NEXT WEEK
4 Games - Anaheim, Washington

3 Games –Arizona, Boston, Buffalo, Calgary, Carolina, Colorado, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Florida, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Montreal, Nashville, New Jersey, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg

2 Games – Edmonton, St. Louis  


LEFT WING

Scott Hartnell score a hat-trick against the Penguins. That will get your attention. What makes it even more surprising is the fact that he didn’t even see 11 minutes of ice-time in the contest. He’s been under 12:30 ice-time in 5-of-8 games in December, and he has just eight goals all year, but he has been a consistent 20-goal scorer so perhaps he has a run in him of offensive effectiveness.  

CENTER

Brian Boyle is a monster of a man standing 6’6” and weighing in at 245 lbs. The last two games he’s used that frame to score twice, and he has four lamp lighting shots his last five games. He had 21 goals back in 2010, but it’s not really his game. He does throw his weight around a bit with 10 hits his last four outings, and he’s usually good for about 4-5 face-off wins a night.

Mark Letestu has three goals his last five games and he’s also dished out four helpers in that time. Over his last seven outings he’s fired at least four shots on four occasions. He’s never scored 15 goals in a season but he’s up to seven for Edmonton.

Zach Smith has been on a bit of a run of late. Over his last four games he’s scored three times while handing out three helpers leading to a +6 rating. He did light the lamp 25 times last season thanks to a .20.7 shooting percentage. Alas, the mark is just half of it this year at 10.4 which is just two tenths over his career mark.

RIGHT WING

Ryan Hartman has had a nice run with a goal and three helpers in four games for the Hawks. He’s been working to clean up his game, to avoid penalties, and his offense has taken off. He’s also seeing time as a top-6 forward. That’s a recipe for success on that team.

DEFENSE

Nikita Zaitsev has a goal and three assists his last three games. He’s also a +3 skater who has taken seven shots on net while handing out 10 hits. Not bad for the rookie blueliner. One odd note. He’s a +5 skater at home this season but a terrible (-12) on the road.

Luke Schenn has taken four shots on net in two of three outings. He’s also a +3 skater his last three games. Add in that he’s laid out four or more hits in three of four games and you have a relatively minor fantasy performer who has been pretty productive the past week.

Damon Severson is a (-16) skater, so you have to think long and hard about adding him to your roster. He does have a helper in 3-straight games though and has seen at least 20:51 of ice-time in all eight games he’s played in December. By the way, two of those helpers have come on the power-play.

GOALTENDER

Antoine Bibeau was called back to the Leafs, and his head coach said he would make one of the next two starts. He didn’t start Thursday so that means he will be in net Friday against Arizona. In his lone start this season the keeper allowed two goals on 28 shots.

 

Ray Flowers can be heard Monday/Tuesday and Thursday/Friday, 8 PM EDT, Wednesday 7 PM EDT on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio (Sirius 210, XM 87). You can also hear Ray Sunday nights at 9 PM EDT PM on the channel talking fantasy sports. Follow Ray’s work at Fantasy Alarm and on Twitter (@baseballguys).