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Fantasy Hockey TOI and PPTOI Trends in Week 14
When you’re in a deep league with a full-size NHL starting lineup and seven bench positions for a 27-man roster like I am, top line and power play ice time are indispensable factors in analyzing waiver pickups. Both of these factors change over the course of the season, but I'm here to help sort that out, as we dive a bit deeper into each of them to highlight the latest trends.
Melker Karlsson, Forward, San Jose Sharks
Melker Karlsson (C eligibility; 2% owned in Yahoo leagues) appears to be this year's version of Tomas Hertl for the San Jose Sharks. Hertl is going through a sophomore slump, but Karlsson has jumped into the lineup recently and made a huge impact in the Sharks' top-six. He is only averaging 13:31 per game, but he has mustered up six goals and 10 points in 14 games this season. Most recently, the rookie is currently riding a five-game goal streak, including a power play goal in his last contest. With Joe Thornton returning to the lineup, many thought Karlsson would drop down the depth chart, but he continues to get it done for the Sharks.
Pick him up and reap the rewards while he's hot.
Mikael Backlund, Forward, Calgary Flames
Injuries are always unfortunate, but they sometimes allow fantasy players an opportunity to rebound. Upon returning to the lineup, Mikael Backlund (C eligibility; 5% owned in Yahoo leagues) wasted no time making a heavy impact for his surprising Flames squad. In his first two games back, he recorded a goal and an assist in each contest. He followed that up with the game-winner in a 1-0 victory over Vancouver the next game to extend his goal and point streak to three games.
With nine points in 14 games this season, Backlund sees about 17:39 of ice time per game with 1:26 on the power play. And for a nice bonus, he sees 1:35 on the penalty kill per game, so he may be able to help you in the shorthanded points category. Add him for some help up front.
Matt Carle, Defense, Tampa Bay Lightning
With top defenseman Victor Hedman out with a lower-body injury after his early exit from Monday night's game against Philadelphia, Matt Carle (4% owned in Yahoo leagues) may be in line to take over Hedman's power play minutes. What helps his case is his play of late, recording a four-game point streak from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4. He has seen time on the man-advantage in the past, so keep an eye on Carle and what develops with the Bolt's power play situation on the blue line.
