This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
Inconsistency strikes when you least expect it. If you're in the midst of a hot streak, then it's important not to be overconfident. Stay alert to all opportunities and obstacles. And if you're slumping, then you should be able to recover as long as you possess solid resources, or at least the methods to acquire injury/cannon fodder protection.
NHL clubs face similar battles to the ones we face in the fantasy world. The following five teams share one thing in common: they haven't decided whether they want to be good or bad. (WARNING: The answers may shock you!)
(Stats as of Monday, Nov. 2)
It may be irrelevant that certain top guns aren't producing in Pittsburgh right now, but the pressure will catch up if things stay the same. Poor Patric Hornqvist (four points, including three in the last two) can't buy a power-play goal (zero on nine shots), but will surely find one eventually with all that first-unit firepower. He may be mired on the third line, but Chris Kunitz (two goals) is earning enough chances to score. Don't look now, but Pascal Dupuis (one goal in five) is at 100 percent and renewing his relationship with No. 87. One game back, two points for Eric Fehr – worth a look in larger leagues, depending on his progress. Looks as though they're slowly advancing Olli Maatta offensively (goal, two assists, minus-7), while Ian Cole (nothing in 11, minus-5) isn't doing anything with the bounty (second power-play point) placed before
Inconsistency strikes when you least expect it. If you're in the midst of a hot streak, then it's important not to be overconfident. Stay alert to all opportunities and obstacles. And if you're slumping, then you should be able to recover as long as you possess solid resources, or at least the methods to acquire injury/cannon fodder protection.
NHL clubs face similar battles to the ones we face in the fantasy world. The following five teams share one thing in common: they haven't decided whether they want to be good or bad. (WARNING: The answers may shock you!)
(Stats as of Monday, Nov. 2)
It may be irrelevant that certain top guns aren't producing in Pittsburgh right now, but the pressure will catch up if things stay the same. Poor Patric Hornqvist (four points, including three in the last two) can't buy a power-play goal (zero on nine shots), but will surely find one eventually with all that first-unit firepower. He may be mired on the third line, but Chris Kunitz (two goals) is earning enough chances to score. Don't look now, but Pascal Dupuis (one goal in five) is at 100 percent and renewing his relationship with No. 87. One game back, two points for Eric Fehr – worth a look in larger leagues, depending on his progress. Looks as though they're slowly advancing Olli Maatta offensively (goal, two assists, minus-7), while Ian Cole (nothing in 11, minus-5) isn't doing anything with the bounty (second power-play point) placed before him.
It's no fluke that the Wings have been the benchmark of success the last quarter century. Speed and showmanship from still-teenage Dylan Larkin have led to eight points in a prominent role. Last year's AHL goal scoring champ, Teemu Pulkkinen has just four points and is itching for the chance at premium ice time, as he's averaging 13:41. Justin Abdelkader is here to stay on the top line, although his numbers (zero points in nine games after five in two) have stagnated. Riley Sheahan (goal, two assists, minus-6) can find a regular spot in the pros, but a little more on the scoresheet would be nice. Health is the key for Danny DeKeyser (two in seven), who serves as their No. 2 blueliner (even when Mike Green is available). The difference between Petr Mrazek (2.67 GAA, .921 save percentage in six) and Jimmy Howard (2.21 GAA, .928 save percentage in five) has been negligible, so good luck predicting an everyday starter.
Injuries to first-liners Aleksander Barkov and Jaromir Jagr are presenting openings in Florida. All that hard work is paying off for Vincent Trocheck (nine points, including five on the power play). Written off by multiple organizations, Dave Bolland (four points in five games) has regained some measure of trust. Brandon Pirri (goal, four assists) is displaying the skills that made it difficult for Chicago to let him go. Pick up the pace, Jonathan Huberdeau (four assists in 11), or it's off to the waiver pile you go. Is it safe to recommend Brian Campbell (five points)? Any takers for Dmitry Kulikov (three)?
With all the young talent, one would expect Colorado to not be terrible. More responsibility means more volatility for Carl Soderberg (four points in the first five games, two in the last six). Matt Duchene (three points, minus-8) used to be considered an elite talent, but it's difficult to believe that today. Blake Comeau (three assists, 10 PIM, 20 hits) can be counted on for supplementary stats. Same holds true for Cody McLeod (goal, assist), but his production is mainly localized in one category, as he's second in league with 36 PIM. Many thought the Avs overpaid for Francois Beauchemin, but the 35-year old is earning his contract in the early going with seven points, four of them on the power play. And while he's seeing very little special-teams duty, Nick Holden (five assists) has still been able to produce.
Saturday's chintzy victory aside, the Flames look confused. Don't expect a hat trick every night from Michael Frolik (five assists the other 10 games). Can't wait to see what Sam Bennett (four points in three games) can do on a regular basis. Line shuffling has left Joe Colborne (two goals in six) with better options. The return of T.J. Brodie (goal, assist) can only push Dougie Hamilton (three, minus-9) to improve. With Jonas Hiller (lower-body whoopsie) sidelined, Karri Ramo (4.27 GAA, .868 save percentage in four) seems to be the current choice between the pipes, but Joni Ortio (4.26, .868, but impressive in a short stint last season) should be Calgary's preferred long-term selection.
