Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Faller (Week 21)
RISERS
Jonathan Quick, G, Vegas Golden Knights (OWNED: 58%)
If there’s a coach who can fix Quick and/or return him to fantasy relevancy, it’s unequivocally Bruce Cassidy. With Logan Thompson out long-term and Laurent Brossoit currently banged up, Quick will battle with Adin Hill for playing time. In his Golden Knights debut on Sunday, the 37-year-old made 25 stops for the victory as Vegas upended Montreal 4-3.
Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers (OWNED: 56%)
The Tyson Barrie departure out of Edmonton was excellent news for Bouchard owners. The 23-year-old is back on the first power play unit with the big boys, and obviously with that, comes a substantial boost in value. The Oakville Ontario native tallied three helpers in Saturday night’s 7-5 loss in Winnipeg.
Shayne Gostisbehere, D, Carolina Hurricanes (OWNED: 44%)
In two outings so far for the Canes, Gostisbehere has been an absolute monster. Unsurprisingly, all four of his points (two goals, two assists) have come via the power play. Don’t expect too much at even strength, but the PP production is what they acquired him for. Add!
John Klingberg, D, Minnesota Wild (OWNED: 42%)
Undoubtedly, the move from Anaheim to Minnesota should help Klingberg’s stock immensely. Essentially, he was brought in to run Minnesota’s first power play unit. And that means tons of exposure to Kirll Kaprizov. Take a flier.
Joonas Korpisalo, G, Los Angeles Kings (OWNED: 33%)
In his Kings debut on Saturday night against St. Louis, the 28-year-old turned aside 24 shots on route to a 4-2 victory. Short-term, Korpisalo and Pheonix Copley will likely duke it out for playing time. That said, look for Korpisalo to grab that No. 1 job sooner rather than later. Scoop him up.
Rasmus Sandin, D, Washington Capitals (OWNED: 16%)
Effectively, especially with John Carlson still out, Sandin will assume most of the departed Erik Gustafsson’s responsibilities on Washington’s blue line. In just under 22 minutes of ice in his Capitals debut on Saturday night in San Jose, the 22-year-old notched three assists in an 8-3 beatdown of the lowly Sharks. Be mindful.
FALLERS
Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning (OWNED: 100%)
In 11 appearances since the All-Star break, the 28-year-old is 5-4-2 with a 3.25 goals-against average and 0.906 save-percentage. Furthermore, he’s surrendered 14 goals in his past three outings and four goals or more in four of his past seven starts. Translation: Yikes. Having said all that, it’s still Vasilevskiy, so keep the faith.
Alex Pietrangelo, D, Vegas Golden Knights (OWNED: 95%)
For a variety of different reasons, it’s been an up and down offensive season for Pietrangelo. Lately, unfortunately, he’s been ice cold. The 33-year-old is currently mired in a five-game pointless drought, and on top of that, he’s mustered just two points (one goal, one assist) in his past 10 outings. Stay patient.
Tomas Hertl, C, San Jose Sharks (OWNED: 54%)
For rest of season purposes, there’s no point in hanging onto Hertl, especially now that Timo Meier’s gone, too. Over his past eight outings, the Czech pivot has tallied just one goal and one assist. Dump him. See you later.
Erik Gustafsson, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (OWNED: 40%)
There’s no need to wait around on Gustafsson. Simply put, Toronto was the worst spot imaginable for his fantasy value. Through two outings, he’s been utilized in a bottom pairing role. Additionally, Morgan Rielly has continued to run the first power play unit, which obviously diminishes Gustafsson’s value even further. Cut bait.