ADD’EM: RED-HOT & FLAME-BROILED 12/11/2016
One of the coldest teams to start the season, the Calgary Flames, are now one of the hottest with an 8-1-1 over their last 10 games and it all began with a switch in starting goaltenders from Brian Elliott to Chad Johnson. Elliott struggled to find the game he had in St. Louis, so until he does, the Flames will ride the hot hand of Johnson. Chad still can be had as he is owned by 62% of Yahoo fantasy leagues, but time may be running out. With only 2 games on the slate in this upcoming week, this could be the last chance to grab the hot Calgary net minder.
There are still a few decent Flame forwards available on the waiver wire in Sam Bennett and Michael Backlund, owned by 30-25% of Yahoo leagues. Bennett’s line reads 2-3-5 while Backlund goes with a 2-4-6, both in 8 games played. Troy Brouwer isn’t tickling anyone’s fancy, owned by just 19%, but does have 4 points over those same 8 games. Rookie sensation Matthew Tkachuk (15%) seems to have found his rhythm and has 1 goal to go along with 5 assists but has 22 PIMs to remind us of the toughness his father brought to the game. Remember, the Flames only have 2 games on their schedule for the upcoming week.
On the defensive side of the coin for Calgary, T. J. Brodie is owned in 47% but his +/- is killing fantasy owners that remain holders. Ride him out on the bench until he corrects his ways, or find other available options if scanning the WW. Ian Cole of Pittsburgh, never known for his offensive prowess, has 7 points in past 7 games and may just get points by association playing anywhere near Crosby and/or Malkin and the rest of that high-powered offense. Andrej Sekera is another d-man flying under the radar but he is playing on the top PP unit with Connor McDavid and that is all you should need to know to go pick him up straightaway. He is only owned in 21% of Fantasy leagues.
Other forward options are Andrew Shaw (29% ownership) of Montreal who just may see an increase of responsibility with Alex Galchenyuk being sidelined for the next 6-8 weeks. Keeping with the Canadiens, Tomas Plekanec (50%) has seemed lost this year trying to replicate last season’s numbers but again, this opportunity just may be the spark he needs.
Two young guns making the most of their latest opportunities, Robby Fabbri (36%) has been struggling in the first past of this season but over the last two games he has picked up his production and now has 4 goals and 3 assists over the past 7 games, and Conor Sheary (22%) who has 6 points in past 7 with 23 SOG.
Deep sleeper pick is Derek Ryan of the Carolina Hurricanes who is barely owned by 1% but has gone 4-3-7 in 9 games but has a -2 rating. You may want to stick with someone with more experience, but he is out there and scoring.
ADD'EM: RED-HOT & FLAME-BROILED primepucks.comSun 12/11/16 4:14 PM