Zach Hyman Proves Hot with Nine Goals in Eight Games After a Tough Start

Zach Hyman is making a strong comeback, turning heads with his impressive performance despite recent setbacks.

Last season, Hyman’s inclusion in the Team Canada lineup for the Four Nations Face-Off was expected given his 54 goals. However, his slow start and subsequent injury led to his omission from this year’s roster, despite his excellent on-ice chemistry with Connor McDavid.

Since the Canadian team’s roster was announced, Hyman has been relentless, scoring nine goals in his last eight games. This resurgence indicates he can still deliver significant value in the AHL standings. Fantasy hockey enthusiasts who took a chance on him at a lower point total are likely seeing substantial returns.

Hyman’s past experiences with adversity add depth to his current playing style. Drafted in the fifth round by Florida in 2010 but never signed, he eventually joined the Toronto Maple Leafs and blossomed under their mentorship. His partnership with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews made him a pivotal player on Toronto’s best line.

Despite his success in Toronto, negotiations for long-term contracts with the Maple Leafs were challenging. This prompted Hyman’s move to Edmonton to prove his worth, where he seamlessly integrated into the team dynamics alongside McDavid and became one of the league’s most efficient goal-scorers.

The recent exclusion from the Canada team roster adds another layer to Hyman’s determination. While managers might have hesitated due to his initial struggles, his current play offers a robust case for his inclusion in future tournaments.

Morgan Rielly, a stable Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, is seeing his ice time and production decline. Previously averaging nearly 24 minutes per game, he now sits at just over 21 minutes. Rielly has also lost his spot on the top power-play unit, which has further impacted his points tally.

His overall performance pales in comparison to previous years, where he was consistently geared for over 44 points. If he doesn’t recapture his form, the disappointment could be substantial for fantasy hockey managers looking to him for reliable point contributions.

Drake Batherson of the Ottawa Senators is on a scorching run lately, racking up 18 points since November 19th and pushing his season total to 34 points. Known for his potential to be a perennial 30-goal scorer, Batherson is well on his way to reaching that milestone.

With his current performance and the league’s recognition of his talent, it’s highly likely he will reach or exceed 30 goals in the upcoming season. Fantasy managers who capitalize on his recent surge might be making a sound investment for the future.

The Seattle Kraken’s acquisition of Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers could pay dividends, although the exact fantasy value remains uncertain. Kakko, the second-overall pick in the 2021 draft, represents a significant upside for the team.

His deployment and integration into the team’s strategy will be key factors. Being on the Seattle watch list is advisable for fantasy managers, as Kakko’s future impact on the team is poised to be considerable.

Brandon Tanev of the Edmonton Oilers has already shown impressive offensive prowess this season, racking up seven goals. His ability to consistently contribute to the offensive side of play could lead to a career-high goal count.

With his current offensive output and the supportive environment around him, Tanev is a valuable asset for any fantasy hockey team in a multi-category league.

Joey Daccord, the Seattle Kraken goaltender, has faced a challenging period over the last two weeks. The Kraken have lost six out of their last eight games, reducing goal support and putting pressure on him.

While Daccord’s individual performance might still be acceptable, his effectiveness is highly contingent on the team’s overall play. Fantasy managers who follow the Kraken’s trajectory will find better value when the team regains its form.

Jared McCann of the Chicago Blackhawks is experiencing a scoring drought, having managed only two goals in the last 17 games. Despite this, his shot volume and playmaking responsibility remain intact.

For fantasy managers, patience is essential. McCann’s output should bounce back as he has done in the past. His value in a multi-category league is anchored by his playmaking skills and shot volume, making him a decent hold.

The New York Rangers are currently facing multiple challenges, having lost 11 of their last 15 games. Scoring has also become an issue, with New York achieving more than two goals in only two of their last six games.

Fantasy managers should temper expectations for non-core players and consider benching them. Stars like Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox remain critical, but other players should be evaluated based on the team’s recent performance.

Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils has had a successful December, posting a perfect 6-0-0 record. Each of his appearances has featured two goals or fewer, and his .942 save percentage is a testament to his recent resurgence.

Markstrom’s value spike aligns with the expectations set during the pre-season. Playing for a strong team like the Devils as a workhorse goaltender ensures his long-term fantasy value.

Tristan Jarry of the Pittsburgh Penguins is gradually regaining prominence in fantasy hockey. His six quality starts out of eight recent games, coupled with the Penguins’ improved play, indicate steady progress.

While still not deemed essential for full-time roster spots, Jarry’s role as a spot starter has increased in credibility. This could be a positive sign for his future fantasy contributions.

Sidney Crosby, at 37, continues to showcase exceptional offensive skills. Surprisingly, his faceoff prowess is equally noteworthy, winning at almost 58%.

His ability to win faceoffs at a high percentage, even in games against strong opponents like the Colorado Avalanche, adds another layer of value to his fantasy contributions.

Patrik Laine’s recent power play excellence for the Montreal Canadiens has drawn attention. Scoring eight goals in nine games all on the man advantage has made him a must-have in many fantasy leagues.

His increased role alongside Cole Caufield on the power play could relate to how Laine benefits from Caufield’s positioning. Despite the power play shift, Caufield’s production hasn’t suffered but has leaned more towards assists. Managers should monitor this dynamic for potential shifts in their roster.

The potential rift between Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller in Vancouver has extended to their power-play deployment. Instead of being together on the top unit, they have been rotating on and off PP1.

Coaching decisions like this can impact individual fantasy contributions. Disruption of the Vancouver Canucks’ top scoring line may be a temporary setback, but managers should stay informed as the situation evolves.

Karel Vejmelka is finding consistency with the Utah Grizzlies, posting a .919 save percentage and winning five of his last six starts. These strong performances are likely to be more sustainable due to significant team support.

The team’s fifth-lowest high-danger chances against this season indicates that Vejmelka’s current form isn’t just luck. He has a real opportunity to be a reliable fantasy goaltender.

Jake Guentzel’s transition to the Nashville Predators has been smooth, with a recent explosion of goals. Scoring nine in his past eight games demonstrates how chemistry can develop even when players are new to their surroundings.

For fantasy managers, Guentzel’s scoring ability paired with playmaking talents like Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point makes him an invaluable asset.

Jack Hughes of the New Jersey Devils had a standout individual game, registering 13 shots in one night. His ability to regularly produce double-digit shot rounds makes him a pivotal asset for teams seeking goal support.

For fantasy leagues where the shot volume is a category, Hughes can provide substantial boosts. His drafting pedigree and current performance make him a reliable forward option.

Steven Stamkos, despite his earlier struggles with the Tampa Bay Lightning, has shown signs of a revival. His recent five-game point streak highlights his ability to bounce back.

Another encouraging development is his move to center on the top line between Filip Forsberg and Jonathan Marchessault, potentially enhancing his faceoff productivity. While there’s an opportunity to sell high, his recent improvement suggests he might be worth keeping.

Mackenzie Blackwood of the Colorado Avalanche is quickly becoming a reliable goaltender. With three quality starts and two wins to his name, Blackwood’s play indicates he might solidify his starting role.

This opportunity to establish himself as a key player could solidify Blackwood’s fantasy value. As long as he continues to perform well, he is likely to secure playing time.

The upcoming holiday break presents challenges for managers looking to fill their offensive needs. However, the newly formed Maple Leafs third line featuring Max Domi, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson could offer some solid options for streamers.

Recent form and multi-position eligibility make players like Rickard Rakell and Domi good streaming choices. Domi and McMann, with their recent point production, could have the most staying power, making them even more appealing.

Meanwhile, the situation for players like Matty Beniers is less promising. Beniers’ 18-game scoring drought and inconsistent shot volume could make it a good time to consider releasing him from one-year leagues. Additionally, the Kraken’s single game next week limits his fantasy relevance.

Ilya Mikheyev of the Chicago Blackhawks has shown exceptional goal-scoring form recently, netting five in four games. While his ability to maintain this level of performance is questionable given his history, it provides a brief but valuable opportunity.

With the Blackhawks set to play three games in the thin upcoming schedule, Mikheyev could be a reliable fantasy pick for managers looking to capitalize on short-term performance. However, given his inconsistent history, this might be a case of抓住 the moment.

NHL fantasy hockey is a dynamic landscape, where performances can drastically change from week to week. Keeping an eye on these trends and player developments can make a significant difference in your roster’s success.

Stay tuned for more insights from The Fan Hockey Show and keep your fantasy teams adjusted to the players’ latest performances.

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