RADIO
Hey RotoBallers. Here is my week 23 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 22 of Fantasy Hockey
Marko Dano (F, CLS) - 4% Owned
In just 25 games this season Marko Dano has already made an impact. The physical forward already has 79 hits this season. He has been showing some offensive skill recently as well. Dano has seven points in his last five games and is a +6 over that span. He has 14 points overall and the Blue Jackets like what they see from the former first-round pick. Fantasy owners may want to take notice of his recent play.
Brayden McNabb (D, LA) - 6% Owned
The Kings traded for Brayden McNabb last March and he has shown promise in his first full NHL season. He has 23 points in 64 games with five of those coming in his last seven games. McNabb is a +9 this year and has racked up 45 penalty minutes as well. He has seen over 18:00 minutes of playing time in each of his last two games after averaging around 15:00 for most of the season. There is still plenty of room for improvement, but McNabb could have fantasy value for the remainder of this and future seasons.
Scott Darling (G, CHI) - 3% Owned
The only thing holding Scott Darling back is Corey Crawford. Darling has been brilliant this season, posting seven wins, a .936 save percentage and a 1.97 goals against average in 10 games played. He notched his first career shutout against the Rangers this past Wednesday. Crawford has also been playing well and remains the clear-cut starter. However, the Hawks have two back-to-back scenarios in the next two weeks so Darling should get a few more starts this season.
NHL Players Falling after Week 22 of Fantasy Hockey
Patrick Marleau (F, SJ) - 90% Owned
The Sharks are dangerously close to falling out of the playoff picture and Patrick Marleau is going cold at the wrong time. He is scoreless in his last six games and is a -3 during that span. Marleau is now a -17 on the season and he and the Sharks seem to be running on fumes.
Johnny Boychuk (D, NYI) - 76% Owned
All things considered, Johnny Boychuk's first season in an Islanders uniform has been a success. He has struggled as of late, though, going scoreless in his last six outings. He has also been a minus-3 in each of his last two games. It may just be a rough patch for Boychuk, who has 32 points and a +11 rating on the year, but fantasy owners may want to monitor him for the remainder of the season.
Jimmy Howard (F, DET) - 72% Owned
Jimmy Howard gets the start Friday night after sitting the previous two games. In his last appearance, Howard gave up seven goals to the Flyers and has just two wins in six March appearances. The Red Wings are in good playoff position and may give Howard some rest in preparation for the postseason.
