Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 3)
Feel like your fantasy season is already getting away from you? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
As expected, it’s been another wild and chaotic start filled with plenty of surprises, disappointments, and injury concerns.
And while it may seem like the sky is falling, it’s important to exercise patience moving forward with your roster. Bottom line, the last thing you want to do is make an impulsive decision that could ultimately set you back in the long run.
RISERS
Carter Hart, G, Philadelphia Flyers (OWNED: 75%)
Just like we all predicted, Hart and the Flyers are off to an unbelievable start. The 24-year-old is 4-0-0 out of the gates with a 1.75 goals-against average and 0.949 save-percentage. Obviously, the numbers aren’t sustainable, but at the very least, you know Philadelphia will be much improved defensively under John Tortorella this season. Be mindful: This could be the start of a Carter Hart breakout season.
Alex Tuch, RW, Buffalo Sabres (OWNED: 67%)
With each and every passing game, Tuch’s ownership continues to climb. Through five outings, the 26-year-old has been a stat stuffing machine registering six goals, one helper, two game winning goals and 15 shots. In 55 total games with Buffalo now, the Syracuse native has tallied 18 goals and 45 points. Prorated over 82 games, that’s a 33-goal, 67-point pace. Not bad.
Dominik Kubalik, LW/RW, Detroit Red Wings (OWNED: 20%)
The former Blackhawk has been a beast since gaining a promotion to Detroit’s top line to play with Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond after Tyler Bertuzzi went down. After being held pointless in the season opener, Kubalik has notched three straight multi-point efforts and has three goals and five assists over his past four outings. Additionally, he’s been shooting the puck a ton, which is great to see as well.
MacKenzie Blackwood, G, New Jersey Devils (OWNED: 17%)
After back-to-back dreadful seasons, the 24-year-old is off to a steady start with a 3-1-0 record, 2.02 goals-against average and 0.904 save-percentage. That said, all four of his appearances have come against non-playoff teams in 2021-22, so it’s understandable to be skeptical. For now, ride the hot hand, but just be cognizant that the Devils remain a ticking timebomb defensively.
Shane Pinto, C, Ottawa Senators (OWNED: 8%)
Playing predominantly in a tertiary role for the new-look Sens, the 21-year-old is off to blazing start with four goals in five games. On top of that, due to an injury to Josh Norris, Pinto could be primed for a promotion to the second line. That would mean extensive attachment to the likes of Alex DeBrincat and Claude Giroux. Furthermore, we should find out more on the Norris front sooner rather than later.
FALLERS
Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators (OWNED: 100%)
After a hot start in Prague, Josi and the Predators have been slumping big-time. The 32-year-old, who’s coming off a monster 96-point campaign, has mustered just one measly assist over his first seven contests. It’s too early to be concerned, but rest assured, he has tons of work ahead of him to get back to last year’s ridiculous pace.
J.T. Miller, C/LW, Vancouver Canucks (OWNED: 99%)
It’s been only 52 days since Miller signed his mega extension with the Canucks, and already, things are going off the rails. In six outings, the 29-year-old has tallied two goals and an assist to go along with a minus-6 rating for the winless Canucks. Of course, Miller’s coming off a career high in goals (32), assists (67) and points (99). Those numbers will be tough to duplicate. For what it’s worth, keep tabs on a potential buy low opportunity here.
Sam Reinhart, C/RW, Florida Panthers (OWNED: 94%)
Following his breakout 33-goal, 82-point season, it’s been a quiet start for the 26-year-old forward. He’s goalless through six contests and has just one assist. Undoubtedly, the shooting percentage will straighten out, especially if he continues to roll with Aleksander Barkov. Don’t panic.
Jonathan Quick, G, Los Angeles Kings (OWNED: 74%)
Regardless of who’s been tending the net for them, the Kings have been a disaster defensively to start the season. In five appearance, Quick’s notched just one win and has surrendered 18 goals against. The smart and logical play here is to buy low; Los Angeles is too talented to keep this ugliness up.
Ryan Hartman, C, Minnesota Wild (OWNED: 48%)
In the span of three weeks, Hartman’s stock has taken a considerable nosedive, which suggests most fantasy owners view last season’s random offensive output as a one off. In 82 games, the 28-year-old potted 34 goals and 65 points forming an unexpected chemistry with superstar Kirill Kaprizov. Hartman has just two assists in five games, but still, he’s worth rostering strictly because of his continued attachment to Kaprizov.