Fantasy Hockey: Waiver Wire Player Notes and Key Matchups

fantasy hockey waiver wire
fantasy hockey waiver wire
January 12 2014 Anaheim CA USA Anaheim Ducks center Nick Bonino 13 moves the puck ahead of Detroit Red Wings right wing Todd Bertuzzi 44 and right wing Luke Glendening 41 during the first period at Honda Center Gary A Vasquez USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy Hockey Player Notes:

C Nick Bonino, Anaheim Ducks: With seventeen power play points and thirty-five total Bonino should be owned in all leagues, especially considering he is red-hot right now.

C Tyler Bozak, Toronto Maple Leafs: In nine games since returning from injury, Bozak has eleven points and he centers two stars. He is widely available.

C/LW Chris Kreider, New York Rangers: In the running for the Calder Trophy, the Boston College alum is contributing in all fantasy categories and playing on an excellent line.

C/LW Tyler Ennis, Buffalo Sabres: Injuries have been the diminutive wingers biggest issue, but when healthy he chips in offensively. He has high-end puck skills and offensive vision.

C/RW Cody Hodgson, Buffalo Sabres: Hodgson can put up points and is the Sabres best all around offensive contributor. He has value as a winger.

LW Mikkel Boedker, Phoenix Coyotes: The speedster has been playing excellent hockey of late and putting together a breakout campaign. He can help in every category but penalty minutes.

LW Mats Zuccarello, New York Rangers: He is a big part of the Rangers’ offense and doesn’t shy away from the tough areas of the ice. Zucs can help your fantasy team.

LW/RW Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes: The veteran has a big shot and plays a rugged style, allowing him to chip in across fantasy categories. His position eligibility helps too.

RW Teemu Selanne, Anaheim Ducks: The veteran is playing his best hockey of the season, especially on the power play. He has six points in his last four games.

RW Nathan Horton, Columbus Blue Jackets: With four points in his first six games since returning from injury, there is room for improvement going forward. Horton should be owned in all leagues.

D Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks: He doesn’t log big minutes, but Vatanen does his best work with the man advantage and can be counted on for a plus rating.

D Tyson Barrie, Colorado Avalanche: He hasn’t been a fixture in the lineup, but Barrie has scored at every level, including the NHL when given a chance. He could make a difference when it counts.

D Radko Gudas, Tampa Bay Lightning: It is no fun playing against Gudas and his fantasy line proves why. He does it all and should be owned in all leagues.

Upcoming Schedule:

Thursday, January 16th – Boston Bruins at Dallas Stars: This isn’t a huge mismatch, but Boston is much improved with the man advantage of late and Dallas is in favorable territory.

Thursday, January 16th – San Jose Sharks at Florida Panthers: There are no matchups like this in the Pacific Division for the Sharks, expect them to capitalize.

Friday, January 17th – Washington Capitals at Columbus Blue Jackets: The Blue Jackets are the 8th most favorable matchup in the league, putting the Caps’ PP in a nice spot.

Friday, January 17th – Anaheim Ducks at Chicago Blackhawks: Anaheim’s power play is finally turning it on, the same cannot be said for the Blackhawks penalty kill.

Saturday, January 18th – New York Rangers at Ottawa Senators: The Sens have been playing better of late, but are still among the league’s worst penalty killing teams, while the Rangers are heating up with the man advantage.

Saturday, January 18th – New York Islanders at Philadelphia Flyers: The Islanders are the league’s most favorable matchup and face a potent Flyers’ power play.

Sunday, January 19th – Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks: Pick on the Blackhawks weak penalty kill all you want, but this will be an excellent game anyway.

Monday, January 20th – Philadelphia Flyers at New York Islanders: Nothing changes, except there are likely going to be more opportunities on the back-end of a home and home.

Monday, January 20th – Florida Panthers at Pittsburgh Penguins: Well rested and a favorable matchup, it doesn’t get better for the Pens’ power play.

Monday, January 20th – St. Louis Blues at Detriot Red Wings: The former division rivals present a mismatch, which should allow the Blues’ power play to tee off.

Monday, January 20th – Toronto Maple Leafs at Phoenix Coyotes: Both teams boast solid power plays and weak penalty kills, but will it translate to goals this time around?

Tuesday, January 21st – New York Islanders at New York Rangers: The Islanders are the best matchup in the league and the Rangers are scorching hot with the man advantage.

Tuesday, January 21st – Ottawa Senators at Washington Capitals: The Senators penalty kill has been among the league’s worst all season and the Caps’ power play is lethal.