Welcome back to this week’s edition of Analytics Advantage! As we hit the holiday season and approach the midpoint of the NHL season, fantasy hockey managers are looking for any edge they can get. This week, we focus on five players with distinct storylines: Kiefer Sherwood, Dmitri Voronkov, Bobby McMann, Ilya Mikheyev, and David Savard.

Through the lens of standout performances, advanced analytics, and visualizations, we’ll uncover trends that highlight these players’ value, efficiency, and potential regression. As always, the goal is to equip you with actionable insights for data-driven fantasy decisions.

Methodology

For each player, we've analyzed their current-season performance using key metrics such as:

                •             Goals (G)

                •             Total Assists (A)

                •             Shots on Goal (SOG)

                •             Shots Blocked (BLK)

                •             Hits (HIT)

                •             Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG)

                •             Time on Ice per Game (TOI/GP)

This week, the analysis also features visual tools, including:

                •             Stacked Bar Graphs: Comparing raw metrics to league averages for a clearer perspective on performance.

                •             Scatter Plot (FPPG vs. TOI/GP): Highlighting positional trends in player efficiency relative to their ice time.

                •             Bubble Chart (Goals vs. SH%): Investigating shooting efficiency to detect sustainability or regression potential.

Player Analyses

Kiefer Sherwood (VAN – L)

Kiefer Sherwood has been a revelation for the Vancouver Canucks, leading our featured group with an impressive 10.2 FPPG. His 12 goals and 7 assists in 34 games showcase his offensive capabilities, but it’s his peripheral stats that truly stand out – an astounding 198 hits that dwarf the league average.

The stacked bar graph reveals Sherwood’s exceptional physical play, with his hits total nearly quadrupling the league average. His 17.65 SH% on 68 shots appears sustainable given his role and usage. The FPPG vs. TOI/GP scatter plot positions him as one of the most efficient players despite moderate ice time (14.48 minutes per game).

Fantasy Advice: Sherwood is a must-roster player in leagues that value hitting. His combination of scoring touch and elite hit totals provides a rare mix of offensive upside and category coverage.

Dmitri Voronkov (CBJ – L)

Dmitri Voronkov has impressed in his limited NHL action, posting 10 goals and 9 assists in just 26 games. His 7.9 FPPG and elevated 21.74 SH% flag him as a high-efficiency scorer, though regression risks loom.

The bubble chart highlights Voronkov’s unsustainable shooting percentage, suggesting potential regression ahead. However, his strong offensive zone start percentage (65.12%) and balanced production metrics indicate he could maintain solid value even with normalized shooting luck.

Fantasy Advice: While Voronkov’s scoring rate may decline, his deployment and balanced production make him a valuable hold in most formats. Consider selling high if you can get established talent in return.

Bobby McMann (TOR – C)

Bobby McMann has carved out a solid role with the Maple Leafs, delivering 9 goals and 4 assists in 27 games. His 8.1 FPPG and balanced production (67 shots, 47 hits) make him an intriguing multi-category contributor.

The stacked bar graph shows McMann’s above-average contributions across multiple categories. His 13.43 SH% appears sustainable, and the scatter plot reveals efficient production relative to his 14.01 TOI/GP.

Fantasy Advice: McMann offers reliable production with room for growth if his role expands. He’s a solid depth add in deeper leagues, particularly those that value peripheral stats.

Ilya Mikheyev (CHI – R)

Ilya Mikheyev has struggled to find consistency with Chicago, managing 7 goals and 5 assists in 33 games. His 5.1 FPPG reflects limited opportunities on a struggling team, though his 12.5 SH% suggests his scoring rate is sustainable.

The stacked bar graph illustrates Mikheyev’s below-average contributions across most categories. The FPPG vs. TOI/GP scatter plot positions him as one of the less efficient producers despite reasonable ice time (14.82 TOI/GP).

Fantasy Advice: Mikheyev is best left for the deepest of leagues. Chicago’s team context and his limited peripheral contributions cap his upside.

David Savard (MTL – D)

David Savard continues to be a defensive specialist for Montreal, contributing 1 goal and 8 assists in 32 games. His 7.0 FPPG is built on strong defensive numbers, particularly his 84 blocked shots.

The stacked bar graph emphasizes Savard’s elite shot-blocking, significantly exceeding league averages. His 4.76 SH% on limited shots indicates his offensive contributions will remain modest. However, his consistent defensive production and 18.74 TOI/GP provide a stable floor.

Fantasy Advice: Savard is a reliable option in leagues that heavily weight blocked shots. His limited offensive upside makes him less appealing in standard scoring formats.

Key Takeaways

• Kiefer Sherwood: Elite multi-category contributor with sustainable production
• Dmitri Voronkov: High-ceiling scorer due for regression but solid deployment
• Bobby McMann: Balanced contributor with potential for increased role
• Ilya Mikheyev: Limited upside in challenging team context
• David Savard: Defensive specialist with consistent shot-blocking value

Tips for Fantasy Managers

Monitor Shooting Percentages: Voronkov’s 21.74 SH% signals likely regression

Value Multi-Category Contributors: Sherwood’s hit totals provide unique value

Consider Team Context: Mikheyev’s struggles partly reflect Chicago’s limitations

Watch Ice Time Trends: McMann could see expanded opportunities

How FPPG is Calculated

Stay Connected

For further insights, personalized roster advice, or more detailed analysis:

                •             Twitter/X: @DH_staspup

                •             Email: staspup@proton.me

                •             Bluesky: stasp.bsky.social

Note: The insights presented here are based on data available as of December 23, 2024 from NaturalStatTrick