NHL Weekly Fantasy Update: Key Performances and Injuries

In this week’s hockey action, the Colorado Avalanche faced a tough adjustment following the departure of forward Mikko Rantanen. Their recent matchup against the Boston Bruins highlighted team dynamics and individual performances. Let’s dive into the details and explore other significant events across the NHL.

Avalanche Adjust to Rantanen’s Departure

In their game against the Bruins, the Avalanche stumbled to a 3-1 loss, struggling to find their rhythm without Rantanen. Martin Necas, who made his Avalanche debut in this game, faced a tough start, finishing the night without a point and recording a minus-3 rating. However, his future looks promising given his chemistry with Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin.

The trio formed a dominant line, boasting impressive stats like 77.8 SF% and 79.1 CF%. Necas logged significant ice time, with 25:08 minutes on the ice, indicating a pivotal role in the future. MacKinnon added momentum with eight shots despite not scoring, while Drouin’s contributions were vital.

Meanwhile, fellow newcomer Jack Drury was paired with Ross Colton and Logan O’Connor on the third line. Despite the lack of points, Drury’s presence on the ice suggests he may develop into a solid asset for the team.

Bruins’ Morgan Geekie Heats Up

Boston’s Morgan Geekie has been on a tear, scoring in three consecutive games against the Avalanche. Gathered on the same line with David Pastrnak, Geekie’s offensive surge is notable, with 13 goals and 21 points in his last 27 games. Although the Bruins have shown signs of decline, Geekie remains a valuable player in fantasy hockey drafts.

Pastrnak added to Geekie’s performance by scoring an empty-net goal and assisting on both Geekie’s goals. His recent success has boosted his standing on the Frozen Tools Hot List, where he ranks at the top with 17 points over his last seven games.

Hurricanes’ Adjustments to Rantanen and Hall

The Carolina Hurricanes welcomed their new signings, Mikko Rantanen and Taylor Hall, to their lineup for the first time in their overtime loss to the Islanders. Rantanen led the way with five shots, playing alongside Sebastian Aho and Jackson Blake, and making plays on the top power play.

Hall, however, had a slower start, spending only 11:36 on the ice without recording a point or a shot. His linemates were Jack Roslovic and Juha Jaaska, indicating that Hall may need more time to adjust to his new role with the Hurricanes.

Key Injuries and Availability

Several players faced important setbacks due to injuries. Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins left a game against the Seattle Kraken with a lower-body injury, affecting his knee in a collision with Chandler Stephenson. Stephenson, on the other hand, has been a consistent contributor, scoring five points in his last four games and maintaining a point-per-game average since January.

Sean Monahan of the Columbus Blue Jackets is expected to miss six to eight weeks due to a wrist injury. His absence opens opportunities for players like Adam Fantilli, who has been filling the void adeptly, recording five goals and four assists in nine games.

Other notable injuries include Nico Hischier of the New Jersey Devils, who left a game against Montreal after being cross-checked by Nick Suzuki. This injury put Hischier’s availability for the upcoming week in question.

Rising Stars and Hot Streaks

Several young and emerging players have caught the attention of fantasy hockey enthusiasts with their recent performances. Bobby McMann, who skate alongside Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews on the Toronto Maple Leafs, has been impressive, scoring a goal and taking seven shots in one game. This adds to his five-point output over his last five games, making him a worthwhile waiver-wire pickup.

Mason McTavish of the Anaheim Ducks has also showed a spark, scoring two goals in one game and bringing a total of five goals in his last three games. His consistent offensive showing has earned him ice time on the Ducks’ top power play, giving him a solid foundation for continued success.

Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks remains a top scorer, leading the team with 54 points and outscoring the second-highest scorer on his team by 21 points. His contributions make him a key asset for fantasy hockey players, even though the Canucks are currently not in playoff contention.

Goalie Performances

Several goalies stood out with crucial shutouts, including Cam Talbot of the Detroit Red Wings, who picked up a 2-0 shutout against the Lightning. Talbot’s recent performances have been solid, with four wins and four quality starts in five games. This improvement is attributed to coaching changes, with Todd McLellan replacing Derek Lalonde.

Casey DeSmith also added a 33-save shutout against the St. Louis Blues, extending his season record to a 2.42 GAA and .913 SV% in 15 games. While Jake Oettinger remains a heavy workload starter, DeSmith has shown reliability, making him a valuable spot starter for fantasy teams whenever Oettinger gets a rest.

Traffic and Trades

Teams continued to make moves that impact the fantasy hockey landscape. The Rangers signed Will Borgen to a five-year extension with a cap hit of $4.1 million, showing confidence in his contributions to the team. Meanwhile, the Canucks welcomed Elias Pettersson, the young defenseman, making his debut on the ice.

In terms of suspensions, Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers faced a one-game suspension, creating an opening for Jeff Skinner to join the top power play. Skinner’s temporary promotion could provide an unexpected boost, though he will revert to a support role upon McDavid’s return.

Conclusion

This week’s NHL action provided valuable insights into team dynamics, individual performances, and injury reports that are crucial for fantasy hockey players. Keep an eye on the Avalanche’s adaptation to their new lineup, Morgan Geekie’s hot streak, and the potential impact of key injuries.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis to enhance your fantasy hockey strategy. Don’t forget to subscribe to Archynetys for the latest news and insights.

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