Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Faller (Week 17)
RISERS
Joel Eriksson Ek, C, Minnesota Wild (OWNED: 69%)
Even though the 26-year-old has primarily been centering the third line lately for the Wild, he’s taken full advantage of his first power play duties. Over his past five outings, Eriksson Ek’s tallied four goals and three helpers for seven points, five of which have come via the man advantage. Furthermore, he’s notched at least a point in nine of the past 12 contests.
Carter Verhaeghe, LW, Florida Panthers (OWNED: 67%)
Despite having his seven-game point streak come to an end in Saturday’s thrilling come from behind victory over Boston, Verhaeghe’s been money in the bank lately for fantasy owners. Since mid-January, he’s racked up seven goals and 10 points. With Florida starting to heat up, it wouldn’t be a bad move to consider acquiring the winger for rest of season purposes.
Anton Forsberg, G, Ottawa Senators (OWNED: 43%)
Cam Talbot’s on the shelf with a lower-body injury, which means it’s Forsberg’s crease in Ottawa for the foreseeable future. And so far, so good. In three appearances since his partner went down, the 30-year-old is 2-0-0 with a 1.18 goals-against, 0.964 save-percentage and one shutout. Additionally, he’s stopped 80 of 83 shots in that time frame. Take a flier.
Boone Jenner, C, Columbus Blue Jackets (OWNED: 33%)
After a slow start following his return from a fractured thumb, the Blue Jackets’ captain has started to cook in recent outings. Over the past five games, he’s tallied three goals and four points. Jenner’s been centering Columbus’ No. 1 line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and the red-hot Kirill Marchenko. Keep tabs.
Nick Schmaltz, C/RW, Arizona Coyotes (OWNED: 18%)
Oh look, Nick Schmaltz is on another heater. Seriously, this guy’s so under-appreciated borderline disrespected in fantasy hockey. The 26-year-old has seven points in his past four outings (four goals, three assists) and is up to 28 points in 34 contests this season. Furthermore, dating back to last season, over his past 82 regular season games, Schmaltz has 33 goals and 80 points. That’s all you need to know.
Alex Kerfoot, C/LW/RW, Toronto Maple Leafs (OWNED: 7%)
With Auston Matthews sidelined for at least the next three weeks, the tri-eligible Kerfoot has once again been promoted to Toronto’s top-six. Over the first couple games, he’s been skating with Calle Jarnkrok and William Nylander. In that type of role, Kerfoot’s a solid streamer option —at the very least.
FALLERS
Boston Bruins (38-7-5)
Don’t look now, but for the first time this season, the Bruins are winless in three straight games (0-2-1). As a fantasy owner, there’s no need to panic, but at the very least, you should have a good understanding of what you can fetch in a deal if you decide to go the sell-high route. For example, Linus Ullmark is so fascinating. There’s no way he can keep up this ridiculous pace, is there? Gauge the market.
Connor Hellebuyck, G, Winnipeg Jets (OWNED: 98%)
By his standards, the 2020 Vezina Trophy winner has had a sub-par January, which is good news if you’re in the market for an elite netminder. Over his past 10 outings, Hellebuyck’s compiled a 4-6-0 record to go along with a 2.91 goals-against average and 0.906 save-percentage. Buy, buy, buy.
Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights (OWNED: 96%)
Will the real Jack Eichel please stand up? Since Mark Stone went down on January 12th, the 26-year-old has tallied zero goals and one measly assist in eight outings. Any way you slice it, that’s just not good enough, especially when you factor in how much he’s getting paid. Sadly, as a fantasy owner, there’s not much you can do right now but stand pat and hope for the best.
Mikhail Sergachev, D, Tampa Bay Lightning (OWNED: 89%)
For starters, the blue liner hasn’t scored in 13 games and has just one goal in his past 19 outings. Additionally, he’s tallied just two points – both assists – in the past seven contests. Sadly, his sell-high window ended a long-time ago, too. That said, regression was forecasted after that ridiculous start. Hang tight; Sergachev still has plenty of all-round value.