MetzerMetrics: Top Fantasy Performers — Round 1

By Brian Metzer

That is right folks, it is again time for MetzerMetrics, as heard weekly on PensWeek over at 105.9 the X, ESPN970, and the Penguins Hockey Network.

This morning, as we do every week, Grover and I discussed a number of players who were getting it done in a big way during the first two weeks of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Some of them have already advanced, while others are close to doing so! If you are playing in a postseason fantasy pool, hopefully some of these players are in your lineups!

Let’s get right to it!

Player Name  Games   Goals   Assists   Points   plus-minus   PIMS   SOG  PPPS 
David Krejci – Bruins 5 5 6 11 +7 4 13 2

 

 

It seems that on an almost yearly basis people around the NHL talk about David Krejci as a guy who is under-appreciated and that “this is the year” that he’ll join the Crosbys, Ovechkins and Stamkoses of the world at the top of the forward rankings. Then he goes out and shows some flashes, but seemingly comes short of expectations. Well, as he did during the Bruins’ Cup run two seasons ago, he is not only living up to expectations, but has been probably the Bruins best player during their series with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has posted three, three point games including a hat trick in Game four, that included the overtime game winning goal. He’s playing with Nathan Horton/Milan Lucic and as a line they have been dominant.

Player Name  Games   Goals   Assists   Points   plus-minus   PIMS   SOG   PPPS 
Joe Pavelski- Sharks 4 4 4 8 +1 0 21 5

Pavelski has been sort of an every man for the Sharks. He is playing with Andrew Dejardins and Tommy Wingels, but gets power play time with the big guys such as Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau and he is cashing in frequently. He has five power play points (3 goals). Logan Couture, Thornton and Marleau  may be drawing owners in, but Pavelski has very quietly had gotten it done in a number of categories and based on his past postseason successes should be in your lineup.

Player Name  Games   Goals   Assists   Points   plus-minus   PIMS   SOG   PPPS 
Sidney Crosby – Penguins 4 3 5 8 -2 0 17 4

I don’t think that I have to tell you what Crosby has been up too, but I will anyway. He has been out of this world since rejoining the line-up for Game 2 and has points in each of the games that he has played. As of Game 5, he has been put on a line with Jarome Iginla and Pascal Dupuis and found immediate chemistry — producing one of the most spectacular goals of the playoffs thus far. If the Penguins advance, which they have a chance to do on Saturday night, he should be on every post season roster.

Player Name  Games   Goals   Assists   Points   plus-minus   PIMS   SOG   PPPS 
Derick Brassard – Rangers 5 1 6 7 +1 0 9 2

The former 2006 first round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets was mentioned in this space following the NHL trade deadline. I thought the fresh start, confidence of an organization and coaching staff would go a long way with him and it looks like I was right. He is looking right at home in New York skating on a line with Brian Boyle, who has been productive himself, and Mats Zuccarello. Though the Rangers are down 3-2 in their best of seven series with Washington,  I would definitely consider adding him in daily leagues. He is a must add if the Rangers advance to round two.

Player Name  Games   Goals   Assists   Points   plus-minus   PIMS   SOG   PPPS 
Nick Bonino – Ducks 6 3 1 4 +2 4 15 2

Throughout the season I pointed out guys who could help in specific categories other than the standards (Goals, Assists, Points). Well some post season pools award bonus points for game-winning and overtime game-winning goals, if that is the case in your league, Nick Bonino is your man. He is one of only five players in the playoffs that have two game winners to this point, one of which was scored in overtime. He skates a regular shift with the high energy Matt Belesky and ageless wonder Teemu Selanne, so he has potential to create offense throughout even though they are more of a third line.

Player Name  Games   Goals   Assists   Points   plus-minus   PIMS   SOG   PPPS 
Slava Voynov – Kings 6 2 0 2 +5 0 7 0

Voynov is here for the same reasons as Bonino — game-winning-goals. Like Bonino, he has two of them, one of which was an overtime winner. The Kings have already advanced, so you know he is going to get at least four more games. He plays over 20 minutes a night, gets on the ice in big spots, such as on the power play and has the potential to score much more, so feel comfortable adding him now.

Player Name  Games   Goals   Assists   Points   plus-minus   PIMS   SOG   PPPS 
Zdeno Chara – Bruins 5 1 5 6 +5 8 20 2

Chara underachieved a bit during the regular season, but he looks like a Norris Trophy caliber defenseman in these playoffs. He is playing close to 28 minutes a night, is shooting the puck a ton and looks primed to help the Bruins advance towards the promised land again! Get Chara active in your pools and leagues if you can!

Player Name  Games   Wins   Losses   OT Losses   GAA   Save Percentage   Shutouts   Saves 
Jonathan Quick – Kings 6 4 2 1 1.58 .944 177 1

Jonathan Quick scared owners a bit this season as he underachieved during the regular season, especially early on. What folks need to remember is that he was coming off of a back surgery and as he got more comfortable he got stronger. He had a shaky Game 1 against St. Louis, turning a puck up to Alex Steen behind his own net that cost his team a chance at victory, but he has looked every bit the guy who won the Stanley Cup/Conn Smythe trophy last season. He’ll be around for another round and it is safe to play him.

That wraps us up for this week! Stay tuned here and over on 105.9 the X for another edition of MetzerMetrics next Saturday.