Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 6)
Bring on Week 6.
But seriously, slow down a little, the season is flying.
Unbelievably, American Thanksgiving is now just 10 days away, which stinks because fantasy owners will have no choice but to park the ‘it’s early’ excuse for another 11 months.
Generally speaking, we’re nearing the range in the season where you should have a pretty good indication of what your team is or isn’t. After that, you’ll have to address your roster accordingly.
No need to freak out just yet.
RISERS
Tyson Barrie, D, Edmonton Oilers (OWNERSHIP: 68%)
Barrie’s making life difficult for Evan Bouchard owners right now, isn’t he? In addition to his current mini four-game point streak (two goals, three assists), the 31-year-old has tallied nine points (two goals, seven assists) in his past nine outings. The Oilers have flip-flopped Barrie and Bouchard on PP1 a lot this season, lately it’s been Barrie. Take note.
Jake Sanderson, D, Ottawa Senators (OWNERSHIP: 40%)
The injury to Thomas Chabot (concussion) means Sanderson could be primed for a big-time promotion. And quite frankly, he deserves it. The rookie has logged over 20 minutes in five straight outings and has registered four helpers in the past seven contests. Look for Sanderson to run Ottawa’s first power play unit. Grab him.
Jason Zucker, LW, Pittsburgh Penguins (OWNERSHIP: 15%)
Quietly, the 30-year-old is putting together a nice little run here. In seven games since missing a few due to a nagging injury, the winger has tallied three goals, seven points and 22 shots. Furthermore, the Pens play four times this week, so now’s as good as ever to take Zucker for a spin. Recently, he’s been developing some solid chemistry with linemates Evgeni Malkin and Rickard Rakell.
Casey DeSmith, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (OWNERSHIP: 14%)
If you’re looking for a spot start, DeSmith could be a cheeky look for you. The veteran, who’s started four of the past six games for the Penguins, has notched a victory in back-to-back outings while surrendering just three total games. There’s no question about it, he’s starting to steal some time from the struggling Tristan Jarry. Again, as mentioned above, the Pens will be busy this week, so rest assured, DeSmith will get play.
Tomas Tatar, LW/RW, New Jersey Devils (OWNERSHIP: 7%)
The Devils are on fire and so is Tatar. The veteran winger, who’s been skating with Nico Hischier and Fabian Zetterlund, is currently riding a seven-game point streak (two goals, seven assists). Until he shows signs of cooling down, at the very least, Tatar’s flier worthy. Do it up.
Jake Bean, D, Columbus Blue Jackets (OWNERSHIP: 5%)
With Zach Werenski likely done for the season, Bean’s the guy to own on Columbus’ back end right now. Not only is he in-line for an uptick in minutes, but most importantly, he’s been elevated to the first power play unit to snap it around with the big boys. In Friday night’s loss to the Islanders, the 24-year-old notched two assists, one power play point and three shots on goal. Have a look.
FALLERS
Andrei Vasilevskiy, G, Tampa Bay Lightning (OWNERSHIP: 100%)
It’s nowhere close to panic time, but let’s call a spade, Vasilevskiy has looked very pedestrian to start the season. In fact, the future Hall-of-Famer has surrendered three goals or more in nine of his first 11 outings. In general, Tampa’s looked inconsistent, but they’ve done this before, right? Keep the faith.
Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Florida Panthers (OWNERSHIP: 92%)
Considering who’s behind him, Bobrovsky is off to the worst start imaginable. Since topping the Islanders 3-1 in the season opener, the 34-year-old is 2-4-1 with a 3.61 goals-against average and 0.886 save-percentage. Furthermore, Spencer Knight has started five of the past seven games for the Panthers. Be mindful.
Bryan Rust, RW, Pittsburgh Penguins (OWNERSHIP: 82%)
Simply put, now’s a tremendous time to execute a buy-low on Rust, he’s been very quiet lately. After tallying five points in the first three games of the season, the 30-year-old has just three points in 12 contests since. This guy’s as streaky as they come, so suffice it is to say, act quickly before he heats up again.
Michael Bunting, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs (OWNERSHIP: 49%)
Can a sophomore slump be a thing when a guy is 27? At any rate, as you can see, Bunting’s stock has been plummeting, he’s really struggled to find consistency early on. Right now, even though he’s back in the top-six, your best course of action is to drop him and revisit the situation if/when he catches fire again. For what it’s worth, you should have no problem finding a suitable replacement on the waiver wire right now.