RADIO
Hey RotoBallers. Here is my week 21 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 20 of Fantasy Hockey
Mark Scheifele (F, WPG) - 20% Owned
Hitting the scoresheet in four straight games, Mark Scheifele is one of the Jets’ most productive forwards at this point. He has been slotted on a line with newcomers Jiri Tlusty and Drew Stafford. Both players have some offensive skill, which could allow for Scheifele’s recent scoring trend to continue. Keep an eye on him over the next week of games.
Adam Larsson (D, NJ) - 5% Owned
The 2011 fourth overall pick is really starting to come into his own this season. Adam Larsson has 18 points in 45 games with six of those coming in his last six contests. He has been on the ice for over 20:00 minutes in 23 of his last 24 games after reaching that mark just twice over his first 21 games this season. Larsson had just 4 points in October, November and December combined. He has 14 points since the turn of the calendar. At this point, no other Devils defenseman has more value.
Frederik Andersen (G, ANA) - 76% Owned
After spending the last month on injured reserve, Frederik Andersen is now active and should be in line to retake his place as the primary goaltender in Anaheim. Many fantasy owners dropped Andersen after his recent injury and he remains available in about a quarter of standard formats. The Ducks are one of the top teams in the West and Andersen is an excellent fantasy option if he is available.
NHL Players Falling after Week 20 of Fantasy Hockey
Patrick Sharp (F, CHI) - 96% Owned
The drought likely won’t last long for Patrick Sharp, it never does. However, he has just one point over his last 12 games and hasn’t scored a goal since January 28th. Perhaps the addition of Antoine Vermette can help kick-start Sharp. For now, fantasy owners may want to stash him on the bench until his production resurfaces.
Ryan Suter (D, MIN) - 85% Owned
He still skates almost 30:00 minutes a night, so it isn’t really a big deal if Ryan Suter doesn’t score. Although, it is worth mentioning that he has zero points over his last seven games and a -2 rating on the season. Oh, who am I kidding? Don’t bench Suter.
Antti Niemi (G, SJ) - 77% Owned
With 24 wins in 48 starts, this season has been somewhat mediocre for Antti Niemi. His .912 save percentage and 2.62 goals against average aren’t that great, either. Niemi has lost three straight starts and the Sharks have been struggling on the whole. Niemi will be the starter down the stretch, and while he hasn’t been bad this season, his play has left much to be desired.
