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Fantasy Hockey TOI and PPTOI Trends in Week 12
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, and with the Christmas break set to end tonight, we’re going to dive a bit deeper into each of them to highlight the latest trends.
Scott Gomez, Forward, New Jersey Devils
Fortunate timing along with making a return to the team he broke into the league with, appears to have rejuvenated Scott Gomez's (C eligibility; 2% owned in Yahoo leagues) career. The Devils have been plagued with injuries recently and since signing with New Jersey, Gomez has made the most of his opportunity to produce. He has amassed seven points in 11 games so far, while averaging huge minutes–2:21 on the man-advantage and 19:10 overall.
Playing with guys like Jaromir Jagr helps, too. If you're in a deep league and need some help at forward or center, give Gomez a look as an addition to your fantasy team.
Mathieu Perreault, Forward, Winnipeg Jets
I'll say it right off the bat: Perreault (C eligibility; 6% owned in Yahoo leagues) is a tremendous talent, but he's an incredibly streaky scorer, giving fantasy owners a headache. But if you jump on him at the right time, the benefits are great. The 26-year-old Perreault is currently riding a seven-game point streak and has amassed four goals and five assists in his last nine games. With his playing time averaging 16:09 per game, and 2:47 of that being on the power play, Perreault is a solid commodity to own in deeper leagues.
Jump on him now and ride the wave while he's hot.
Mark Scheifele, Forward, Winnipeg Jets
One of Perreault's teammates hasn't been doing too shabby. Mark Scheifele (C eligibility; 14% owned in Yahoo leagues) posted two goals and three assists during a three-game point streak last week, one he's still riding. Scheifele has been a streaky scorer, but that's part of the trials and tribulations that come with being a young player.
With six power play points on the season and an average of 2:26 of power play time per game, it's worth giving the young forward a look if you need a boost, especially in keeper leagues.
Derrick Pouliot, Defense, Pittsburgh Penguins
With the mumps running wild like Hulkamania through the Penguins locker room, Pouliot (4% owned in Yahoo leagues) has seized the opportunity to step in and be a factor much like the aforementioned Gomez. The 20-year-old Pouliot was an 8th-overall pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, and has been playing like it this season. While with Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre Penguins, he posted 20 points in 23 games. Those are the type of numbers a top forward records.
In his first NHL game, he scored his first NHL goal. How did he follow that up in his second game Monday night? He registered his first assist. Pouliot has averaged 16:58 of ice time per game while playing 2:12 on the power play. Jump on him now and keep him if you're in a dynasty or keeper league. In single-season leagues, hang onto him and monitor the Penguins' blue line. As injured players return, he'll likely be sent back down to the AHL, but there's a good chance he'll be with the big boys full-time next season.
