In today’s Last Word On Fantasy Hockey Report we look at the top fantasy performers in the NHL over the past week. In particular, the New York Islanders are hot, but so are some other players to consider that may be available in your league. We will also look at a few players for deeper leagues. For those in weekly head-to-head match-ups a list of NHL teams playing four games this week is listed at the end.
Last Word On Fantasy Hockey Report
New York Islanders are Hot
Last week in the NHL sees no less than five New York Islanders with at least five points in only three games. Josh Bailey is enjoying himself on the top line and power play with John Tavares and Anders Lee. This is indeed a fortunate place to be as he led the team in points with seven assists in three games. Six of those helpers were on the power play. Bailey is still available in many leagues so scoop him up now if you need some power play points.
Rookie Mathew Barzal centres line two and is getting top line power play minutes from the point. The result is a goal and six assists over three games with four of those points on the man advantage. With only 16 total games of NHL experience, he is likely still available on the wire. He’s worthy of a pick-up in any league while he’s hot, but if you are in a keeper he’s a must add.
Nick Leddy is also enjoying the fruits of the New York Islanders hot power play. As the only defenceman on the top unit, Leddy put up two goals and two assists for four points in his last three games played. Three of those were, you guessed it, on the power play.
John Tavares Still On Fire
The other two New York Islanders to put up five in three were still hot John Tavares and his other wingman Anders Lee. Tavares won’t be available in your league on the wire, but Lee might be. Ride the wave.
Keep in mind the New York Islanders only play twice this week, on Thursday versus the Carolina Hurricanes and Saturday versus the Tampa Bay Lightning. If you are in a weekly league then you might want to look elsewhere for pick-ups. If not, you know what to do.
Others to Consider
With Matt Duchene finally traded, Nathan MacKinnon will be relied upon even more to provide offence for the Colorado Avalanche. MacKinnon has six points in the last week and nine points in his last four games played. Surprisingly, MacKinnon is still available in many leagues. The Colorado Avalanche are a better team than most expected and MacKinnon will drive their offence. Others to consider are Tyson Barrie, Gabriel Landeskog, Alexander Kerfoot, and Mikko Rantanen.
The Montreal Canadiens are a team on the rise. Last week Max Pacioretty continued to hit the scoresheet with a goal and three assists. The captain was on a four-game point streak up until the 2-0 win on Sunday versus the Chicago Blackhawks. While Pacioretty is probably not available as a pick-up, there is a good chance you can scoop up his teammate Brendan Gallagher. Gallagher has also been hot as of late, with three points over the last three games and six in his last five. Only one of those points was on the second power-play unit however and Gallagher is currently skating on what would be considered to be the third line so temper your expectations.
Deep Leagues
If you are in a deeper league some players putting up decent points (five in the last three games) that are available in most leagues are Boone Jenner, Tanner Pearson and Jon Marchessault.
Weekly Leagues
For those of you in weekly head-to-head match ups there are many teams you can target for short-term player adds.
Teams with four games this week include the Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, Edmonton Oilers, Minnesota Wild, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks and Washington Capitals.
