Looking Ahead 2014: Week 12
steve laidlaw
2014-12-19
Looking Ahead at the most favourable schedules for Week 12.
More than a third of the NHL season is in the books, so let's take a look at a handful players who have exceeded expectations and failed to meet expectations thus far.
Anze Kopitar, C, Los Angeles – There are a two key reasons why one of the game's top two-way centers is currently sporting statistics fantasy hockey owners would normally expect from a middling second-liner. Both reasons can be summed up in two words: bad luck. Los Angeles goalies Jonathan Quick and Martin Jones have registered save percentages of .939 and .931 at even strength, respectively, so far this season. However, those two goalies sport a combined save percentage of .895 while Kopitar is on the ice during the 2014-15 season. This explains why he is a minus-six through 29 games. Los Angeles's No. 1 center is also struggling to turn power-play opportunities into points. Kopitar has totaled no fewer than 12 assists in any of his eight professional campaigns prior to the 2014-15 season. He's on pace for about three this year. Expect some positive regression for the talented veteran center, who is simply too good to be held down for much longer. 60 or 65 points for the year is still well within reach.
Toronto 1.76 – two games – both on road
Monday, December 22 to Sunday, December 28
Best Bets
Anaheim 3.20 – three games – SJS, ARI and VAN
Pittsburgh 3.09 – three games – FLA, TBL and WAS
Arizona 2.99 – three games – VAN, EDM and ANA
Washington 2.86 – three games – OTT, NYR and PIT
Nashville 2.81 – three games – CBJ, BOS and PHI
Steer Clear
Winnipeg 1.76 – two games – both on road
Montreal 1.00 – one game – NYI
Colorado 1.79 – two games -STL and CHI
San Jose 1.66 – two games – both on road
Calgary 1.91 – two games – LAK and EDM
Tuesday, December 23 to Monday, December 29
Best Bets
New York Islanders 3.29 – three games – MTL, BUF and WAS
Chicago 3.16 – three games – WPG, COL and NSH
New York Rangers 3.16 – three games – WAS, NJD and DAL
Minnesota 3.25 – three games – PHI and WPGx2
Tampa Bay 3.15 – three games – all at home
Steer Clear
San Jose 0.81 – one game – LAK
Vancouver 0.86 – one game – ANA
Columbus 0.95 – one game – BOS
Florida 1.10 – one game – TOR
Calgary 2.00 – two games – EDM and LAK
Wednesday, December 24 to Tuesday, December 30
Best Bets
Los Angeles 3.09 – three games – SJS, CGY and EDM
St. Louis 3.05 – three games – DAL, COL and NSH
Nashville 2.75 – three games – PHI, CHI and STL
Ottawa 2.31 – two games – DET and BUF
Tampa Bay 2.21 – two games – CAR and TOR
Steer Clear
Columbus 0.95 – one game – BOS
Colorado 1.70 – two games – CHI and STL
Vancouver 1.76 – two games – ANA and SJS
Dallas 1.81 – two games – STL and NYR
New Jersey 1.85 – two games – NYR and PIT
Thursday, December 25 to Wednesday, December 31
Best Bets
Los Angeles 3.09 – three games – SJS, CGY and EDM
St. Louis 3.05 – three games – DAL, COL and NSH
Nashville 2.75 – three games – PHI, CHI and STL
Ottawa 2.31 – two games – DET and BUF
Tampa Bay 2.21 – two games – CAR and TOR
Steer Clear
Columbus 0.95 – one game – BOS
Colorado 1.70 – two games – CHI and STL
Vancouver 1.76 – two games – both on road
Dallas 1.81 – two games – STL and NYR
New Jersey 1.85 – two games -NYR and PIT