After the Anaheim Ducks mercifully relieved Randy Carlyle of his duties last Sunday, that made it six coaching causalities (and counting) in the NHL this season.
Positive or negative, each move has had a lasting impact in the fantasy hockey world. It’s always intriguing to see how teams and players react to change:
As illustrated above, the St. Louis Blues have benefited the most from a change behind the bench. They’re back from the dead.
Team | Record since firing |
---|---|
St. Louis Blues | 23-13-2 |
Philadelphia Flyers | 2015-09-03 |
Chicago Blackhawks | 18-20-6 |
Los Angeles Kings | 19-21-5 |
Edmonton Oilers | 15-19-4 |
Anaheim Ducks | 1-1-0 |
1. Contrary to most, I think it’s an excellent time to buy-low on struggling files like Ryan Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell. They’ll recoup some sort of fantasy value eventually. You won’t regret the decision.
2. John Gibson is injured again; Chad Johnson is banged up too; Ryan Miller hasn’t been fully healthy for a while; Kevin Boyle, please stand up. After back-to-back solid starts, the 26-year-old deserves your attention on the waiver wire. Look at Boyle of a last resort at the moment.
3. Considering their recent struggles, it’s a good time to buy some stock in Vegas. Go trade hunting on names like Max Pacioretty, William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault before it’s too late. They’ll get going again soon.
4. Speaking of the Golden Knights, don’t be surprised to see Marc-Andre Fleury get some much needed rest between now and the end of the regular season. Remarkably, he’s appeared in 51 of 60 games thus far and is on pace for an unprecedented 70 outings. Fatigue could be setting in – Fleury has surrendered 19 goals over his last five starts.
Buckle up, Malcolm Subban.
5. If you’re an Andrei Vasilevskiy owner, it would be wise to double up with Louis Domingue. The substantial cushion in the standings will allow Jon Cooper to keep Vasilevskiy fresh for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
6. Distraught over losing David Pastrnak? You’re not alone. Internally, Danton Heinen is getting the initial look. If that doesn’t work out, expect Jake DeBrusk to see some time with Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand.
Some waiver options to contemplate: Kevin Lebanc (SJS), Dominik Kahun (CHI), J.T. Miller (TBL), Ilya Kovalchuk (LAK) and Josh Bailey (NYI).
7. In search of goal-scoring? Pound-for-pound, Viktor Arvidsson could be the league’s best right now in terms of offensive efficiency. Quietly, the Predators winger has 26 goals in 36 games. Prorated over 82 contests, that’s 59 goals. And it’s barely talked about.
8. For those wondering, I’m still fully behind acquiring Patrik Laine. The Finn hasn’t scored in 14 games. Whatever, too much potential value to be had here when he eventually goes off again.
9. David Rittich’s recent shakiness has opened the door once again for veteran Mike Smith to barge back into the Calgary crease. The veteran has started the last two games for the Flames, the first time he’s received the nod in consecutive contests since early January. Monitor closely.
10. The Blackhawks are another team to keep close tabs on when it comes to goaltending. Corey Crawford says he’s “back to normal” which means a return is imminent. Rookie Collin Delia and Cam Ward have provided a respectable one-two punch during this torrid run for Chicago. Decisions have to be made unless Stan Bowman is content with a mind-numbing three-goalie system.
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11. The Islanders seem quite happy with their current two-goalie system and why wouldn’t they be? Robin Lehner and Thomas have alternated starts over the last seven games. That situation is great in reality, not so much in the fantasy world. If you own the combo, you’re laughing.
Make sure you have substantial depth in your crease.
12. Despite having not played since Dec. 23 due to a lower-body ailment, Taylor Hall should be on your trade radar right now. The Devils have been eerily quiet about his status but they’ve been consistent in saying that the superstar will eventually return this season. I’ll take my chances. You can acquire Hall for way below market value right now.
13. Throw Tomas Hertl out on the market and see what you can fetch. Like his team, the 25-year-old has been blistering hot lately notching seven goals and 13 points since Jan. 22. With 26 goals and 53 points in 54 games, he’s already tallied career highs across the board. Maximize the asset!
14. There’s a new No. 1 for Buffalo and it’s not Carter Hutton. Linus Ullmark has started five of the last six games for the inconsistent Sabres. Adjust your rosters accordingly.
15. Red Wings winger Tyler Bertuzzi is a new-aged power forward that can provide you with extensive category coverage. After missing seven games due to a concussion, the 23-year-old returned to the lineup on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, skating on Detroit’s top-line with Dylan Larkin and Gustav Nyquist.
16. I wonder if Detroit calls up top prospect Filip Zadina after the deadline. After a quiet January, the 19-year-old now has points in seven of his last eight AHL games. Be alert.
17. Go out and grab Ondrej Palat. Since returning from injury, the winger has been skating on Tampa’s top line with Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson. Need I say more?
18. Not much – fantasy wise – to take from the Cam Talbot-Anthony Stolarz one-for-one swap between Edmonton and Philadelphia. For streaming purposes, Talbot is a much better option. I have zero faith in the Oilers going forward this season.
19. As the trade deadline approaches, #AssetProtection will certainly become a thing again. Make sure to keep up-to-date on the latest roster moves. This time of year, teams actively sit players who could be on the move. Be smart.
20. When it comes to putting together your Sportsnet Fantasy Hockey roster, I’d stay away from anyone who’s likely to be dealt.
12-teams have a four-game week (ARI, CGY, CHI, COL, CBJ, DAL, MIN, NYR, OTT, SJS, STL and WSH). It wouldn’t be wise to own someone on the Canucks this week; they’ll be the quiet team in the NHL, suiting up just twice.
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