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Fantasy Hockey TOI and PPTOI Trends in Week 15
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.
David Pastrnak, Forward, Boston Bruins
It wasn't clear what the B's were going to do with the 18-year-old David Pastrnak upon his return from the 2014 World Junior Championship. But now that management has decided to keep him on board and burn the first year of his entry-level deal, he is worth a pickup, especially if you're in a keeper league.
Pastrnak has been seeing time on the top line with Milan Lucic and David Krejci, in addition to man-advantage time, so consider Pastrnak while he's getting increased ice time.
Alex Killorn, Forward, Tampa Bay Lightning
Alex Killorn has been a big beneficiary of line juggling in Tampa, as he is now seeing time alongside Steven Stamkos. As a result, Killorn has been averaging a point every two games. His 16 minutes of ice time leave a little to be desired, but 1:57 of average power-play time is certainly nice.
In 39 games this season, Killorn has potted nine goals and 20 points.
Josh Bailey, Forward, New York Islanders
Continuing the same theme as with the other two forwards here, Josh Bailey has been seeing top line time with John Tavares and Kyle Okposo on Long Island. Any player alongside that duo deserves strong consideration for your fantasy team. He is riding a three-game point streak in which he has amassed one goal and five assists.
Bailey might be your best overall option right now, as the Islanders are a rejuvenated club this season.
John Klingberg, Defense, Dallas Stars
Owned in 11% of Yahoo leagues, John Klingberg slowed down from his near point-per-game pace earlier in the season, but has since heated up again and should be on your radar if you need help on the back end. The rookie blue-liner has 18 points on the season, and two goals and three assists in his last four games.
Despite his production coming and going, his ice time has been consistent. Klingberg is still seeing upwards of 20 minutes per game, with big minutes on the power play, too.
