Week 9 of the NHL season is here
and I have some potential streaming targets. The award for best schedule this
week goes to the Seattle Kraken, facing the most porous opponents with 2 games
on light nights. While Vegas plays a slightly tougher schedule, but 3 times on
light nights. This is a busy week, with 14 teams playing 4 games. Building my
watchlist for this took longer than usual. You can see that and my strength of
schedule graphic if you scroll down past my November Fantasy Awards, though you
may want to take a moment to read them, because there are some interesting
results.
My blog has been moved to
Substack this season and I’ll be repeatedly encouraging everyone to sign-up for
a free subscription to alleviate my dependence on Twitter for traffic. I’m
concerned that Elon will follow through on his threat to charge everyone for
Twitter and ostensibly destroy his own company. Subscribers receive an email
notification each time a new post is published, and even if Twitter stays free,
the algorithm likes to hide Tweets with links so you don’t leave. I have
already started sending out bonus betting content exclusive to subscribers, and
may start a Sunday Fantasy Thoughts.
Best Standard League Adds (25% to 65% Yahoo ownership):
1) Eeli Tolvanen, Sea, (51% Yahoo ownership): If you scroll down to my November Fantasy Awards, you’ll notice Eeli Tolvanen is this month’s “Stock Rocket” for biggest increase in Yahoo ownership the last month (he was 5% owned on Halloween). His value gets a boost in leagues that count hits and shots, scoring 12 PTS (3 on the power play) in his last 14 games with 36 shots and 25 hits. He’s eligible at both wings and Seattle has the best upcoming schedule, playing leaky opponents (though Tampa-Minnesota may have stopped the bleeding). Tolvanen plays 2nd line and top power play. The runner-up for Stock Rocket was Trevor Moore, who also has a 4-game week ahead, but less friendly. Moore is doing his damage on line 2 power play 2, collecting 11 PTS (4 on the power play) in his last 11 GP with 27 shots.
2) Zach Werenski, CBJ, (60% Yahoo ownership): Werenski was my top recommended add last week, and the Blue Jackets play another 4 games. The reason he’s lower down the list this week is Columbus has the toughest 4-game schedule for opponent goal prevention. My enthusiasm has diminished slightly, but I’m not planning to drop him from my team anytime soon. He does have 12 PTS in his last 16 GP (he’s currently playing Ottawa as I’m writing this and has assist, could finish with more). Great add too if your league counts shots. If Zach is already owned in your league, Torey Krug is a decent option on the top power play in St. Louis (4 PTS (3 on the PP) in his last 7 GP) and Blues play 3 times on light nights, although they do play Vegas twice which isn’t ideal.
3) Robert
Thomas, Stl, (57% Yahoo ownership): As mentioned previously, the St. Louis
Blues are going to playing on Monday-Wednesday-Friday which will make their
players very easy to fit into your starting roster. The downside being that the
first two are against Vegas who don’t give up many goals, but at least Robert
Thomas plays top line and top power play, scoring 18 PTS (4 on the power play)
in his last 15 GP with 33 shots (low shooting rates were a former problem for
him, but seems like he’s making a concerned effort to shoot more. He won’t give
you many hits though, but if that’s something you seek, try Tom Wilson
(who was plugged here last week too). He’s currently listed on line 1, power
play 1 with Ovie, with 4 goals, 26 shots, and 17 hits in his last 6 games.
4) Pyotr Kochetkov, Car, (44% Yahoo ownership): After posting a .909 SV% in 24 games last season, it’s been a bumpy first quarter for my guy Pyotr. He has started the last 3 games in a row after Raanta was struck by Lightning, but gave up 5 goals on 16 shots last game vs the Islanders (the first two starts were quality). Raanta should get the next start, and possibly the next start after that if he plays well. That being said, the Canes do play 4 games on a Western Canada road trip, and 3 of those teams can score. I’m currently rostering Elvis Merzlikins in a league (.912 SV% in his last 11 starts), and I’m trying to decide between him and Kochetkov. Elvis should get more starts, but LA and Florida make me a little nervous.
5) Dawson Mercer, NJ, (37% Yahoo ownership): Dawson Mercer was nearly my top recommended add when I checked Daily Faceoff who had him playing line 1 with Jack Hughes, but I’m watching their game against San Jose (which they’re currently losing) and Hughes it’s Meier on that line instead of Mercer in Timo’s first game back from injury. That being said, Mercer does have a goal in this game, giving him 6 PTS in his last 4 GP. They had won 3 straight when Mercer was playing with Hughes, so maybe if they lose to San Jose, Lindy will move him back. Another appealing 3rd wheel is Ivan Barbashev, listed with Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Vegas has one of the best schedules, including 3 games on light nights. Though your league needs to count hits if you’re going to consider Ivan, as his point totals are underwhelming.
Honorable Mentions: Tom Wilson, Elvis Merzlikins, Ivan Barbashev, Torey Krug, Trevor Moore
Last Week: Zach Werenski, Alexis Lafreniere, Tom Wilson, Jonathan Quick, Jake DeBrusk
Best Deep League Adds (under 25% ownership):
1) Charlie Lindgren, Wsh, (24% Yahoo ownership): If Charlie Lindgren happens to be available in your league, he might be a better option than Kochetkov or Merzlikins. Washington plays 4 games and in their last 5 have been alternating back and forth between Lindgren and Kuemper. If that holds, he would get Dallas and Chicago. Charlie is sporting a .942 SV% in his last 6 games, which includes 5 goals allowed to Edmonton. He’s on fire and just stole a victory from my LA Kings, stopping 38 of 39 shots. Speaking of hot streaks, Alex Lyon in Detroit has given up 2 goals in his last 3 starts, all wins. Detroit only plays 3, but Lyon has a good chance of getting Buffalo and Ottawa. Yes they can score (sometimes), but neither occupies a playoff spot.
2) Jake Neighbours, Stl, (10% Yahoo ownership): If you found my Robert Thomas pitch appealing in the previous section, you may want to try his newest winger Jake Neighbours who joins him on line 1 and power play 1 (according to Daily Faceoff), scoring an impressive 7 goals and 8 PTS in his last 7 games with 15 shots and 14 hits. That makes him a valuable play in category leagues, especially with the Mon-Wed-Fri schedule (sadly their weakest opponent is on the Saturday. Another winger with solid deployment is Ondrej Palat, playing 2nd line in New Jersey with Hischier and Bratt, as well as power play two. In his last 13 GP, Palat his notched 8 PTS (3 on the PP) with 23 shots and 11 hits.
3) Gustav Nyquist, Nsh, (18% Yahoo ownership): Gus Nyquist is now making his 3rd consecutive appearance here as Nashville has yet another 4-game week ahead (which means they should have some very quiet weeks in their future), with the winger playing top line and top power. In the last 2 weeks he has 7 PTS and 18 shots in 7 games. If you added him on my advice in the previous weeks, no reason to drop now (it’s not a hard schedule) unless you’re worried this workload will deplete their energy. If you need more hits than Nyquist dishes, his teammate Yakov Trenin should provide plenty. In his last 12 GP he only has 5 PTS to go along with 17 shots and 31 hits. He may only play 3rd line, but he does see time on the 2nd power play.
4) Jared Spurgeon, Min, (14% Yahoo ownership): Jared Spurgeon missed the start of the season with injury, scoring just 2 PTS in 8 GP since his return. The reason he’s my top deep league D this week is because Minnesota has a favorable schedule (2 light nights) and they traded Addison to San Jose, freeing up that top power play for Spurgeon. He’s only 14% owned after averaging 65% last year. There’s room for positive growth, and he gets lots of ice time, power play too. I’ll hope that slow start is just rust and he’s ready to round into form. He won’t give you many hits though and if that’s your jam, Jeremy Lauzon in Nashville has 33 in his last 7 games. Nashville has a nice schedule ahead and is riding a hot streak.
5) Mason Marchment, Dal, (4% Yahoo ownership): The Dallas Stars will play 4 games in the week ahead, but could be facing some hot goalies depending on who gets call. He’s playing on the Stars second line with Seguin-Duchene, and the trio has been productive (his linemates here very late cuts on my watchlist, which you can see if you scroll past my fantasy awards). Marchment isn’t currently deployed on the power play, but that hasn’t stopped him from collecting 11 PTS in his last 14 GP, with 25 shots and 10 hits. If you’d like an easier schedule, Marco Rossi is still listed on Minnesota’s top line with Kaprizov, scoring 8 PTS with 20 shots in his last 12 GP. They play Chicago Sunday before departing for a western road trip that could be fruitful if Karpizov finally gets going.
Honorable Mentions: Alex Lyon, Ondrej Palat, Jeremy Lauzon, Yakov Trenin
Last Week: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Gustav Nyquist, J.J Peterka, Charlie Coyle, Calen Addison
November MVF
Who was the most valuable forward of the month?
Nikita Kucherov TBL
J.T Miller VAN
Nathan MacKinnon COL
November MVD
Who was the most valuable defenseman of the month?
Cale Makar COL
Quinn Hughes VAN
Filip Hronek VAN
November MVG
Who was the most valuable goalie of the month?
Sergei Bobrovsky FLA
Thatcher Demko VAN
Tristan Jarry PIT
Stock Rocket Award
Player with biggest increase in fantasy ownership.
Eeli Tolvanen SEA +46%
Trevor Moore LAK +39%
William Karlsson VEG +35%
Erik Gustafsson NYR +35%
Cam Talbot LAK +35%
Quinton Byfield LAK +34%
Filip Hronek VAN +34%
Robert Thomas STL +34%
Mason Mctavish ANA +33%
Patrick Kane DET +33%
Stock Plunger Award
Healthy(ish) player with the biggest drop in fantasy ownership.
Devon Levi BUF -37%
Ryan Hartman MIN -31%
Jonas Johansson TBL -28%
Karel Vejmelka ARI -26%
Vladimir Tarasenko OTT -25%
Evan Rodrigues FLA -25%
Tyson Barrie NSH -24%
Pierre-Luc Dubois LAK -24%
Anthony DeAngelo CAR -24%
Jack Campbell EDM -23%
Jonathan Huberdeau Award
Player most below my point projection (full season, not just November).
Matthew Tkachuk FLA 23 GP 18 PTS
Johnny Gaudreau CBJ 24 GP 11 PTS
Connor Brown EDM 16 GP 1 PTS
Pleasant Surprise Award
Player most exceeding my point projection (full season, not just November).
Pavel Mintyukov ANA 23 GP 12 PTS
J.T Miller VAN 24 GP 36 PTS
Filip Hronek VAN 24 GP 23 PTS
Simon Edvinsson Award
Player I’m most disappointed to see in the minors.
Simon Edvinsson DET
Devon Levi BUF
Spencer Knight FLA
*Kent Johnson was scheduled to win this award before getting recalled at the end of the month. Levi would have won if I didn’t think this was the best thing for his development.
Best Standard League Adds (25% to 65% Yahoo ownership):
1) Eeli Tolvanen, Sea, (51% Yahoo ownership): If you scroll down to my November Fantasy Awards, you’ll notice Eeli Tolvanen is this month’s “Stock Rocket” for biggest increase in Yahoo ownership the last month (he was 5% owned on Halloween). His value gets a boost in leagues that count hits and shots, scoring 12 PTS (3 on the power play) in his last 14 games with 36 shots and 25 hits. He’s eligible at both wings and Seattle has the best upcoming schedule, playing leaky opponents (though Tampa-Minnesota may have stopped the bleeding). Tolvanen plays 2nd line and top power play. The runner-up for Stock Rocket was Trevor Moore, who also has a 4-game week ahead, but less friendly. Moore is doing his damage on line 2 power play 2, collecting 11 PTS (4 on the power play) in his last 11 GP with 27 shots.
2) Zach Werenski, CBJ, (60% Yahoo ownership): Werenski was my top recommended add last week, and the Blue Jackets play another 4 games. The reason he’s lower down the list this week is Columbus has the toughest 4-game schedule for opponent goal prevention. My enthusiasm has diminished slightly, but I’m not planning to drop him from my team anytime soon. He does have 12 PTS in his last 16 GP (he’s currently playing Ottawa as I’m writing this and has assist, could finish with more). Great add too if your league counts shots. If Zach is already owned in your league, Torey Krug is a decent option on the top power play in St. Louis (4 PTS (3 on the PP) in his last 7 GP) and Blues play 3 times on light nights, although they do play Vegas twice which isn’t ideal.
4) Pyotr Kochetkov, Car, (44% Yahoo ownership): After posting a .909 SV% in 24 games last season, it’s been a bumpy first quarter for my guy Pyotr. He has started the last 3 games in a row after Raanta was struck by Lightning, but gave up 5 goals on 16 shots last game vs the Islanders (the first two starts were quality). Raanta should get the next start, and possibly the next start after that if he plays well. That being said, the Canes do play 4 games on a Western Canada road trip, and 3 of those teams can score. I’m currently rostering Elvis Merzlikins in a league (.912 SV% in his last 11 starts), and I’m trying to decide between him and Kochetkov. Elvis should get more starts, but LA and Florida make me a little nervous.
5) Dawson Mercer, NJ, (37% Yahoo ownership): Dawson Mercer was nearly my top recommended add when I checked Daily Faceoff who had him playing line 1 with Jack Hughes, but I’m watching their game against San Jose (which they’re currently losing) and Hughes it’s Meier on that line instead of Mercer in Timo’s first game back from injury. That being said, Mercer does have a goal in this game, giving him 6 PTS in his last 4 GP. They had won 3 straight when Mercer was playing with Hughes, so maybe if they lose to San Jose, Lindy will move him back. Another appealing 3rd wheel is Ivan Barbashev, listed with Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Vegas has one of the best schedules, including 3 games on light nights. Though your league needs to count hits if you’re going to consider Ivan, as his point totals are underwhelming.
Honorable Mentions: Tom Wilson, Elvis Merzlikins, Ivan Barbashev, Torey Krug, Trevor Moore
Last Week: Zach Werenski, Alexis Lafreniere, Tom Wilson, Jonathan Quick, Jake DeBrusk
Best Deep League Adds (under 25% ownership):
1) Charlie Lindgren, Wsh, (24% Yahoo ownership): If Charlie Lindgren happens to be available in your league, he might be a better option than Kochetkov or Merzlikins. Washington plays 4 games and in their last 5 have been alternating back and forth between Lindgren and Kuemper. If that holds, he would get Dallas and Chicago. Charlie is sporting a .942 SV% in his last 6 games, which includes 5 goals allowed to Edmonton. He’s on fire and just stole a victory from my LA Kings, stopping 38 of 39 shots. Speaking of hot streaks, Alex Lyon in Detroit has given up 2 goals in his last 3 starts, all wins. Detroit only plays 3, but Lyon has a good chance of getting Buffalo and Ottawa. Yes they can score (sometimes), but neither occupies a playoff spot.
2) Jake Neighbours, Stl, (10% Yahoo ownership): If you found my Robert Thomas pitch appealing in the previous section, you may want to try his newest winger Jake Neighbours who joins him on line 1 and power play 1 (according to Daily Faceoff), scoring an impressive 7 goals and 8 PTS in his last 7 games with 15 shots and 14 hits. That makes him a valuable play in category leagues, especially with the Mon-Wed-Fri schedule (sadly their weakest opponent is on the Saturday. Another winger with solid deployment is Ondrej Palat, playing 2nd line in New Jersey with Hischier and Bratt, as well as power play two. In his last 13 GP, Palat his notched 8 PTS (3 on the PP) with 23 shots and 11 hits.
3) Gustav Nyquist, Nsh, (18% Yahoo ownership): Gus Nyquist is now making his 3rd consecutive appearance here as Nashville has yet another 4-game week ahead (which means they should have some very quiet weeks in their future), with the winger playing top line and top power. In the last 2 weeks he has 7 PTS and 18 shots in 7 games. If you added him on my advice in the previous weeks, no reason to drop now (it’s not a hard schedule) unless you’re worried this workload will deplete their energy. If you need more hits than Nyquist dishes, his teammate Yakov Trenin should provide plenty. In his last 12 GP he only has 5 PTS to go along with 17 shots and 31 hits. He may only play 3rd line, but he does see time on the 2nd power play.
4) Jared Spurgeon, Min, (14% Yahoo ownership): Jared Spurgeon missed the start of the season with injury, scoring just 2 PTS in 8 GP since his return. The reason he’s my top deep league D this week is because Minnesota has a favorable schedule (2 light nights) and they traded Addison to San Jose, freeing up that top power play for Spurgeon. He’s only 14% owned after averaging 65% last year. There’s room for positive growth, and he gets lots of ice time, power play too. I’ll hope that slow start is just rust and he’s ready to round into form. He won’t give you many hits though and if that’s your jam, Jeremy Lauzon in Nashville has 33 in his last 7 games. Nashville has a nice schedule ahead and is riding a hot streak.
5) Mason Marchment, Dal, (4% Yahoo ownership): The Dallas Stars will play 4 games in the week ahead, but could be facing some hot goalies depending on who gets call. He’s playing on the Stars second line with Seguin-Duchene, and the trio has been productive (his linemates here very late cuts on my watchlist, which you can see if you scroll past my fantasy awards). Marchment isn’t currently deployed on the power play, but that hasn’t stopped him from collecting 11 PTS in his last 14 GP, with 25 shots and 10 hits. If you’d like an easier schedule, Marco Rossi is still listed on Minnesota’s top line with Kaprizov, scoring 8 PTS with 20 shots in his last 12 GP. They play Chicago Sunday before departing for a western road trip that could be fruitful if Karpizov finally gets going.
Honorable Mentions: Alex Lyon, Ondrej Palat, Jeremy Lauzon, Yakov Trenin
Last Week: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, Gustav Nyquist, J.J Peterka, Charlie Coyle, Calen Addison
November MVF
Who was the most valuable forward of the month?
Nikita Kucherov TBL
J.T Miller VAN
Nathan MacKinnon COL
November MVD
Who was the most valuable defenseman of the month?
Cale Makar COL
Quinn Hughes VAN
Filip Hronek VAN
November MVG
Who was the most valuable goalie of the month?
Sergei Bobrovsky FLA
Thatcher Demko VAN
Tristan Jarry PIT
Stock Rocket Award
Player with biggest increase in fantasy ownership.
Eeli Tolvanen SEA +46%
Trevor Moore LAK +39%
William Karlsson VEG +35%
Erik Gustafsson NYR +35%
Cam Talbot LAK +35%
Quinton Byfield LAK +34%
Filip Hronek VAN +34%
Robert Thomas STL +34%
Mason Mctavish ANA +33%
Patrick Kane DET +33%
Stock Plunger Award
Healthy(ish) player with the biggest drop in fantasy ownership.
Devon Levi BUF -37%
Ryan Hartman MIN -31%
Jonas Johansson TBL -28%
Karel Vejmelka ARI -26%
Vladimir Tarasenko OTT -25%
Evan Rodrigues FLA -25%
Tyson Barrie NSH -24%
Pierre-Luc Dubois LAK -24%
Anthony DeAngelo CAR -24%
Jack Campbell EDM -23%
Jonathan Huberdeau Award
Player most below my point projection (full season, not just November).
Matthew Tkachuk FLA 23 GP 18 PTS
Johnny Gaudreau CBJ 24 GP 11 PTS
Connor Brown EDM 16 GP 1 PTS
Pleasant Surprise Award
Player most exceeding my point projection (full season, not just November).
Pavel Mintyukov ANA 23 GP 12 PTS
J.T Miller VAN 24 GP 36 PTS
Filip Hronek VAN 24 GP 23 PTS
Simon Edvinsson Award
Player I’m most disappointed to see in the minors.
Simon Edvinsson DET
Devon Levi BUF
Spencer Knight FLA
*Kent Johnson was scheduled to win this award before getting recalled at the end of the month. Levi would have won if I didn’t think this was the best thing for his development.
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