Here are the updated fantasy hockey Power Play Point Potential Rankings, with the latest edition of analysis, player notes and matchups to target this week.
Similar to last week, tracking trends is the focus of the analysis. There are a number of excellent fantasy producers to keep on your radar in the player notes section and a handful of matchup mismatches to target in your daily games.
Good luck this week fake hockey fans!
You can download this week’s Power Play Point Potential Rankings below:
Last Week’s Defensive PPPP Rankings
Last Week’s Offensive PPPP Rankings
Explanation of the PPPP Rankings
2013 PPPP Rankings and Power Play Statistics
*Statistics through December 2nd, 2013.
Getting Defensive
- At one point it was hammer down time on teams facing an opponent from Alberta. Now, target Ontario. The Leafs and Senators are trending in the wrong direction and are increasingly becoming as favorable a matchup as you’ll find.
- Meanwhile, although, far from unfriendly, both the Oilers and Flames are figuring it out shorthanded and dropping down the rankings into less favorable territory. Edmonton especially, are hovering around the league averages currently.
- Anaheim has begun to turn their penalty kill efforts in the right direction. Falling seven spots in the rankings in a single week is impressive. Perhaps, their long East Coast road trip played a role in keeping them atop the rankings so long. They should be viewed as a neutral matchup going forward.
- The Capitals were among the league’s most difficult matchups, but have climbed ten spots in two weeks. This type of free fall is a trend worth noting and puts them firmly among matchups to target. They should stabilize in the middle of the rankings, but are currently a matchup to target.
- Similarly, the Lightning are having a difficult time on the penalty kill of late. They were overachieving among the league’s toughest matchups and this could be the beginning of a trend. Ben Bishop‘s hot streak may also be fading, which would impact the Bolts’ penalty kill significantly.
- The Devils are stingy, they’re playing well beyond what was expected of them, but their defense first approach and strong penalty kill shouldn’t be a surprise. It is a significant factor in their current place in the standings and inclusion in the playoff race.
- The Wild are beginning to fall down the rankings and shouldn’t be considered a favorable matchup going forward. They finished last season eighteenth in the rankings and could easily repeat or even exceed that ranking this season. This seems like a long time coming.
- The Red Wings have raised their penalty kill percentage all the way up to 86.9, which is second best in the NHL. They’re spending a little too much time shorthanded, keeping them above a few others, but they’re proving to be a matchup nightmare if you’re looking for power play points.
On the Offense
- A few weeks ago, the projection was that the Penguins were about to dominate on the power play and indeed they are. Clicking on the season at over twenty-five percent and fully healthy, there is a lot to like if you own anyone on the top unit going forward.
- The Blue Jackets also picked on the lowly Maple Leafs last week and find themselves inside the top ten of the rankings. With Brandon Dubinsky back and Marian Gaborik returning before too long, this could be a widely available goldmine of cheap assets. Don’t overreact though either.
- The Rangers are healthy and getting it going with the man advantage. Currently sitting just above the league average doesn’t tell the whole story, as the Rangers climbed seven spots this week alone. Expect the trend to continue as the Rangers’ boast top ten talent.
- Further down the rankings, the Ducks are also trending in the right direction. Their special teams are improving and it was a mystery why their power play struggled to begin with. There is far too much firepower and offensive talent for their positive trend to stall.
- Don’t look now, but the Canucks are also showing signs of life with the man advantage. This week, they improved their power play conversion rate two whole points and have the potential to climb the rankings quickly. This might be an excellent buy low opportunity.
- The Oilers on the other hand are trending in the opposite direction and fell five spots this week. Because they’re so unpredictable as a team and a plus/minus killer, they have to score on the power play to maintain value. If you’re able to shop an Oilers’ player for even value, it is advised.
- The Avalanche also fell in the rankings this week, however, they’re still winning hockey games, five of their last six to be exact. Their balanced scoring might present buy low opportunities at this point, because the power play will get back on track.
- The usual suspects are again at the opposite ends of the rankings. The Blues, Canadiens, Capitals, Leafs and aforementioned Penguins are the league’s top offensive units. The Panthers, Jets, Stars, Hurricanes and Sabres are among the worst. Also, as mentioned, expect the Canucks to pull away from their basement company.
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