Week 6 NHL Risers and Fallers for Fantasy Hockey

Hey RotoBallers. Here is my weekly rundown of NHL players whose fantasy hockey values have risen or diminished over the past week of action, from 11/5 - 11/12.

The rising players can be considered fantasy hockey sleepers or waiver wire pickups. Those trending downward should be benched or dropped in search of better fantasy options.

NHL Players Rising After Week 5 of Fantasy Hockey

Steve Downie (F, PIT) - 31% Owned

Never one to shy away from confrontation, Steve Downie has also shown offensive prowess at times this season. Downie has dropped the gloves twice this year on his way to racking up seven points and a league-leading 56 penalty minutes. He has tallied three points on the power play, while also maintaining a +2 rating over 14 games. With three of his seven points coming over his last four games, Downie's stock is on the rise. Similarly to Antoine Roussel, Downie can provide fantasy owners with fighting ability and scoring skill.

Alec Martinez (D, LA) - 34% Owned

Alec Martinez was on the ice for a season-high 25:30 against Vancouver this past Saturday, notching three assists in the process. Martinez started slowly this season, but he has come on strong of late, as evidenced by his increased playing time. Alec has six points and a +9 rating through 15 games, and he's an excellent defensive option going forward.

Alex Stalock (G, SJ) - 26% Owned

Alex Stalock has been solid for the Sharks in his limited opportunities, including a 37-save victory in his most recent appearance. His competition, Antti Niemi, has been struggling lately. Niemi has allowed 11 goals in his last three games, all losses. The Sharks have a heavy schedule this week, including back-to-back games this coming weekend. Stalock should get a chance to start at least one game (perhaps two) this week. If he continues to play well, Alex could start to see more time in the net for San Jose.

NHL Players Falling After Week 5 of Fantasy Hockey

David Backes (F, STL) - 100% Owned

Listen, I'm not saying anyone should drop David Backes. The track record is there, but the production simply hasn't been to this point. Backes has just seven points, a -3 rating and only six penalty minutes in 13 games after totaling 57 points, +14 rating and 119 penalty minutes in 74 games a season ago. Backes suffered a concussion early on and has yet to get on track. Fantasy owners might want to show him the bench until he regains his form.

Kevin Bieksa (D, VAN) - 56% Owned

The numbers say it all. In 16 games this year, Kevin Bieksa has just one point. His 20:52 average ice time is the lowest since his rookie year in 2005-06. The 33-year-old veteran is now in his tenth season in Vancouver, and it appears that his best years are behind him at this point. Fantasy owners should look elsewhere for blue-line production.

Kari Lehtonen (G, DAL) - 100% Owned

After winning four of his first six games to open the season, Kari Lehtonen has now lost six of seven starts. He should continue to get the bulk of the work between the pipes for the Stars, but owners may want to shy away from starting him until he can prove that he can keep the puck out of his own net.