RADIO
Hey RotoBallers. Here is my week 22 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 21 of Fantasy Hockey
Justin Abdelkader (F, DET) - 32% Owned
Justin Abdelkader's solid all-around game is helping him to develop offensive consistency. He has five points in his last five games and is starting to see more time on the Red Wings' power play. He now has 35 points in 58 games and has also racked up 45 penalty minutes this season. He is a solid fantasy option in deeper leagues and could have value in standard formats if his recent production continues.
Mathew Dumba (D, MIN) - 3% Owned
In his first season of extended action, Mathew Dumba is showing the skills that may make him a top-pairing defenseman in a few years. He has endured some growing pains this season, but is starting to earn more playing time on an already talented Minnesota blue line. Dumba hasn't registered a minus rating in 11 straight games and is a +13 over that stretch. Three of his 10 points have come in the last eight games. Keep an eye on this youngster over the next few weeks.
Dan Ellis (G, FLA) - 3% Owned
After the interesting episode the Florida Panthers had in goal the other night, Dan Ellis has been recalled from the AHL. He picked up his first win against the Islanders and should carry much of the goaltending duties until Roberto Luongo returns. The Panthers are still fighting for a playoff spot, so Ellis should have a decent opportunity to pick up some wins over the next few weeks.
NHL Players Falling after Week 21 of Fantasy Hockey
Martin St. Louis (F, NYR) - 85% Owned
Points have been hard to come by lately for Martin St. Louis. He is scoreless in six straight contests. He hasn't skated more than 17:20 in any of those six games and is a minus one during that period. St. Louis is still a solid fantasy option and remains one of the Rangers best scoring threats, but fantasy owners may want to keep an eye on the veteran down the stretch.
Dustin Byfuglien (D, WPG) - 86% Owned
Dustin Byfuglien suffered an upper-body injury that will likely keep him out for a few weeks. Fantasy owners may want to look elsewhere for production instead of using that roster spot for a player who may not return this season.
Jonathan Bernier (G, TOR) - 44% Owned
Jonathan Bernier's three straight losses with a total of 11 goals allowed is not going to cut it. Bernier is struggling, but the Maple Leafs aren't providing much help in front of him, either. He's been facing an onslaught of shots in his last few games, making it pretty difficult for him to pick up any victories. Look elsewhere for goaltending for the rest of this season.
