los Angeles Kings, that leaves Rick Nash as the last remaining prime-time target before Monday's trade deadline.
Carter, center and right wing eligible in Yahoo! Fantasy Leagues, should see an immediate fantasy boost for the rest of this season, and his owners should definitely be happy about this trade. While the Kings are dead last in goals per game at just 2.05, Carter will end up playing on a better line than he was in Columbus, and despite this season's struggles the Kings clearly have more offensive depth than the Jackets -- Carter should end up playing the right side to either Anze Kopitar or former teammate Mike Richards.
Turn Left Here: Value of Dubinsky, Semin could rise
Thursday, 02.23.2012 / 10:31 AM / Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings, Advice and Analysis
Matt Cubeta - NHL.com Staff Writer
Every Thursday during the season, NHL.com fantasy hockey expert Matt Cubeta will provide you with an in-depth analysis of fantasy left wings in our weekly segment: "Turn Left Here." From updated left wing rankings to guys you should keep a close eye on and much more, Cubeta will be your fantasy left wing expert all season long.
Yesterday we discussed the centers that could be on the move before trade deadline day (Monday, Feb. 27), and sure enough, one of the players we mentioned was dealt just hours after the story posted. The Blue Jackets shipped out Antoine Vermette to the Coyotes in exchange for a 2012 2nd-round draft pick, a 2013 5th-round draft pick and goalie Curtis McElhinney.
Vermette has center and left wing eligibility in Yahoo! Fantasy Leagues, and despite his struggles this season (8 G, 19 A in 60 games), he should definitely see added fantasy value going forward now that he's moved from Columbus to Phoenix.
Yesterday we discussed the centers that could be on the move before trade deadline day (Monday, Feb. 27), and sure enough, one of the players we mentioned was dealt just hours after the story posted. The Blue Jackets shipped out Antoine Vermette to the Coyotes in exchange for a 2012 2nd-round draft pick, a 2013 5th-round draft pick and goalie Curtis McElhinney.
Vermette has center and left wing eligibility in Yahoo! Fantasy Leagues, and despite his struggles this season (8 G, 19 A in 60 games), he should definitely see added fantasy value going forward now that he's moved from Columbus to Phoenix.
| 2013-14 FORWARD RANKINGS | ||
|
Rank
|
Team
|
Player |
| 1. |  |
Sidney Crosby |
| 2. |  |
Alex Ovechkin |
| 3. |  |
Steven Stamkos |
| 4. | |
Evgeni Malkin |
| 5. |  |
Jonathan Toews |
NHL.com is the official web site of the National Hockey League. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup, Center Ice name and logo, NHL Conference logos and NHL Winter Classic name are registered trademarks and Vintage Hockey word mark and logo, Live Every Shift, Hot Off the Ice, The Game Lives Where You Do, NHL Power Play, NHL Winter Classic logo, NHL Heritage Classic name and logo, NHL GameCenter Live, NHL Network, NHL Mobile name and logo, NHL Radio, NHL Awards name and logo, Hockey Fights Cancer, NHL All-Access Vancouver name and logo, NHL Ice Time, Ice Time Any Time, Ice Tracker and Questions Will Become Answers are trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. © NHL 2012. All Rights Reserved. All NHL team jerseys customized with NHL players' names and numbers are officially licensed by the NHL and the NHLPA. The Zamboni word mark and configuration of the Zamboni ice resurfacing machine are registered trademarks of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. © Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc. 2012. All Rights Reserved.