Looking Ahead 2014: Week 12

steve laidlaw

2014-12-19

PatrickSharp

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

UPCOMING GAMES

Dec 27 - 19:12	DET	vs	TOR
Dec 27 - 19:12	BUF	vs	CHI
Dec 27 - 19:12	CBJ	vs	BOS
Dec 27 - 19:12	N.J	vs	CAR
Dec 27 - 20:12	DAL	vs	MIN
Dec 27 - 20:12	STL	vs	NSH
Dec 27 - 21:12	UTA	vs	COL
Dec 27 - 22:12	S.J	vs	VGK