Blissful Wednesday, Razzball devoted!
Effectively, fantasy baseball drafts are in full swing (pun comparatively unintended), and I’m knee deep in preparations and writing for these.
And I’ve been sick for 3 days.
However…HOCKEY IS BACK! And I’m fairly excited to have an 11-game schedule of matchups to run down for y’all on the final Tuesday evening of video games earlier than the Friday afternoon commerce deadline.
As for extra names on the commerce block? Effectively, I can assure this man isn’t going anyplace.
Leon Draisaitl – 2 G (33), 3 A (57), +2, 4 SOG, 2 PPA, 1 BLK, 23:06 TOI, 12-for-18 FOW, had an evening to recollect in opposition to the Ottawa Senators. Ho hum. It’s simply one other 5-point evening for Draisaitl. That provides him 90 factors in 59 video games. How slick is that this Leon? Greasy. Simply filthy.
What number of of those guys that I write up tonight might be on the identical crew by the point I write up subsequent week’s roundup? I’d guess some, however not all.
So let’s take a peek at my ultimate night to jot down up video games earlier than the Friday Commerce Deadline (3:00 PM ET) shuffles up the rosters!
Karel Vejmelka – 23 saves on 25 photographs and the 3-2 win at WSH. The veggie milker hung in tight and managed to drag out his thirtieth win of the season. Utah’s playoff hopes hinge on a number of gamers, however none greater than the Vej.
Dylan Guenther – 1 G (28), 1 A (23), +1, 3 SOG, 1 H, 17:28 TOI. If Vejmelka is the #1 most necessary key to Utah’s success, Dylan Guenther and Clayton Keller are 2 A & B. Begin all of them, irrespective of the opponent.
Clayton Keller – 2 A (42), +1, 2 SOG. 60 factors in 61 video games, and one of many quietest level producers on the market. He has 10 pts in his final 6 video games.
Logan Thompson – 20 saves on 23 photographs and the 3-2 loss to UTA. I do know it’s simple to say after the very fact, however I nonetheless assume Canada ought to’ve given the keys to this man over Binnington.
Pierre-Luc Dubois – 1 G (4), -1, 4 SOG, 1 H, 2 BLK, and 19:09 TOI. Dubois is a sneaky add, however particularly in case your league-mates have been asleep on the free agent wheel. He’s an excellent one to contemplate as he ought to get top-6 minutes the remainder of the best way. He has 6 pts in his final 5 GP.
Ryan Leonard – 1 G (11), -1, 2 SOG, 3 H, 1 BLK, 14:16 TOI. It was a pleasant sprinkle of stats for these of us in H2H leagues. The child I referred to as my “Marmo Marvel” approach again within the October seventh Metropolitan Division Preview has 31 factors in 56 video games. Fairly fairly good!
Sergei Bobrovsky – 28 saves on 31 photographs and the 5-1 loss at NJ. You’re off the case, Bobrovsky!
He didn’t appear to be the Hockey Information’ second “most definitely to be traded” goalie (behind Jesper Wallstedt). I mentioned a number of weeks in the past that it’ll be powerful to see Florida as a vendor except they arrive out of the Olympic break with no combat. Effectively, dropping 5-1 to New Jersey isn’t the identical crew that fought like these juggernaut back-to-back Stanley Cup winners. At the least Bobrovsky wasn’t on the hook for all 5 GA.
Jacob Markstrom – 20 saves on 21 photographs and the 5-1 win. Don’t look now, however that’s two straight wins popping out of the break with only one GA in every.
Dougie Hamilton – 1 G (9), 1 A (16), +1, 3 SOG, 1 H, 18:29 TOI. Right here’s one other commerce goal on the recent seat. Many contenders may use a smooth-skating RD that may nonetheless run an efficient energy play. Anticipate to see Hamilton suiting up elsewhere by the tip of the afternoon on Friday.
Jack Hughes – 2 A (29), +3, 1 SOG, 19:44 TOI. He’s formally up over some extent a sport now (41 PTS in 40 GP), and needs to be an auto-start in any league.
Stuart Skinner – 26 saves on 28 photographs and a troublesome luck loss in Boston. Skinner had a pleasant 5-game win streak going to finish off January, however is 0-2 after the break. It’s been extra powerful luck than the rest, although (49 saves on 53 photographs complete).
Erik Karlsson – 1 G (5), 6 SOG, 2 BLK, 21:18 TOI. Grandpa Erik simply retains chugging alongside. The 4.2 capturing proportion isn’t nice, although.
Sidney Crosby – Nothing to report from a factors perspective, however the Bruins feed talked about the Pens introduced they count on to be with out Crosby for at the least one other two weeks. For those who haven’t made strikes earlier than your league’s commerce deadline, and also you roster Sid, you may need to discover some insurance coverage whilst you nonetheless can.
Jeremy Swayman – 32 saves on 33 photographs and the 2-1 win vs PIT. It was a pleasant little bounce again for Swayman after dropping his first begin after the break at Philly, the place he confronted half as many photographs (14 saves on 16 photographs). He’s 22-13-1 and appears like he’s greater than comfy manning the crease because the Bruins attempt to maintain on to that wild card spot within the East.
Casey Mittelstadt – 1 G (13), +1, 2 PIM, 1 SOG, 1 H, 15:57 TOI. He’s nonetheless too streaky for my liking, however he’s been higher than he was to begin the 12 months. 7 factors in his final 10 video games.
Nikita Zadorov – 1 A (17), +1, 5 SOG, 2 H, 19:33 TOI. “Little Zee” ripping off 5 clappers? For those who’re in an H2H league with additional classes and have been hoping for a bunch of hits and blocks, the photographs on objective are a pleasant bonus tonight.
Justus Annunen – 24 saves on 27 photographs and a 3-2 loss at CLM. There’s simply no Justus for anybody who wears the Predators jersey as of late.
Ryan O’Reilly – 1 G (22), -1, 3 SOG, 1 H, 1 BLK, 18:36 TOI. He’s one of some names which are being mentioned within the Nashville exit plan. I wouldn’t be stunned to see him head again to the place it began (COL).
Jet Greaves – 21 saves on 22 photographs and the 3-2 win. Blue Jackets followers bought a little bit of a scare when Elvis Merzlikins got here in to alleviate Greaves on the 12:14 mark within the first interval, however the harm scare turned out to be all for naught as Greaves returned with 3:58 remaining.
Charlie Coyle – 1 G (16), +2, 6 SOG, 2 H, 2 BLK, 22:11 TOI. He’s as much as 46 factors on the season and is logging some critical minutes. Search for the commerce rumor mill to be churning out of CLM with Coyle’s title up entrance, align with…
Adam Fantilli – 1 G (17), +1, 1 SOG, 1 H, 16:58 TOI. Talking of 40-point seasons, Fantilli has a pleasant little 4-game goal-scoring streak of his personal going proper now. There was point out of his title within the rumor mill, however I can’t see Columbus dealing a child with such an enormous upside except they will persuade somebody to overpay by quite a bit.
Akira Schmid – 25 saves on 28 photographs and a 3-2 loss at BUF. He’s gained simply as soon as in his final 6 begins. And he’s allowed 6 GA in 2 GP because the break. Hey, generally Schmid occurs.
Pavel Dorofeyev – 1 G (29), +1, 4 SOG, 20:48 TOI. This man picked up proper the place he left off earlier than the break. 5 G in his final 6 GP.
Alex Lyon – 27 saves on 29 photographs and his sixteenth win in 29 video games performed. It feels a bit bizarre considering of Lyon because the man the Sabres are going to experience or die with within the playoffs, however between him and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, they need to be simply advantageous. Buffalo is 35-19-6 and has a 7-2-1 document in its final 10 video games.
Tage Thompson – 1 G (33), +1, 2 SOG, GWG, 21:07 TOI, 7-for-15 FOW. That is one man who isn’t going anyplace on Friday. However a few of his teammates could be, as a result of THE SABRES are reportedly “in on” Robert Thomas.
That won’t immediately have an effect on Thompson or his linemates, however including an influence ahead would do wonders for the Sabres’ hopes for a deep playoff run.
Rasmus Dahlin – 2 A (41), +2, 1 SOG, 3 H, 1 BLK, 25:50 TOI. He’s among the many finest within the league and needs to be enjoyable to see if he hits one other gear when the playoffs roll round.
Spencer Knight – 29 saves on 32 photographs in a troublesome 3-2 OT loss at WPG. He has one win in his final 8 GS. Oof.
Connor Bedard – 2 A (32), 2 PIM, 3 SOG, 1 H, 19:19 TOI, 3-for-10 FOW. The story that Bedard was left off the Workforce Canada roster as a result of Crosby was bothered by the previous’s refusal to symbolize his nation on the 2025 IIHF WC tourney raised some eyebrows final week. I’m positive Blackhawks followers couldn’t care much less, and are simply glad to see him wholesome and producing in Chicago.
Connor Hellebuyck – 18 saves on 20 photographs and the OT win vs CHI. After giving up 5 GA in his first sport again and dropping back-to-back OT video games because the break, Hellebuyck is again within the win column. Winnipeg is 10 factors behind Edmonton for the final wild-card spot within the west, in order that they’re going to want Hellebuyck to be the identical man he was within the gold medal sport for the subsequent 10-20 matchups to have a shot.
Mark Scheifele – 1 G (28), 2 A (45), +3, 6 SOG, 1 H, 23:51 TOI. Hindsight 50/50 and all of that enjoyable stuff, nevertheless it’s nonetheless puzzling that this man was left off the Olympic squad. Scheifele continues to be chugging together with 73 factors in 60 video games. He’s going to want some assist if Winnipeg goes to make a run.
Cole Perfetti – 1 G (8), +2, 3 SOG, 16:21 TOI, One other child whose title has surfaced in commerce talks. I’ll assume this man falls into the “should be blown away by a commerce supply” class for him to modify groups this weekend, however stranger issues have occurred. If he will get dealt to a crew that provides him High 6 minutes with PP1 time, the change of surroundings may unlock one other degree.
Linus Ullmark – 32 saves on 37 photographs within the 5-4 OT loss. Linus bought peppered all evening, however the protection couldn’t assist him maintain down the fort. Whenever you’re up 4-2 heading into the third on the highway, and your offense data one shot on internet…that’s not an excellent recipe for insurance coverage markers.
Drake Batherson – 2 G (23), -1, 3 SOG, 1 PPG, 1 H, 1 BLK. Again-to-back two-goal video games for Batherson make him a scorching hand to stream for proper now.
Brady Tkachuk – 1 A (25), -1, 2 PIM, 1 SOG, 1 H, 19:18 TOI. The penalty was in OT when he thought it was a good suggestion to drape himself over Leon Draisaitl because the latter crossed over the blue line into the offensive zone, and price the Sens the additional level. I don’t assume there’s a lot steam to the rumors of the Senators dealing Brady on Friday, however perhaps Ottawa can get a few luggage of One-Eyed Willy’s treasure and a glass of water from the Fratellis for him.
Connor Ingram – 17 saves on 21 photographs within the 5-4 OT win vs OTT. Oh man. I tuned in to this one for the third interval, and listening to the Oilers’ TV crew, you’d assume the crew was combating for the underside spot within the Western Convention. Edmonton continues to be clinging to that ultimate wild card spot, however getting blown out within the first two intervals at house by the lowly Sens isn’t an encouraging signal. Edmonton pushed again at the beginning of the third, allowed one shot on internet in 18 minutes of the ultimate interval, and, lo and behold, Zach Hyman tied it up with 1:25 left within the sport.
Evan Bouchard – 1 G (18), 1 A (53), -1, 2 PIM, GWG, 4 SOG, 1 BLK, 28:37 TOI. 73 factors for our defensive scoring chief, however one level shy of one other MarmosDad 3-point problem victory. Unhappy emoji.
Casey DeSmith – 20 saves on 21 photographs and the 6-1 win at CGY. That’s three straight wins for one of many quietest backup goalies within the league. 4 GA in 3 begins and an general document of 13-4-3-2 is about as strong because it will get.
Sam Metal – 2 G (10), 1 A (19), 3 SOG, 1 H, 1 BLK, 13:52 TOI. Metal made the many of the restricted time on the ice. He has 3 G and 6 PTS in his final 4 video games.
Jamie Benn and Wyatt Johnston – 1 G and 1 A (every). I made a decision to pair these two up to avoid wasting area, but in addition present the pure distinction between the 2 Stars. One is the grizzled outdated veteran (Benn – 25 PTS in 39 video games), and the opposite is the hotshot child making a reputation for himself (Johnston – 65 PTS in 61 video games). These two might be enjoyable to observe within the playoffs.
Matt Duchene – 4 A (16), +3, 1 PPA, 13:07 TOI. I virtually missed this one as a result of I believed the “4” was PIMS. 4 assists?! That was virtually as stunning as seeing his level complete over the past 10 video games. It’s 17.
Dustin Wolf – 13 saves on 17 photographs and one more loss. I maintain telling myself that he’ll get higher, and for those who roster him in a keeper league, be affected person. If it’s a redraft…I’m sorry.
Andrei Vasilevskiy – 15 saves on 19 photographs via the ten:00 mark within the third interval. It was a 9-game win streak for Vasilevskiy earlier than he dropped one to Buffalo final week. Tuesday evening was simply as unkind to him. Ouch.
Nikita Kucherov – 1 G (32), -1, 1 SOG, 19:44 TOI (10 minutes left within the third). At the least Tampa’s famous person continues to be lighting the lamp.
Filip Gustavsson – 19 saves on 20 photographs and heading to his twenty second win of the 12 months. If Minnesota holds on, it’s a reasonably large assertion in opposition to a really sturdy Tampa Bay crew. The Wild aren’t going anyplace anytime quickly, and GM Invoice Guerin is able to add much more on the commerce deadline. Look out.
Quinn Hughes – 1 G (6), 1 A (55), +1, 4 SOG, 2 BLK, 25:08 TOI. If there’s a greater commerce pickup this 12 months, I’d love to listen to the reasoning behind the argument. Hughes boosted the Wild to a complete new degree, and so they’ll be a troublesome ticket come playoff time.
Mats Zuccarello – 1 G (11), 1 A (26), +1, 2 SOG, 18:57 TOI.
Matt Boldy – 2 A (36), +1, 3 SOG, 1 H.
Jakub Dobes – 15 saves on 20 photographs with 16:00 left within the third. It’s been a feeding frenzy in San Jose, and the Sharks aren’t enjoying properly. Dobes is nicely on his method to giving up a half dozen after which some.
Yaroslav Askarov – 18 saves on 20 photographs via 16:00 within the third interval. Askarov is seeking to document back-to-back wins after snapping a private 4-game dropping streak.
Macklin Celebrini – 1 G (30), 2 A (56), 2 PIM, 5 SOG, 1 BLK, 16:07 TOI with greater than half a interval to play. This child is unreal. Sincere query: Does Celebrini go any decrease than a High 3 choose subsequent 12 months? High 5?
Will Smith – 1 G (19), 2 A (25), -1, 1 SOG. He’s not as spectacular as Celebrini, however with 44 factors in 46 video games, he’s nonetheless gettin’ jiggy with it.
Scott Wedgewood – 24 saves on 25 photographs with 13 minutes left within the third. He’s 21-4-1-4 with a 2.26 GAA and a .914 SV%. I don’t know the way anybody stops this juggernaut. IF they face Minnesota within the playoffs, it’ll be must-see TV.
Cale Makar – 1 G (18), 2 A (46), +2, 2 SOG, 1 BLK. 19:39 TOI with 12:00 minutes to go.
Martin Necas – 1 G (27), +1, 2 PIM, 2 SOG, 1 BLK, 19:58 TOI. There was 10:00 left within the third once I wrote this one up, so if goodfold goes to win the 3-point problem, Necas had higher get some extra pucks on the web!
Lukas Dostal – I needed to clarify this man to the children at college once we opened up the Olympic Video games to observe on our projector throughout Math class.
“Hey, why isn’t Canada crushing this crew? I believed they weren’t speculated to be good.”
To which I replied, “Oh, this man isn’t just a few random goalie from Czechia. He performs within the NHL. And he’s actually good.
Effectively, by the tip of the second interval, Dostal and his quackers have been dropping 2-0. With 10 minutes left within the third, he was down 5-1. I suppose it’s an excellent factor all the children from faculty are quick asleep, in order that they don’t have an opportunity to name me a liar.
That’s all for this week! I hope you loved it. When you’ve got any questions or feedback, go away them under, and I’ll get again to you ASAP.
Blissful Wednesday, and I’ll see you subsequent week!
Observe me @marmosdad on Twitter/X and Bluesky @marmosdad.bsky.social
