This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
The holidays are a time for reflection. You remember your loved ones, the good times you shared with family and friends, and every poor fantasy decision you made over the last year.
If you faltered at some point, then you should have learned from whatever mistakes were made. Like if someone went to see a certain intergalactic prequel but fell asleep halfway through, that person would return a second time using the proper precautions and provisions to ensure they'd stay awake.
Disappointment – and its resolution – is worked out the same way in fantasy. Maybe you waited too long to add or drop a player. Or perhaps you mistakenly assessed a player's worth due to incorrect information or personal bias. The important thing is not to dwell on the negative and to focus on the proper way to handle the situation the next time it happens. This sounds simple enough but requires hard work and patience to properly execute on a regular basis.
The path to success can be achieved through practice. Here's your first exercise to help you on your way. So pull up by the fire, relax, and let the words do their work:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Rickard Rakell, Anaheim
Guess who's leading the Ducks in goals (with 14)? Corey Perry? Incorrect. Ryan Getzlaf? Try again. And no, Teemu Selanne hasn't made another comeback. It's Anaheim's Swedish forward with the not-as-exciting surname (when compared to Jakob Silfverberg), who overcame early injury
The holidays are a time for reflection. You remember your loved ones, the good times you shared with family and friends, and every poor fantasy decision you made over the last year.
If you faltered at some point, then you should have learned from whatever mistakes were made. Like if someone went to see a certain intergalactic prequel but fell asleep halfway through, that person would return a second time using the proper precautions and provisions to ensure they'd stay awake.
Disappointment – and its resolution – is worked out the same way in fantasy. Maybe you waited too long to add or drop a player. Or perhaps you mistakenly assessed a player's worth due to incorrect information or personal bias. The important thing is not to dwell on the negative and to focus on the proper way to handle the situation the next time it happens. This sounds simple enough but requires hard work and patience to properly execute on a regular basis.
The path to success can be achieved through practice. Here's your first exercise to help you on your way. So pull up by the fire, relax, and let the words do their work:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Rickard Rakell, Anaheim
Guess who's leading the Ducks in goals (with 14)? Corey Perry? Incorrect. Ryan Getzlaf? Try again. And no, Teemu Selanne hasn't made another comeback. It's Anaheim's Swedish forward with the not-as-exciting surname (when compared to Jakob Silfverberg), who overcame early injury and visa issues to excel. Rakell obviously benefits from the surrounding skill and experience, but he's made himself an important member of the fold by using his touch (the aforementioned 14 goals on 64 shots) and power-play prowess (six points) to get the job done.
Broken Wing: Andre Burakovsky, Washington
Following a modest showing last year, Burakovsky (no relation) was primed to improve. It started well in the opener (two goals), and a decent stretch followed (points in four of six games), but the momentum has come to a crashing halt (scoreless in seven appearances). The 21-year-old has lost the confidence of his coach, enough to earn him a seat in the press box the last three outings. It's obvious things aren't going your way when you're getting wiped out by one of your teammates.
Between the Lines: Filip Forsberg, Nashville
Among the Nashville players who have struggled this season, Forsberg would be the standout example. He may be lacking in the prominent stats (18 points overall, only two in the last 11 games), but he has been able to continue his contribution in other categories (83 shots, 50 hits). Furthermore, Forsberg remains a workhorse up front (averaging almost 19 minutes a night in December) and someone whom others can trust. Once the Preds solve their standings shortcomings (lost six of their last nine), the regular fantasy leaders should be back to their normal ways.
Right Wing
Two Steps Forward: Jonathan Drouin, Tampa Bay
Drouin may not be the most consistent pro performer, but no one can deny his talent. The former QMJHL star endured a seven-game setback in November and had to ease his way back upon returning. Drouin is in the midst of a solid run (four goals, four assists in his last seven contests), thereby once again alleviating owners who worried about his tenure in Tampa. And to think the Bolts seriously entertained offers from other clubs for his services last season.
Broken Wing: Drew Stafford, Winnipeg
Describing Stafford's season as a mess would be a compliment. A slow start (one point in six games) was followed by a 15-game absence, which led to a short tease (three in five) before the current slide (nothing in eight). With the emergence of Patrik Laine on the right side, the former Sabre was expected to relinquish some of his duties (down an average of three minutes from last year). But this collapse appears beyond repair, and Stafford had been relegated to the third line, a level where he'll remain barring an injury or miracle.
Between the Lines: Seth Griffith, Florida
For someone who has been placed on waivers twice over the last two months, Griffith doesn't appear to be the best candidate for acquisition. And his first few games with Florida didn't result in much either (one assist in his first eight appearances). However, since being paired with Aleksander Barkov, the 5'9" winger has shown signs of improvement (three assists in four, averaging over 17 minutes overall, including over two on the power play). With Jonathan Huberdeau still out another month or so, Griffith should continue to see action on the top line.
Center
Two Steps Forward: Eric Staal, Minnesota
After a forgettable farewell from Carolina (33 points in 63 games) and a brief appearance on Broadway (six in 20 during the regular season, zero in five during the playoffs), the senior Staal sibling has rediscovered his magic in Minny (24 points, plus-13, 86 shots). While he'll never be as dominant as he was in his peak years (basically from 2005-06 to 2011-12), there's plenty in the tank to make him a valuable asset. Considering his age (31), it would be easy to assume Staal will eventually experience a letdown. However, no evidence exists from this season to back up that claim.
Broken Wing: Patrice Bergeron, Boston
Everyone's favorite French-Canadian defensive forward has hit on hard times (nine points in 30 outings). It's not as if Bergeron's participation level has decreased; in fact, those numbers have gone up the last few weeks (up a minute to 20 per game). The bigger issue here is the Bruins' lack of scoring (ranked 25th in the league with a 2.28 goal average) and the overreliance on the first line to provide a large percentage of the offense. Reports are claiming the foot injury that sidelined Bergeron for the first three contests are impacting his play. If this is true, then it's difficult to assess how useful he can be.
Between the Lines: Dylan Larkin, Detroit
Based on what Larkin has done at the NHL level, it's amazing to think he only emerged on the scene just over a year ago. And for all he accomplished in his rookie campaign (45 points, plus-11, 221 shots), the Waterford, Michigan, native is discovering Year Two to be quite challenging. Larkin doesn't seem to have a problem lighting the lamp (10 goals), yet the other part of his offense has gone AWOL (namely, those two assists). That shouldn't prove to be a long-term issue, considering the Wings have tried various approaches to get him back on track.
