Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 14)
RISERS
Max Pacioretty, LW, Carolina Hurricanes (OWNED: 63%)
After being held pointless in his season debut on Thursday night, the veteran sniper potted two goals on Saturday afternoon in Columbus. He finished that game skating on the top-line with Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis in addition to the first power play unit. Pacioretty has the potential to be a top-50 fantasy player for rest of season purposes; must own.
Vince Dunn, D, Seattle Kraken (OWNED: 60%)
The smooth skating blueliner has two goals and five points over his past two outings and 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in his past nine games. Moral of the story: He’s on fire, and so are the Kraken. Most importantly, Dunn’s been quarterbacking Seattle’s first power play unit. Grab him.
Tom Wilson, RW, Washington Capitals (OWNED: 56%)
In his season debut for the Capitals on Sunday night against the Blue Jackets, the power forward was deployed on line two with Dylan Strome and Evgeny Kuznetsov as well as the second power play unit. Wilson, who missed the first 42 games of the season with a torn ACL suffered in last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, indisputably can be a difference maker for you —especially in a bangers league.
Tyler Seguin, C/RW, Dallas Stars (OWNED: 53%)
The dual-eligible forward was promoted to the top line to play with Jason Robertson and Joe Pavelski on Sunday afternoon after Roope Hintz was forced to leave Dallas’ game against Florida with an upper body injury. Although he hasn’t done much lately (two points in his past seven outings), Seguin’s worth a pick up if he continues to skate with those two studs.
Martin Jones, G, Seattle Kraken (OWNED: 50%)
If you’re searching for help in the crease, Martin Jones is your guy. In four appearances in 2023, the 32-year-old is 4-0-0 with a 2.00 goals-against average and 0.921 save-percentage. On top of that, he’s now 18-5-3 on the season. Clearly, Jones has been winning a lot, but just be cognisant that he’s still very prone to a blow up or two. At any rate, ride the hot hand while you can.
Nick Backstrom, C, Washington Capitals (OWNED: 36%)
Just like Wilson, the 35-year-old made his season debut for the Caps on Sunday night after missing the entire first half following offseason hip surgery. Furthermore, Backstrom’s 35 and coming off major surgery, so it’s important to temper expectations. Based on name value and attachment to Alex Ovechkin, the veteran pivot is worth a flier —at the very least.
FALLERS
Evgeni Malkin, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (OWNED: 92%)
In general, it’s a good time to buy-low on the Pittsburgh Penguins, they’ve played like junk lately. And that includes Malkin, who has just two points (one goal, one assist) in his past seven outings. There’s no need to be alarmed however, this is just what they do. In 39 games this season, the Russian centre’s tallied 12 goals and 35 points. Offer away!
Ville Husso, G, Detroit Red Wings (OWNED: 76%)
After a very solid first few months, Husso’s stock has plummeted significantly over the past six weeks. Since December 1st, he’s 3-5-2 with a 3.47 goals-against average and 0.891 save-percentage. Suffice it is to say, you should be looking for a replacement option as soon as possible. Monitor closely but it could be drop o’clock sooner rather than later. Bench him for now.
David Perron, RW, Detroit Red Wings (OWNED: 59%)
Falling in line with the rest of his squad, Perron’s been ice cold lately. In fact, the winger, who signed in Detroit last summer, has now failed to register a point in five straight outings. Give it a couple more games. If still nothing, don’t hesitate to move on.
Evan Bouchard, D, Edmonton Oilers (OWNED: 57%)
This one’s an easy drop, too. The 23-year-old’s pointless in seven straight games, and on top of that, he’s currently mired in a nasty 19 game goalless drought. You can always circle back down the road, right?