Fantasy Hockey Picks 10-21-14
After a short slate Sunday and a disappointing Monday schedule these fantasy hockey picks will help you get back on track!
Goalies:
Jaroslav Halak ($18,200) - If you told me a year ago that I would even be looking into a goalie for the Islanders versus the Leafs, I would have said you’re crazy. Toronto is only averaging 2.50 goals per game and the Islanders are off to a surprise start. Jhonny Boychuk and Nick Leddy are proving to be well worth their signings respectively. When the defensemen in front of Halak are playing well and Toronto comes in with only 1 real scoring line, Halak should be in for a nice day.
Ondrej Pavelec ($13,050) - Pavelec once again in a great position with his matchup. He let me down in GPPs on Sunday but I am not scared to go back to the well. Carolina should get Jeff Skinner back for this game but Jordan and Eric Staal remain out. With the teams’ top 2 centers not in uniform, Carolina’s offense is just flat out bad. Pavelec is a cheap option and should provide those crucial points for the win.
Others I like: (whoever is in net for Tampa) and Pekka Rinne
Centers:
Steven Stamkos ($17,050) - They can’t charge enough for this guy. With 28 shots, 5 goals, and 2 assists through 5 games (Wrote this before Monday night’s game where I’m sure he added tot hat total against EDM), I find it hard to fade him in any type of game. I am going to do everything possible to fit him in tonight.
Andrew Shaw ($6,600) - This price remains a steal for the opportunity he gets. Centering a line with Patrick Kane is a great spot to be in. Shaw also gets plenty of time on the teams top power play with Toews/Kane/Sharp/Kieth. That is a deadly power play and the Flyers love to take stupid penalties. Steve Mason is the opposing goalie and he is the Fransisco Liriano of the NHL. He is either great or will blow up. My money is on the latter.
Others I like: Tyler Seguin, Henrik Sedin
Left Wing:
Ryan O’Reilly ($11,400) - Colorado is bound to get on track at some point, and a home game against the Panthers is just what the doctor ordered. While Loungo is not a great matchup for the Avalanche forwards the Panthers defense in front of him is below average, there should be plenty of shots this game and O’Reilly should be right in the middle of the scoring.
Kris Versteeg ($5,250) - Is expected to skate with Andrew Shaw and Patrick Kane in his first game this season. Just like Andrew Shaw this price provides major upside. If Versteeg helps me afford Stamkos tonight I am all about it.
Others I like: Justin Abdelkader, Cory Conacher
Right Wing:
Kyle Okposo ($13,750) - Okopse has 7 points through 5 games and his team is playing great. I am still not a believer in the team as a whole, but with Toronto in town it would be a surprise if the scoring stops tonight. Skating with John Tavares can only lead to good things as he commands so much of the defenses attention.
Ryan Callahan ($10,600) - Skating alongside Stamkos on the teams’ top line and top power play makes Callahan a great play. He never takes a shift off and wins plenty of puck battles along the boards. This gives Stamkos more chances to score and Callahan is likely to get an assist. Callahan’s play could be compared to Derek Jeter with all the intangibles that he brings. (For you Gabey).
Others I like: Filip Forsberg, Brendan Gallagher
Defense:
Dustin Byfuglien ($12,250) - I feel like I am writing him up every time WPG plays. “Big Buff” only has 1 point on the season, but getting to roster an extra forward is a huge advantage. Forwards score much more fantasy points than defensemen and rostering a 7th forward is remarkable anytime you can afford it. Add that to a matchup with the Canes and you’ve got yourself a play tonight.
Anton Stralman ($5,150) - Stralman is an auto-play for me. He will be in each and every one of my teams. The injury to Vivtor Hedman makes this play even more incredible. Stralman should be the defencemen that gets the most ice time on the offense that i am targeting the most. He is near minimum price and is expecting to be on Tampa Bay’s great power play.
Others I like: Jhonny Boychuk, Johnny Oduya
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