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Hey RotoBallers. Hockey season is coming to an end! Here is my week 24 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 23 of Fantasy Hockey
Brandon Pirri (F, FLA) - 8% Owned
Eighteen of Brandon Pirri's 20 points have come on goals scored. He might not pass much but this dude can find the back of the net. He has a goal in five of his last six games and 15 in his last 21 games. He's certainly not afraid to shoot the puck. Last week against Montreal, Pirri recorded 10 shots on goal and now has 144 SOG in just 40 games. He is definitely worth watching. Heck, with so little time left in the season, he is worth adding.
Marc Methot (D, OTT) - 2% Owned
Marc Methot continues to eat up minutes on the Senators blue-line and is starting to contribute offensively as well. He has four points and a +10 rating over his last seven games. Methot now has 10 points and a +19 rating in just 35 games this season. If he can continue to score points and post a plus rating every night, there is some value in deeper formats.
Karri Ramo (G, CGY) - 14% Owned
The goaltending position has been in flux all season long for Calgary. At the moment, Karri Ramo appears to have the reigns. He has started three straight games and has picked up two wins while stopping 74 of 80 shots. The Flames are fighting to make the playoffs and it looks as though Ramo gives them the best chance to pick up points each night.
NHL Players Falling after Week 23 of Fantasy Hockey
Chris Kunitz (F, PIT) - 90% Owned
Chris Kunitz is having a fairly productive season with 39 points in 65 games, but has not scratched the scoresheet in nine straight contests. He has just four points over his last 18 games. He is going through a tough stretch but is due for a breakout at any time. Owners may want to stash him on the bench for a few games.
Cody Franson (D, NSH) - 50% Owned
Since joining the Nashville Predators, Cody Franson has seen a significant drop in playing time. He is still averaging over 20:00 per game on the season, but has failed to skate more than 16:40 in eight straight games. He has just one point over that span. His role in Nashville is much smaller compared to his position in Toronto, which makes sense considering the Predators defensive depth. There are plenty of better fantasy options on the blue line.
Jimmy Howard (G, DET) - 71% Owned
The lowly Coyotes lit up Jimmy Howard for five goals on 22 shots in Detroit on Tuesday night. He has just one win in his last five starts and has given up some pretty soft goals during that stretch. Howard remains the clear cut starter, but he is currently mired in a bad slump. It might be time to explore some other options.
