NHL Fantasy Hockey: Why is Nick Bonino still on the waiver wire?
Dobber launched his fantasy hockey website DobberHockey back in 2005 and has been Puck Daddy's resident fantasy hockey 'expert' since 2009.
The Winnipeg Jets are winning hockey games. Five of the last six, actually. And while reading that may very possibly have caused your jaw to drop, the knowledge that captain Andrew Ladd has been on fire probably won't. Ladd certainly has his hot streaks and in leagues that count hits and shots on goal (along with the usual categories), he's actually been the best skater to own lately. Here are the top 25 skaters in roto hockey over the last two weeks (courtesy of the free tools over at Frozen Pool):
Studs...
These fellas are wielding a hot stick. Take that into consideration when you go after them in trade talks...
Erik Johnson, Colorado Avalanche (7-2-6-8, plus-3, 0 PIM, 19 SOG) - Destined for career highs, EJ continues his steady development into could eventually be one of the best defensemen in the league. He's a blueliner who should be owned in all leagues, yet is just 75% owned in Yahoo.
James Neal, Nashville Predators (7-6-2-8, plus-7, 6 PIM, 27 SOG, 2 PPPts) - Neal has come to Nashville as advertised. He's still being outscored by his trade counterpart Patric Hornqvist, who has eight goals, but Neal doesn't have a Crosby or Malkin to play with either.
Vladimir Tarasenko (5-7-2-9, plus-6, 0 PIM, 22 SOG, 3 PPPts) - Not only is Tarasenko on fire, but he's also fourth in the league in shots on goal with 52, which is just six behind Alex Ovechkin's total. Also, this:
Duds...
Somebody wake these guys up – their fantasy owners are counting on them...
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators (7-1-1-2, plus-2, 4 PIM, 13 SOG, 0 PPPts) - Since 2008 he's been one of the most consistent defensemen in fantasy - and real - hockey. And this seven-game skid isn't exactly smack-your-head-on-the-desk bad. So you pretty much expect Weber to turn things back around this weekend.
Jaden Schwartz, St. Louis Blues (8-1-1-2, even, 2 PIM, 25 SOG, 1 PPPts) - After seven points in four games, Schwartz has cooled off some. But with Tarasenko beginning to look like a top star in the league, Schwartz will put points back on the board any day now because they've been on a line together. The other linemate, Jori Lehtera, has been on fire (hopefully you picked him up last week when I recommended him).
Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings (5-0-0-0, 0 PIM, minus-2, 8 SOG, 0 PPPts) - Opponents have caught onto their game. In October the line of Carter - Tyler Toffoli - Tanner Pearson were unstoppable. In the last five games though, Carter and Pearson have been held pointless, while Toffoli has a pair of goals. But as Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik return to health and get their timing back, it will be very tough to contain both of the potentially lethal scoring lines.
The Wire...
Mostly short-term grabs here, but as always some potential steals...
Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames (6-4-2-6, plus-3, 2 PIM, 18 SOG, 2 PPPts) - Check out these line combos:
How are they winning games? Half the names look like they belong on the Colorado Eagles. But some of those names, such as Monahan's and Gaudreau's, will become household names soon enough.
Derick Brassard, New York Rangers (9-5-6-11, plus-2, 8 PIM, 26 SOG, 3 PPPts) - Just 20% owned! But he's doing everything right now that we thought Derek Stepan would be doing. Brassard's career high is 47 points. He won't reach his current 75-point pace, but he'll still shatter his career high.
Derek Dorsett, Vancouver Canucks (4-2-2-4, plus-3, 4 PIM, 7 SOG) - Right now, Dorsett is a must-own in leagues that count hits. Not only does he lead the Canucks in that department, but he's currently chipping in with some points.
Nick Bonino, Vancouver Canucks (8-5-4-9, plus-7, 4 PIM, 18 SOG) - Just 33% owned? Poolies are still reluctant to trust Bonino and what he brings to the table, but in this case hesitation could cost you the win. Bonino has been a consistent producer, yet to go two games in a row without a point.
Elias Lindholm, Carolina Hurricanes (3-3-2-5, plus-3, 0 PIM, 10 SOG) - Eric Staal's return to health not only helps Staal owners, but the ripple effect through the lineup is being felt. The youngsters are no longer the focal point and it's been to the benefit of their fantasy owners.
Steve Downie, Pittsburgh Penguins (8-1-4-5, plus-1, 25 PIM, 12 SOG, 3 PPPts) - At one time, Downie was a multi-category stud. He's back to that level again, yet is owned in just 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Beau Bennett, Pittsburgh Penguins (no stats yet) - Bennett is back to full health and playing in the AHL for now. He will be back up, likely within a week, and may be worth stashing on your bench if you have the room. He could feasibly take his role back from Blake Comeau and could potentially post a pile of points early while playing with Evgeni Malkin.
Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes (3-0-0, 1.34 GAA, 0.947 SV%) - Fantasy owners are right not to trust this guy. Ward is the type of goaltender you pick up, activate and then shake your head as you witness his getting yanked early from two consecutive games. But now is the time to ease him - let him earn your trust back. The Hurricanes would still love him to be their guy, so he'll be given as many starts as he can handle, and the team is hot right now.
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