RADIO
Hey RotoBallers. Here is my week 15 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 14 of Fantasy Hockey
David Pastrnak (F, BOS) - 18% Owned
One of the NHL's most exciting young prospects is David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins. The 18 year-old forward posted two multi-goal games last week and is in line to remain with the big club for the near future. It was awesome to see Pastrnak (born 1996) skating against Devils' winger Jaromir Jagr (born 1972) just a few games ago. Pastrnak clearly has a ton of talent despite being a little rough around the edges. Fantasy owners may not want to risk adding the young playmaker until he has gained more experience, but he sure is fun to watch.
Mattias Ekholm (D, NSH) - 2% Owned
Mattias Ekholm has been improving steadily over the course of this season. He is averaging just 18:36 minutes per game, but has skated over 20:00 in six straight contests. The young defenseman isn't an elite blueliner quite yet, but he is well on his way. He has four goals in his last eight games and his +14 rating is second-best among Nashville defensemen. He is worth adding now in deeper formats and should be watched closely in standard leagues.
Anton Khudobin (G, CAR) - 8% Owned
After an awful start to the season that saw Anton Khudobin go winless in his first ten starts, he has won five straight starts since then. He has started three of the last four games and seems to be taking over in that role. Cam Ward has struggled for most of the season and Khudobin has found his game. Carolina will likely remain near the cellar of the Eastern Conference, but Khudobin could help them post some more wins in the second half. For fantasy owners struggling to find wins, Khudobin could be a temporary solution.
NHL Players Falling after Week 14 of Fantasy Hockey
Tyler Bozak (F, TOR) - 71% Owned
Through the first three months of the season, Tyler Bozak posted 30 points, a -2 rating, and 12 power-play points in 38 games. Since January 1st, Bozak has 2 points, a -10 rating, and 0 power-play points in nine games. It's not surprising that Toronto has lost eight of those nine games. Owners may want to look elsewhere for production until Bozak and the Maple Leafs get back on track.
Ryan McDonagh (D, NYR) - 69% Owned
Ryan McDonagh is a great hockey player. He just isn't a great fantasy hockey player. He'll block shots, shut down opposing teams' top players, log heavy minutes and do whatever it takes to win. Unfortunately, most of his skills don't translate into points, shots on goal or penalty minutes. He has been held off of the scoresheet in eight straight games and has a 0 plus/minus rating over that stretch. He might be your first pick to start a hockey squad, but he shouldn't be your fantasy teams' top defenseman.
Jonas Hiller (G, CGY) - 48% Owned
The goalie situation in Calgary is anything but clear. Karri Ramo has returned from his injury and rookie revelation Joni Ortio is on a winning streak. At the moment, Jonas Hiller appears to be the odd man out. While his .911 save percentage and 2.48 goals against average are respectable, Hiller has won just 13 of his 29 games played. The Flames still may elect to return Ortio to the AHL, but nothing is set in stone. Not only is Hiller losing his shot at the starting gig, his spot on Calgary's roster may be in jeopardy.
