Between the Lines: Week One
Chris Wassel
2014-10-07
Chris Wassel returns for another season of Between the Lines, looking at the very best line combinations in preparation for the season.
For a fourth season, they let us back in to do this. The season starts tomorrow night. Can you believe it? It is time to set your lineups and get ready for another season of fantasy hockey war. What could happen during week one? Are their line combinations out there to keep an eye on? Let's take a look!
Lead Us Forwards
Michael Cammalleri-Travis Zajac–Jaromir Jagr (New Jersey) — It doesn't matter if they are on the road or not, this line is built to possess the puck and score. While they are not of the point potential of say a top line in Pittsburgh or San Jose, this line has solid possibilities which never hurt based on how far down these players are being drafted (ADP all in the 100's or lower). A four game road trip may be the best thing for this first line to start the season as this one is not the dreaded "Northwest Passage" trip like last year. They are a good play for Week 1.
Cory Conacher–John Tavares–Kyle Okposo (NY Islanders) — This is the first season in a long while that the Islanders have real hope making the playoffs and it starts with the C and RW positions on this line. John Tavares and Kyle Okposo enjoy a unique chemistry together that features point a game plus possibilities. Now we are not sure if Cory Conacher will stick on the first line LW but his speed and hands create additional problems for teams defensively. This top line is where it all starts and with upgrades surrounding them, look out!
Brandon Saad–Andrew Shaw–Patrick Kane (Chicago) — Let's hum that theme but we won't. There was a limited sample size as far as numbers with this trio but thanks to Jen from Real Fans Program, we have this gem. In 124 minutes at 5 on 5, this line's Corsi For was 59.8%, the Fenwick For was 60.8% and their Goals For was a whopping 85.7%. It is clear that Brandon Saad is due for another significant tick up in production while Andrew Shaw should come along for the ride. Everyone knows what Patrick Kane can do so get them in for Week 1 already.
Steven Stamkos–Ondrej Palat–Tyler Johnson (Tampa Bay) — This may be temporary or not depending how they do early on but Ondrej Palat and Tyler Johnson had amazing chemistry in their Calder nominated seasons last year. Expectations are even higher in 2014-15 as it seems Steven Stamkos likes this duo and they really could reap the rewards with a four games at home to start. Number 91 could very well lead the league in goals scored and points when all is said and done this year and his two linemates are far from slouches.
Defend This!
Andrei Markov–P.K. Subban (Montreal) — Montreal seems almost destined to get out of the blocks with a solid power play unit and this week seems to be no exception. Andrei Markov and P.K. Subban just seem to get a fantasy player three to five points a week together while on the ice nearly every week. It is a fairly easy duo to at least guarantee solid points — especially in points or roto leagues. Again, defense is a little more of who you know as opposed to who has potential.
Roman Josi–Shea Weber (Nashville) — This is no fluke. Roman Josi and Shea Weber made a nice pairing last year for fantasy owners and this year they have a healthy Pekka Rinne and a more offensive minded coach in Peter Laviolette. Could these two wind up with 50+ points each like Keith Yandle and Oliver Ekman-Larsson? That answer is yes. The Predators are more stocked offensively than in recent years and no Mike Fisher may actually be a good thing for Weber owners. It is just one of those unexplainable things. This week they are a must own.
Brent Seabrook–Duncan Keith (Chicago) — Yes I probably should go off the reservation here but Brent Seabrook may do better than most think here. This is just a gut hunch as they say but Week 1 could be favorable here for one if not both at the same time. Again as the season goes on, the Chicago pairings will be curious to follow from a non-fantasy and fantasy standpoint. Right now, it is a case of simply going with the devil I know.
As always you can follow me on Twitter @ChrisWasselTHW. See you next week with more line combinations for week number two. Thanks for reading.
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LINE COMBOS
| Frequency |
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|---|---|---|
| 23.0 | VASILY PODKOLZIN CONNOR MCDAVID LEON DRAISAITL | |
| 14.1 | JEFF SKINNER RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS KASPERI KAPANEN | |
| 13.6 | MATTIAS JANMARK ADAM HENRIQUE CONNOR BROWN | |
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