The NHL season is heating up as teams vie for playoff positions and fans get increasingly engrossed in fantasy hockey strategies. This week, our power rankings bring insights on player performances and fantasy options, with some surprising movements among teams and players alike.
*Four games are on the slate for January 7, including matchups between Washington and Buffalo, Vancouver and Montreal, Florida and Colorado, New Jersey and Seattle, highlighting both players and goalies to watch.
Charlie Lindgren of Washington is being eyed by fantasy managers, even as he navigates through a rough patch. His latest stats show he is 0-2-1, having allowed 10 goals on just 81 shots. Despite this slump, he’s still someone to keep your eyes on due to his previous solid performance last season with 25 wins, sporting a 2.67 goals-against average (GAA) and .911 save percentage.
Meanwhile, fantasy hockey enthusiasts are closely monitoring Thatcher Demko as he takes on Samuel Montembeault. Demko’s current performance might sway those who are still undecided on their roster picks. Sergei Bobrovsky faces off against Mackenzie Blackwood, both goalies showcasing potential for fantasy points. Lastly, Jacob Markstrom squares off against Joey Daccord, who is also making waves due to his recent upward trend.
Overall, it’s not just individual matchups to keep track of, but also team dynamics affecting how players perform. For many teams, this has led to shifts on the power rankings.
This week, Matthew Knies is leading the charge for Toronto, taking the Leafs to new heights. With impressive stats, he’s becoming the talk of the town as he boosts his team’s standings. Toronto’s recent record of 24-15-3, alongside their +27 goal differential, has placed them firmly within the top echelon of teams as they navigate through the regular season.
While Toronto thrives, the Washington Capitals are also climbing the ranks. Despite only being 3-1-1 in their recent stretch, star player Alex Ovechkin’s return promises even more excitement as he continues climbing closer to Wayne Gretzky’s legendary goal-scoring record.
The Capitals' strong showing has moved them to 1st place this week’s power rankings, receiving praise for their high-scoring potential and ability to win important games. Yet, apprehension exists about how their inconsistency might eventually affect playoff hopes.
Another team to watch is the Minnesota Wild, with standout performances from Kirill Kaprizov and Filip Gustavsson propelling them to recent success, now showing up as contenders for the Cup. Their record reflects their hard work: 26-13-2 with +16 goal differential. Analysts are cautiously optimistic, though they express concerns about how contracts might affect their future.
The Vegas Golden Knights are maintaining their strong season, boasting a record of 27-9-3. Their recent performance places them as one of the hottest teams with 12 wins out of the last 14 games. The Knights show well-founded confidence moving closer to playoff action, dominating recent games against underwhelming opponents.
Interest also lies with the Philadelphia Flyers, who are struggling at 17-19-3. Despite solid showings at 5-on-5, they seem to be losing when it counts most. Their offensive struggles at pivotal moments might limit their ability to secure playoff spots.
And then there’s the Edmonton Oilers. Scott points out their ability to maintain performance without the same depth as last year, even as Leon Draisaitl shines. Currently ranked sixth, the Oilers have flown under the radar, accumulating wins without stealing headlines.
Revisiting the New York Rangers, things are more complicated. Recent performances highlight underwhelming displays, and critics suggest major restructuring might be on the horizon. They slip down the rankings due to lackluster play and injuries impacting key players like Igor Shesterkin.
Looking at individual performances, the discussions around goalies are burning bright. The selection of whether to roster Charlie Lindgren or pursue alternatives hinges on analytics and specific matchups each upcoming game day. Fantasy managers need to act quickly and strategically with changing trends.
Fantasy hockey isn’t solely about big names; players like Sam Bennett have emerged as mysteries this season. Despite earlier promise, his lack of production lately raises questions about roster continuity and what this means for future opportunities.
The NHL is full of twists, and with temporary slumps and sudden surges, no team can feel complacent. From fantasy projections to power rankings, every decision matters. Managers tasked with assembling winning lineups face constant pressure to analyze players effectively.
Stay tuned to The Hockey News' Fantasy site for the most pertinent updates and analysis. Whether players bounce back to effect performances or teams solidify their playoff runs, the drama is only just beginning. Bookmark for the latest stats, news, and analysis, along with exciting podcasts discussing the next players to watch!