Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 13)
RISERS
Antti Raanta, G, Carolina Hurricanes (OWNED: 50%)
The 33-year-old made 24 stops on Sunday in Newark to notch his sixth consecutive victory. On top of that, Raanta posted back-to-back shutouts last week against Chicago and Florida, respectively, for the red-hot Canes, who’ve won 11 in a row. For now, just ride the hot hand. Once Frederik Andersen returns, it’s going to be a crowded crease in Carolina once again. Playing time will be hard to come by for Raanta.
Phillip Danault, C, Los Angeles Kings (OWNED: 30%)
Over a seven-game point streak, the former Canadiens centre has tallied five goals and three assists for eight points. Furthermore, he’s been skating alongside Alex Iafallo and Viktor Arvidsson five-on-five, so both are worth a look as well. Take a flier.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, Buffalo Sabres (OWNED: 15%)
Since mid-December, the rookie netminder is 4-0-0 with a 2.47 goals-against average and a 0.935 save-percentage. Additionally, the Sabres, who’ve won six of seven, have been playing some good hockey lately and look like they’re finally turning a corner. UPL’s legit. That said, tread carefully, though —turbulence is expected.
Calle Jarnkrok, C/LW/RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (OWNED: 14%)
Since returning from a groin injury, the tri-eligible forward has picked up at least a point in five straight outings (three goals, four assists). Most importantly, he’s been skating on a line with John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Talk about a garden seat.
Michael Amadio, C/RW, Vegas Golden Knights (OWNED: 8%)
Full credit to Amadio, who’s taken full advantage of a recent promotion to Vegas’ top line to play with Chandler Stephenson and Mark Stone. Quietly, the 26-year-old is currently riding a six-game point streak where he’s tallied four goals and three helpers.
FALLERS
J.T. Miller, C/LW/RW, Vancouver Canucks (OWNED: 99%)
Indisputably, it’s been an up and down season for Miller to-date. And thus far, he’s failed to live up to his top-25 preseason ranking. The tri-eligible forward is now pointless in three straight games and has tallied just four points (two goals, two assists) in his past 10 outings. If you can get decent value back in a trade, I’d strongly consider doing it. It feels like it’s just going to be one of those years for Miller.
Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles Kings (OWNED: 80%)
Simply put, the Kings captain has been slumping big-time lately after a torrid stretch. He hasn’t scored in nine games, and top of that, he’s failed to register a point in five straight contests. There’s no reason to be alarmed here, however. In fact, I’d argue now’s an excellent time to execute a buy low on Kopitar. Have at it.
Spencer Knight, G, Florida Panthers (OWNED: 74%)
The 21-year-old has not been the same since he was forced to miss a few weeks in December due to a nasty cold. In two appearances since returning, he’s surrendered 11 goals on 60 shots on route to dropping both games. For now, just bench Knight until he can figure things out again. Personally, I wouldn’t drop him. Have faith. 3
Nick Suzuki, C, Montreal Canadiens (OWNED: 71%)
After an incredible start, Suzuki is in the midst of a dreadful offensive stretch where he’s tallied just one goal in his past 11 outings. Since December 1st, the 23-year-old has mustered just three goals and eight points. All things being equal, for rest of season purposes, I’d expect Suzuki to fall somewhere in between that hot stretch to start the year and this recent run of futility. Put him on the trade block.
Ryan O’Reilly, C, St. Louis Blues (OWNED: 34%)
O’Reilly has one measly point – a goal – in his past nine outings. This one’s simple: Until he can demonstrate some level of consistency again, it’s an easy fade right now. On top of that, there’s so much depth at centre in fantasy hockey, so you should have no problem finding an upgrade. Move on.