Between the Lines – Moulson, Voracek, Yandle and more

Chris Wassel

2011-11-28

Yandle

 

The American Thanksgiving caused some fantasy owners to not be very thankful at all. The jump in injuries this week was troublesome. It is time to take a look at what line combinations may bring for Week 8. Now the gloves truly come off. As always, all frequencies are for the last seven days only.

 

 

Forward March…….


Matt Moulson, LW, New York Islanders – This is a tough choice but sometimes digging yields some fruit. Moulson only has 12 points in 21 games but scored an important goal against New Jersey on Saturday. His ATOI has been up around 20:00 and he does receive a lot of power play time (79.5% overall) plus 41.1% of even strength time. First line ice time dictates more chances but as the Isles have floundered, Coach Jack Capuano has tried other combinations a bit more. Clearly that has not worked. Going back to putting the eggs in one basket might be so take a shot at Moulson this week (BUF, CHI, DAL).

 

Jakub Voracek, RW, Philadelphia Flyers – The "Jagrless Effect" may be a blessing in the long run for Philadelphia. It seems Voracek and Claude Giroux do have some chemistry together as the duo was the only thing somewhat working in Saturday's 2-0 loss to the New York Rangers. Also, the ATOI spikes when Jaromir Jagr is out as evidenced with the 19+ minutes a night he has seen in the last three "Jagrless" appearances (two points, nine SOG). His 43.9% frequency at EV and 75% on the PP is a sign of things to come especially after the second Jagr groin injury. Voracek is a very good play for low pay in Week 8.

 

Cal Clutterbuck, RW, Minnesota Wild – Sometimes a progression dictates a look and Clutterbuck is a chance worth taking. His 88 hits in 22 games are enough to warrant his addition on fantasy rosters in itself. Add in his increased ATOI of 17:35 per night and spike in shot total (19 shots in his last four games) and there is no surprise that Clutterbuck is a worthwhile Week 8 addition. Furthermore, his low center of gravity and good hands makes him ideal on the power play and shorthanded which has also helped. The production will come as the frequencies are up (67.9% PP, 32.5% EV). Now can Clutterbuck finish? That is the question.

 

Lead Us Defenders……

📢 advertisement:


Keith Yandle, D, Phoenix Coyotes – This is another one of those Norris Trophy candidates that is slowly rounding into form. Six points in his last five games with a little increased rest has been very beneficial for Yandle and his owners. What is also encouraging is his shift frequency (35.1% EV, 72.5% PP) has climbed upward with a hair less ATOI. That means he will be fresher for Week 8 and going forward. What will be more interesting is who winds up paired with Yandle long term? Will it be Derek Morris or Oliver Ekman-Larsson? This has been fun to watch but ultimately Ekman-Larsson will see increased time with Yandle which will increase the value of the defenseman even more. The goals (two now) will come so be patient, especially with a guy like Ekman-Larsson on his side.

 

Stefan Elliott, D, Colorado Avalanche – Hey, he is a 21-year-old rookie but the kid does have talent. The late second round pick (#49 overall) showed some real promise with the Lake Erie Loch Monsters (AHL) and got the call to join the big club late last week. In his first game against Edmonton, Elliott showed an ability to handle the big boys and even tallied the game winner. His frequencies were surprisingly solid (31.1% EV, 37.5% PP) and if Jan Hejda continues to struggle, those numbers will head upward even further. Keep an eye out for Elliott in Week 8 to see how he adapts and to monitor his ice time.

 

Sami Salo, D, Vancovuer Canucks – Salo has been the oft-injured defenseman that has driven fantasy owners nuts for years. The potential has always been there but an injury or circumstance always seems to prevent him from taking that breakthrough step. Now at 37, Salo is on pace to enjoy his best season in his career. With injuries (Alex Edler), departures (Christian Erhoff – Buffalo), and shoddy play (Kevin Bieksa), the defenseman has the chance to capitalize on opportunity. The frequencies are rising (33.8% EV, 71.1% PP) and with the Edler injury, that is expected to trend higher in Week 8. The 12 points in 21 games are also encouraging. Take the risk while you can before the Salo train stops rolling. No one knows when that will actually happen but for another couple weeks, this investment may just be worth it.

 

As always, you can follow me on Twitter @TheProgramBTR and fire away your questions.   Thanks again.

 

Leave A Comment

UPCOMING GAMES

Jan 20 - 13:01 BOS vs S.J
Jan 20 - 15:01 COL vs MIN
Jan 20 - 16:01 SEA vs BUF
Jan 20 - 18:01 VGK vs STL
Jan 20 - 19:01 NYI vs CBJ
Jan 20 - 19:01 TOR vs T.B
Jan 20 - 20:01 CHI vs CAR
Jan 20 - 21:01 UTA vs WPG
Jan 20 - 22:01 L.A vs PIT

Starting Goalies

Top Skater Views

  Players Team
KAAPO KAKKO SEA
MARCO KASPER DET
LANE HUTSON MTL
DARREN RADDYSH T.B
KEVIN FIALA L.A

Top Goalie Profile Views

  Players Team
JAKUB DOBES MTL
ILYA SOROKIN NYI
FREDERIK ANDERSEN CAR
LEEVI MERILAINEN OTT
SPENCER KNIGHT FLA

LINE COMBOS

  Frequency CHI Players
20.4 FRANK NAZAR TYLER BERTUZZI CONNOR BEDARD
19.0 TEUVO TERAVAINEN ILYA MIKHEYEV JASON DICKINSON
18.7 PHILIPP KURASHEV TAYLOR HALL RYAN DONATO

DobberHockey Podcasts

Fantasy Hockey Life: Western Conference Buys and Sells

Victor and Jesse make the rounds of the Western Conference with an argument on opne buy and one sell for each team. We talk Jackson LaCombe, Mason McTavish, Martin Pospisil, Nazem Kadri, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Matthew Savoie, Drew Doughty, Kevin Fiala, William Eklund, Thomas Bordeleau, Shane Wright, Chandler Stephenson, Tom Willander, Jake DeBrusk, Victor Olofsson, Noah […]

Keeping Karlsson Short Shifts – The Wilkes-Jarry Penguins

Elizabeth and Lewis are back to take listeners through a host of power play changes that are giving managers the opportunity to get exposure to great players off the waiver wire, including Philly, Jersey, and Tampa talk. They also cover Jarry’s AHL demotion, Cooley’s ascension to the top-line and powerplay, and injuries to Tavares and Hintz. The duo wrap up with some hot and cold streak deep dives, including discussion of the Red Wings crazy powerplay success in the last ten games, whether Erik Gustafsson is rosterable or an overperforming illusion, Fantilli’s continued success, Merilainen as Hamburglar 2.0, and whether Schenn’s success and Neighbours’ lack thereof are likely to continue.

Keeping Karlsson: Leaving Letang

Elan and Brian find a couple volume and potential starters showing up midseason, consider whether Jake Walman really is on the league’s longest hot streak, and encourage you to pause the pod for a Columbus 1C stepping onto one of the NHL’s best lines.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

📢 advertisement: