RADIO
Hey RotoBallers. Here is my weekly 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 13 of Fantasy Hockey
Bryan Bickell (F, CHI) - 5% Owned
The recent hand injury to Kris Versteeg opened the door for Bryan Bickell and he has made the most of his opportunity. Bickell is now skating on the Hawks second line with Brad Richards and Patrick Kane. His ice-time and production have increased dramatically over the past few weeks. Bickell has seven points in seven games and has a good chance of continuing that scoring trend as long as he skates in the Hawks top six. Bickell is a big body that can cause havoc in the goal crease. Kane and Richards have shown great chemistry this season and Bickell could be the benefactor of their successes.
Francois Beauchemin (D, ANA) - 2% Owned
Since returning from injury on 12/27, Francois Beauchemin has posted three goals in seven contests. He provides experience and stability to a young Anaheim defensive group. Beauchemin is averaging nearly 23:00 minutes of ice-time this season and is a worthwhile add as long as he continues to put the puck in the back of the net. His heavy minutes will help any fantasy owner and anything he can provide offensively is a bonus.
Joni Ortio (G, CGY) - 1% Owned
In his first and only start this season, Joni Ortio stopped all 36 shots he faced en route to a 1-0 shutout victory against Eddie Lack and the Vancouver Canucks. Ortio was brilliant all night long and deserves another start for the Flames. It remains to be seen whether or not Ortio will stick with the Flames when Kari Ramo returns from injury, but fantasy owners would be smart to watch this young net-minder over the next few days.
NHL Players Falling after Week 13 of Fantasy Hockey
Brock Nelson (F, NYI) - 71% Owned
The arrow is pointing in the wrong direction for Brock Nelson. After posting 12 points in October, Nelson netted eight and seven points in November and December, respectively. Nelson has just one point so far in January. His 28 points in 42 games is still somewhat impressive, but with just one point over his last nine games, Nelson is ice cold. There are plenty of other fantasy options at forward.
Andrej Sekera (D, CAR) - 22% Owned
After posting a career-high 44 points last season, many expected Andrej Sekera to have an equally impressive showing this year. However, Sekera has been somewhat of a disappointment up to this point, with just one goal and a -10 rating on the season. He has been held scoreless in eight straight games and has just six PIM on the year. There isn't much fantasy value to be had here.
Jonathan Quick (G, LA) - 99% Owned
Despite being one of the NHL's elite goaltenders, Jonathan Quick is currently going through a rough stretch. Quick has allowed 11 goals over his last three games - all losses. He has one win over his last six starts. Fantasy owners may want to stash Quick on the bench for the time being, but don't do anything too brash. He'll be back to his winning ways soon enough.
