The Power Play Point Potential Rankings are beginning to become more concrete and again, a number of the highlighted matchups from our last look at power play point potential proved to be serious mismatches. Through Thursday, there were seven power play goals and seven highlighted matchups.
Furthermore, the teams at either the bottom of the Defensive PPPP Rankings, or top of the Offensive PPPP Rankings are usually among the NHL’s best. The San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs are among the best in both. Don’t underestimate the importance of special teams in both real and fantasy hockey.
You can download this week’s Power Play Point Potential Rankings below:
Latest Defensive PPPP Rankings
Latest Offensive PPPP Rankings
Last Week’s PPPP Defensive Rankings
Last Week’s PPPP Offensive Rankings
2013 PPPP Rankings and Power Play Statistics
*Statistics through October 24th, 2013.
Getting Defensive
- Once again, Chicago improved this week, but they’re still the most favorable matchup in the league. The Lightning lit them up for two power play goals Thursday night, which highlighted matchup from last week.
- Maybe it is something in the water in Alberta? The Flames and Oilers remain among the most favorable matchups. The two teams follow the Blackhawks in the rankings at number two and three respectively.
- The Blue Jackets climbed right up the rankings, after giving up a power play goal in each of their last three games. Next up are the Maple Leafs who present a major mismatch for Columbus.
- The Coyotes drop continued again this week. They have gone from the fifth most favorable matchup on October 11th, down to the 18th ranked team this week. They could become one of the more difficult matchups before long.
- The Capitals are now the league’s most difficult matchup. They haven’t given up a power play goal since October 12. Looking ahead, they should be projected as a tough matchup, but not avoided, they’re currently overachieving.
- The Stars will be an interesting team to monitor the next two weeks. They are climbing up the rankings, but, their starting goalie, Kari Lethonen, just returned last night. In two weeks they’ve climbed 13 spots.
- The Sharks, Bruins and Maple Leafs are tough opponents and should be viewed as mainstays among the most difficult matchups in the league. They boast the league’s three lowest goals against averages per 60 minutes short-handed and by a decent margin.
- The Minnesota Wild have been one of the league’s most favorable matchups all season, however, they’re only giving up 2.09 goals a game. Bank on them becoming a tougher matchup and at worst a middle of the pack team before long.
On the Offense
- Washington’s power play is the best in the league. The St. Louis Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs are next in line. These three teams have been the most consistent thus far in the season.
- The Lightning could easily trump one of the above mentioned. Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis are a deadly one-two punch and anyone attached to this power play unit benefits.
- San Jose, Montreal, Minnesota and the New York Islanders are also consistently staying among the best ranked teams in the Offensive PPPP Rankings. Each team boasts the talent to prolong their stay too.
- Edmonton has continued their fall, in the first rankings they were the 10th ranked offense, this week, they’re 24th. The Oilers’ power play’s success percentage has been cut in half since October 11th.
- Is John Tortorella to blame for the horrible start for the Canucks’ power play? A 9.7 percent success through 12 games is awful. Yet, they’re still doing well in the difficult Western Conference. Buy low on Canucks if you can.
- Winnipeg has dropped down the rankings in three straight weeks, their lack of high-end offensive talent up-front is obvious. If they continue to limit Evander Kane‘s ice time with the man advantage they’ll continue to struggle. #FreeEvander
- The hope for Boston is beginning to dwindle. They have four power play goals so far and every one was scored by a defenseman. Until something gives, don’t count on power play points from your Bruins.
- Anaheim’s power play is a complete mystery. Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Mathieu Perreault all have nine points in 10 games. Imagine what their stats would look like if they figured out their power play. This is a perfect time to buy-low, if even possible.
Player Notes
Michael Bournival, Montreal Canadiens: Hello rookie! Bournival is riding a four game points streak and taking advantage of addition offensive opportunities in Montreal.
Torey Krug, Boston Bruins: This rearguard shouldn’t be available in any leagues. He will chip in offensively in all categories and is the Bruins’ best power play weapon.
Cody Hodgson, Buffalo Sabres: His center eligibility may be holding down his ownership, but Hodgson can score and should be owned in all leagues if you can stomach the plus/minus.
Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens: If he is available, make sure everyone on your roster is a better option. Plekanec is coming off a strong week and gets chances with the Habs.
Frans Nielsen, New York Islanders: Top 6 minutes, power play time and a hot start have Nielsen’s ownership percentage on the rise, but he may still be available.
Brian Gionta, Montreal Canadiens: The Habs’ Captain has always been able to find the back of the net. With prime offensive opportunities, he still has some deep league value.
Todd Bertuzzi, Detroit Red Wings: He is getting solid opportunities and chipping in offensively. The Red Wings love their veterans and Bertuzzi still has fantasy value.
Jared Spurgeon, Minnesota Wild: With Jonas Brodin down, Spurgeon will take on an even larger offensive role for the Wild and he should be on your radar.
R.J. Umberger, Columbus Blue Jackets: Umberger has faded away in Columbus, but his fantasy value hasn’t burnt out. He can contribute in all categories. At the same time, don’t confuse him with a high-end option.
Martin Hanzal, Phoenix Coyotes: He’ll never be as valuable to your fantasy team as he will be to the Desert Dogs, but, especially in deeper leagues, he can help. He scored three goals this week.
The Week at a Glance
Saturday, October 26th – New York Rangers at Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings ascend up the Rankings will be aided by this mismatch. The Rangers are in serious trouble.
Saturday, October 26th – St. Louis Blues at Nashville Predators: As it stands this is a great opportunity for the Blues’ Power Play. A top PP unit against a weak Predators’ Penalty Kill.
Saturday, October 26th – New York Rangers at Detroit Red Wings: The Red Wings ascend up the Rankings will be aided by this mismatch. The Rangers are in serious trouble.
Saturday, October 26th – Washington Capitals at Calgary Flames: The Capitals cruise through Alberta continues, as the Flames are only slightly better than the Oilers.
Sunday, October 27th – Edmonton Oilers at Los Angeles Kings: The Kings plummeted down the Offensive PPPP Rankings this week, but this matchup will help them rebound.
Monday, October 28th – Pittsburgh Penguins at Carolina Hurricanes: The Hurricanes are headed in the wrong direction and onto their third string goalie. This is a great matchup for the Penguins’ power play, which is getting Kris Letang back.
Tuesday, October 29th – Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues: This will be a huge test for an average Jets team. The Blues’ are second only to Washington in the rankings.
Tuesday, October 29th – Toronto Maple Leafs at Edmonton Oilers: 11 goals were scored the last time these two faced off. Expect a better special teams effort from the Leafs this time.
Wednesday, October 30th – Toronto Maple Leafs at Calgary Flames: The favorable trip through Alberta continues for the Leafs. They should have a big middle of the week in fantasy terms.
Friday, November 1st – Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers: Three days rest and a modestly favorable matchup for the Capitals to start the month of November. Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin anyone?
Friday, November 1st – Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins: The Blue Jackets are giving up more and more power play goals by the game and the Penguins have Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Friday, November 1st – Tampa Bay Lightning at Carolina Hurricanes: The Lightning are among the best in the league with the man advantage and you should expect the Hurricanes to quickly become one of the friendliest matchups.
Friday, November 1st – St. Louis Blues at Florida Panthers: Yes, there is another huge mismatch. The Blues should light up a weak putty cat penalty kill and reward fantasy owners.
Friday, November 1st – Washington Capitals at Philadelphia Flyers: Three days rest and a modestly favorable matchup for the Capitals to start the month of November. Again, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin anyone?
Saturday, November 2nd – Florida Panthers at Washington Capitals: Back-to-back excellent matchups for the Capitals, expect a nice weekend from the Caps top players.
Saturday, November 2nd – Pittsburgh Penguins at Columbus Blue Jackets: See above, except there should be more penalties, as back-to-backs usually go that way. Great news for the Pens’ power play.
Sunday, November 3rd – Calgary Flames at Chicago Blackhawks: This is a perfect matchup to help the Blackhawks climb up the Offensive PPPP Rankings. A total mismatch here. The Flames can’t stop anyone, let alone the defending Cup winners.
