RADIO
Hey RotoBallers. Here is my week 20 rundown of NHL Forwards, Defensemen and Goaltenders whose fantasy hockey values have been rising and falling over the past week of action.
The rising players can be considered fantasy hockey sleepers or waiver wire pickups, depending on your league size and format. For those trending downward, it might be time to look elsewhere for production. Be sure to check back each week for more fantasy hockey analysis.
NHL Players Rising after Week 19 of Fantasy Hockey
Mike Hoffman (F, OTT) – 22% Owned
There are quite a few rookies with fantasy value this season and Mike Hoffman is one of the most exciting. The young forward has 35 points and is a +21 in 55 games this season. He has been especially solid as of late, notching eight points in his last nine contests. Hoffman’s one drawback is his low playing time, which should rise if he continues to produce. If he starts seeing a little more ice-time, Hoffman could be a major asset to fantasy owners.
Kimmo Timonen (D, PHI) – 2% Owned
He might be 39 years old but it is still worth mentioning that Kimmo Timonen is very close to returning to the Flyers lineup. The six-time all-star has 571 points in 1092 NHL games and has registered at least 35 points in every season since 2002 (except for the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season). He will bring stability and experience to the Flyers lineup and could have some fantasy value for the remainder of the season.
Andrew Hammond (G, OTT) – 7% Owned
Three starts, three wins. Not a bad way to start an NHL career for Andrew Hammond. The Senators goaltender posted a shutout in his last outing and has now beaten the Ducks, Panthers, and Canadiens in the same week. He should see the majority of the action in net until Craig Anderson returns and even then Hammond might still be the better option.
NHL Players Falling after Week 19 of Fantasy Hockey
Ryan Kesler (F, ANA) – 86% Owned
After starting the year off on a torrid pace, Ryan Kesler has gone ice cold. The veteran forward is scoreless in nine straight games and is a -3 during that stretch. Whether Kesler has lost a step or is merely a little banged up, something isn’t right. Fantasy owners may want to stash him on the bench until he starts producing again.
Alex Goligoski (D, DAL) – 52% Owned
It has been tough sledding for Alex Goligoski over the last few weeks. He has just one point in his last 10 games and three in his last 16. He has just two goals on the year and is a -9 in his last four games. Despite averaging over 23:00 minutes per game, Goligoski doesn’t have a whole lot of fantasy value right now.
Corey Crawford (G, CHI) – 93% Owned
Things haven’t been going well for the Blackhawks recently and Corey Crawford certainly hasn’t done them any favors. Crawford has lost three straight starts and has given up four goals in each of his two outings. He was pulled midway through a game against the Bruins last week after yielding four goals on just fourteen shots and hasn’t seen the ice since. Crawford remains the Hawks number one goalie, but it seems as though Scott Darling will get a chance to show what he can do for the time being.
