Ahead of our Week 10 fantasy hockey selections, let’s take a quick look back at Week 9 and see how we did in predicting success for your team:
Linus Ullmark – Stud
Still, a game to go for Linus Ullmark on Sunday where he should get the nod. We predicted he would start two and that is how it appears to be. Sure, his one start was against the heavily depleted roster of the Colorado Avalanche. But you still have to stop the puck no matter who is playing. A clean sheet on 23 saves had fantasy hockey owners very pleased. With the troubles Jeremy Swayman has had lately, it would not be a surprise for Ullmark to get more starts as well.
Self-grade: A (B to C if he takes the loss on Sunday)
Tim Stützle – Stud
The angle was value on the power play, and Tim Stützle started the week without disappointing. A two-assist outing against the Los Angeles Kings, both on the power play, and off to a great start. His next two games he fell completely off the chart. No points and very little fantasy hockey value in those contests. Not exactly what we were expecting, but two power-play points is a decent return. Next week provides even more value with three games against bottom-tier teams. You should still be high on him, but we did want a little more this week.
Self-grade: B-
Igor Shesterkin – Dud
When you’re wrong, you’re wrong. The New York Rangers continued to be an enigma. They struggled defensively against the St. Louis Blues but found a way to get the win. They then proceeded to play some of their best hockey in deciding victories against two of the best in the Western Conference. Igor Shesterkin played all three games, finishing the week with an outstanding 41-save performance in a 2-1 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. 3-0-0 record and stopping 85 of 91 (.934) and fantasy hockey owners had much reason to celebrate.
Self-grade: F
MacKenzie Weegar – Dud
When you’re right, you’re right. We documented that Mackenzie Weegar had a mere two assists in the last twelve games. We also noted that his lone value has been averaging 2.4 hits per game. That is not much value, but it was something to justify why 80% of fantasy hockey owners roster him. The Calgary Flames had four games this week. Weegar had zero points and averaged 1.5 hits per game. He did have four minor penalties, which is something considering he had not taken a penalty of any kind in the last six contests. Still though, no matter the type of league you are in, there was no reason to roster him.
Self-grade: A+
Nick Paul – Sleeper
Nick Paul remained hot this week, adding to the great start to the year he is having. He picked up a goal and an assist. We predicted a bit more from him though. He was one of those players that could fill in multiple categories. We documented that his hits had gone down as of late but did not expect them to drop further, which they did. He also did not provide any blocks. For those of you who need faceoff wins, the three games he played this week were some of his worst performances of the campaign. Moreover, neither of his two points were on the power play. Still a good week for fantasy hockey owners but based on the opponent we thought there would be a bit more.
Self-grade: B-
Dylan Cozens – Sleeper
Ownership has skyrocketed for Dylan Cozens. Hopefully, you got ahold of him when you could. He did enough in his first game of the week to be worth the pickup. A goal, two assists, and two power-play points capped a stretch of 12 points in five games. Unfortunately, the home and home against the Pittsburgh Penguins slowed him way down. No points and not the type of player that provides banger fantasy hockey value. He was superb on the faceoff dot on Saturday and keeps shooting on goal, so some leagues received additional value. However, three points in three games with two of them power play points are something any owner would take.
Self-grade: A-
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