Welcome back to this week's edition of Analytics Advantage! As the NHL season continues, fantasy hockey managers are on the lookout for players who can help them gain a competitive edge. This week, we highlight five players with intriguing performances and potential: Mats Zuccarello, Jonathan Huberdeau, JJ Peterka, Ivan Provorov, and Alexander Romanov.

Analysis Overview

We utilized key per-60 metrics to evaluate players' contributions relative to league averages, focusing on:

                •             Goals/60

                •             Assists/60

                •             Shots/60

                •             Hits/60

                •             Shots Blocked/60

                •             Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG/60)

Visual aids included:

                1.            Stacked Bar Graphs comparing each player to league averages.

                2.            Scatter Plot (FPPG vs. TOI/GP) showing player efficiency based on ice time.

                3.            Bubble Chart (Hits/60 vs. Shots Blocked/60) highlighting defensive impacts.

Player Analyses

Jonathan Huberdeau has demonstrated a scoring resurgence this season, tallying 18 goals and 14 assists over 43 games. His 8.22 FPPG/60 and 2.39 Points/60 reflect balanced fantasy contributions. Huberdeau's 1.35 Goals/60 and 1.05 Assists/60 showcase his offensive consistency. However, his Hits/60 (2.09) and Shots Blocked/60 (2.54) are closer to league average, limiting his value in peripheral-heavy formats.

On the FPPG vs. TOI/GP scatter plot, Huberdeau is slightly above average, demonstrating reliability in balanced leagues.

Fantasy Takeaway: Huberdeau's increased goal production makes him a valuable asset in scoring leagues, especially those prioritizing playmaking.

JJ Peterka (BUF – RW)

JJ Peterka has emerged as a promising offensive contributor, recording 10 goals and 22 assists over 42 games. His 7.41 FPPG/60 and 2.56 Points/60 highlight his ability to generate scoring opportunities. Peterka's 1.76 Assists/60 and 7.05 Shots/60 are standout metrics. However, his Goals/60 (0.80) and defensive contributions, such as Hits/60 (1.52) and Shots Blocked/60 (0.56), remain areas for improvement.

The stacked bar graph emphasizes Peterka's offensive strengths, particularly in shot generation and assist production.

Fantasy Takeaway: Peterka is a solid option for fantasy managers seeking offensive depth, particularly in leagues valuing assists and shot volume.

Mats Zuccarello (MIN – RW)

Mats Zuccarello continues to be a consistent offensive performer for the Minnesota Wild, with 11 goals and 21 assists over 32 games. His 9.31 FPPG/60 and 3.16 Points/60 underscore his value as an efficient producer. Zuccarello's 1.08 Goals/60 and 2.07 Assists/60 highlight his balanced offensive contributions, supported by strong shot generation (6.61 Shots/60).

The stacked bar graph highlights Zuccarello's above-average offensive performance, though his Hits/60 (1.18) and Shots Blocked/60 (2.07) are well below average.

Fantasy Takeaway: Zuccarello remains a strong option in scoring leagues, particularly for managers prioritizing assists and shot generation.

Ivan Provorov (CBJ – D)

Ivan Provorov remains a steady defensive contributor for the Columbus Blue Jackets, contributing 3 goals and 16 assists over 44 games. His 6.12 FPPG/60 and 1.11 Points/60 highlight his reliability, though his offensive metrics, such as Goals/60 (0.17) and Assists/60 (0.88), are modest. Provorov's defensive impact is evident in his 3.61 Shots Blocked/60, while his Hits/60 (0.64) falls below average.

The bubble chart highlights Provorov's reliability in defensive categories, particularly his ability to block shots.

Fantasy Takeaway: Provorov is a strong option for managers in leagues valuing blocks and defensive consistency.

Alexander Romanov (NYI – D)

Alexander Romanov has solidified his role on the New York Islanders' blue line, recording 9 assists over 30 games. His 8.26 FPPG/60 and 0.83 Points/60 emphasize his value in leagues that reward defensive peripherals. Romanov stands out in Hits/60 (6.71) and Shots Blocked/60 (5.98), making him one of the best options for these categories.

The stacked bar graph highlights Romanov's impressive defensive metrics, although his offensive contributions are minimal.

Fantasy Takeaway: Romanov is a top-tier option for managers in leagues heavily weighting hits and blocks.

Key Takeaways

Mats Zuccarello: A consistent offensive performer with balanced scoring and assist contributions.

Jonathan Huberdeau: A reliable playmaker showing increased goal production this season.

JJ Peterka: An emerging offensive threat with impressive assist numbers and shot volume

Ivan Provorov: A steady defensive option excelling in blocks.

Alexander Romanov: A standout defensive specialist offering notable contributions in hits and blocks.

How FPPG is Calculated

Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG) combines goals, assists, shots, blocks, and hits, weighted to reflect their fantasy relevance, divided by games played.

Tips for Fantasy Managers

                1.            Leverage Defensive Specialists: Romanov and Provorov excel in blocks and hits, providing reliable value.

                2.            Prioritize Shot Volume: Zuccarello and Peterka's high shot rates enhance their offensive potential.

                3.            Monitor Playmakers: Huberdeau's assist-focused production makes him an appealing option in balanced leagues.

Stay Connected

For personalized advice or more in-depth analysis:

                •             Twitter/X: @DH_staspup

                •             Email: staspup@proton.me

                •             Bluesky: stasp.bsky.social

Data Source: NaturalStatTrick (January 14, 2025)