Fantasy Hockey: Risers & Fallers (Week 8)
RISERS
Matt Murray, G, Toronto Maple Leafs (OWNED: 69%)
While it’s always best to tread carefully with Murray in fantasy hockey, it’s tough to overlook how good he’s been since being activated from IR. In his past five appearances, the 28-year-old has registered a 4-0-1 record to go along with a 2.20 goals-against and 0.934 save-percentage. Have a look, Murray and the Leafs are on complete fire right now. This reminds me of Jack Campbell’s impeccable run last November.
Jeremy Swayman, G, Boston Bruins (OWNED: 69%)
My oh my, how the tables have turned. Earlier in the season, it was Swayman who got injured, now it’s Linus Ullmark who’s banged up. The 29-year-old left Friday afternoon’s game against Carolina with an upper-body issue, the Bruins should have an update on his status relatively soon. If Ullmark’s forced to miss time, Swayman will be leaned on heavily for the red-hot Bruins.
Filip Hronek, D, Detroit Red Wings (OWNED: 68%)
As the games go by, Hronek continues to gain more and more steam. Currently, he’s riding a four-game goal streak (five) and a six-game point streak (six goals, four assists). Additionally, over his past 10 outings, the 25-year-old’s notched 12 points (six goals, six assists). Ride the hot hand!
Tyler Seguin, C/RW, Dallas Stars (OWNED: 60%)
Thanks to a good start (22 GP: 4 G, 14 A, 18 P), Seguin has catapulted himself back into fantasy relevancy. Furthermore, he’s tallied three multi-point efforts in his past six outings and has picked up at least a point in five of eight. I’m not sure if he’s back for real, but he’s worth a flier at the very least.
Nick Schmaltz, C/RW, Arizona Coyotes (OWNED: 25%)
Honestly, it’s disgusting how under-owned Schmaltz is right now, but that’s going to change very soon. After missing Arizona’s first 16 games due to injury, the 23-year-old has racked up three goals and one assist in four contests so far this season. On top of that, it’s easy to forget but Schmaltz is coming off a season where he potted 23 goals and 59 points in 63 games. Grab him.
David Krejci, C, Boston Bruins (OWNED: 20%)
Extra, extra, it’s time to jump back in on David Krejci. The 36-year-old enters the week on an impressive five game point streak where he’s tallied six goals, two helpers and three power play points. In addition to his PP2 duties, over the first two months of the season, the veteran pivot’s pretty much been a mainstay between Pavel Zacha and David Pastrnak at five-on-five.
FALLERS
Brent Burns, D, Carolina Hurricanes (OWNED: 96%)
Early on in his tenure with the Canes, Burns has been a mixed bag. That said, it’s important to give him time to get acclimated to his new surroundings, it was a big change and it’s a long season. The 37-year-old hasn’t scored in eight games and has just two points in his past six outings. Stay patient with Burns.
Carter Hart, G, Philadelphia Flyers (OWNED: 77%)
Hate to see it, but Hart’s stock is plummeting quicker than Twitter right now. Remember that hot start for the Flyers? Yeah, that’s over. Philadelphia’s dropped 10 in a row and Hart’s surrendered 26 goals in his past seven appearances. Yikes. Unfortunately, it’s probably too late to try and sell off, you’ll most likely be dropping Hart soon.
Gabriel Vilardi, LW/RW, Los Angeles (OWNED: 52%)
After an unreal start, predictably, Vilardi’s regressed big-time the past few weeks to the point where owners have started cutting bait. And that’s probably the right play here. He’s goalless in eight straight and has picked up just one measly assist in that span. Could be curtains for Gabe soon in terms of fantasy relevancy. Personally, I’d give it a few more games, though.
Alexis Lafreniere, LW/RW, New York Rangers (OWNED: 24%)
The 21-year-old finally snapped a 12-game goalless drought on Saturday to silence the critics —at least momentarily. That said, after a decent October, the 2020 No. 1 pick has struggled mightily in November tallying just one goal and four helpers over the course of the month. Easy drop, you can always revisit if/when he catches heats up.