Fantasy Hockey Spotlight: Multi-Point Games
Over the last several Fantasy Hockey Spotlight articles, we’ve covered many different topics. Many of the same names have come up, including the top players in the league (Crosby, Giroux, Tavares, Seguin, Stamkos, etc.)
Apr 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux (28) and Ottawa Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) wait for a face-off during the second period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
This time around it is time to dig deeper and look at some of the “under the radar” players that had the most multi-point games in 2014-2015. Lets begin.
Next: C of Red
May 8, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan (23) celebrates his first period goal with center Jiri Hudler (24) and left wing Johnny Gaudreau (13) against the Anaheim Ducks in game four of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Jiri Hudler, Flames, LW,RW
ADR: 8.7
Multi-Point Games: 23
Calgary is a team to be excited about. They have a bright future, young stars, and proven veterans, such as Hudler. In 2014-2015 Hudler finished sixth of all players for most multi-point games. He finished up there with guys like Ovechkin, Tavares, Backstrom, Benn, and Seguin.
Hudler is certainly an overlooked player in drafts as he is currently being drafted near the tail end of the eigth round. He is playing on the top line with Gaudreau and Monahan.
Additional stat: Hudler finished last year with the 23rd most multi-goal games (4). He is arguably the best man on the roster. He is playing on the PP and top line with young guns that look like they will be something special. If he is around before the 8th round. Take him with confidence.
Next: Black and Orange
Feb 15, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Jakub Voracek, Flyers, RW
ADR: 2.2
Multi-Point Games: 22
With preseason just getting underway, it is still unclear whether or not Voracek will continue to play on the Flyers’ number one trio with Giroux. While still dealing with cap issues, the Flyers are very unlikely to make any spectacular additions. That is unless, they can rid of that Lecavalier contract.
That being said, the most likely outcome should be Voracek playing on the second line to help with line depth. However, Voracek will continue to sport the team’s top PP line.
Additional Stat: Voracek finished last year with 3, three-assist games, which was tied for 4th best NHL-wide. A second round fantasy hockey draft pick is totally appropriate for him.
Next: One of the 91's
Apr 24, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) celebrates with teammates after his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period in game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Vladimir Tarasenko, Blues, RW
ADR: 2.1
Multi-Point Games: 19
St. Louis has had their postseason issues over the past few years. This is one of many reasons why they have made some questionable roster changes. Good for us, fantasy hockey does not dip into the postseason.
After getting his big contract extension, look for Tarasenko further more prove the reason why it is much deserved. Skating on the top line with Schwartz and Steen may be one of the best lines in the league, come April. Many around the NHL are saying that he has the capability of hitting 50 goals this year.
Additional Stat: In 2014-2015, Tarasenko tied for 2nd best with 2 hat-tricks. He shared this position with stars named: Benn, Seguin, and linemate Schwartz. He is currently being drafted in the early second round of fantasy hockey drafts. Look into taking him in round one.
Next: A Habs' Life
May 6, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of game three of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Max Pacioretty, Canadians, LW
ADR: 4.3
Multi-Point Games: 18
Playing with Gallagher and Plekanec surely is something to reckon with. Pacioretty has been very consistent since the 2010-2011 season. Since that year, he has averaged .815 points per game.
The signing of Semin should help Montreal finally take that next step needed in the playoffs. He could join Pacioretty on either of the PP lines. Watch out for his health. He can’t seem to finish a full year.
In fact, according to many reports, Pacioretty’s knee injury should keep him out of all preseason games. Given the reported 12 week recovery time, he might be back by October 10th. The season is underway starting October 7th.
Additional Stat: He shoots….a lot. Pacioretty tied for 3rd last year for the most games with at least one shot on goal (79). Many are skipping him in fantasy hockey drafts due to his injury. Take him as a starting LW.
Next: The Complete Package
Jun 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save against Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) in the second period game five of the 2015 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Ondrej Palat, Lightning, LW
ADR: 10.8
Multi-Point Games: 18
Why people are waiting to take Palat until the tenth round in fantasy hockey drafts is unreal. Palat-Johnson-Kucherov was one of the best lines in hockey down the stretch, and eventually landed them in the Cup final.
At 24 years old, he will get better, and especially while playing for a contender. His last two campaigns look like this:
2013-2014: 81 GP with 59 points
2014-2105: 75 GP with 63 points
Additional Stat(s): Palat really is a complete package. While tallying 18 multi-point games, there are other important numbers too. He tied with Crosby and Steen for the most games with three assists (4). Lastly, Palat ended up with two multi-goal games. Expect more than two in 2015-2016 as the “Triplets Line” may end up being a regular thing. Draft him well before the 10th round, as he is a starting LW.
–All stats and numbers recorded from NHL.com
Next: 5 Players to Watch in Training Camp