NFLAfter a long and grueling four months of hiatus due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the National Hockey League (NHL) is finally back! With its four-stage return-plan started last May 28, the league has begun its return by scheduling exhibition shows. Alongside this comeback is the start of daily fantasy sports.
But before you assemble your team, you might need to take a look at the recent players’ update and their statistics before the season and postseason break. This data will help you choose which players you should pick to create a winning team in fantasy hockey.
Choosing The Best Players In Each Position
The hockey league has brought various talented players throughout the years. We have seen veterans still making their names and the young ones digging their way into the industry. Take a look at our compilation of the best NHL players this season in different top rankings and top expert picks.
Let’s start with the forward or the strikers.
Best Strikers: Joe Pavelski of Dallas Stars
Joe Pavelski is a household name in the hockey industry. He is a star veteran and a significant piece of Dallas Stars. But even with his age, Pavelski has shown power in every strike. And with his experience on ice, his power plays are still off the charts.
He stayed and played for 13 long years for the San Jose Sharks, with four years as their team captain. He even led the Sharks to win their first-ever Stanley Cup. During his time in the NHL, Pavelski played 1,030 games and scored 369 goals.
Picking Pavelski for your NHL DFS team could pose a lot of winning potential. Not to mention, his ability and character when on the ice are incomparable. His 1,000 games prove that he is built for the NHL, and it continues to show. During his recent matches in Dallas Stars, Pavelski already recorded 14 goals with six power plays and three winning goals.
It is very easy to be torn with these power players, but here are alternatives that could boost your NHL DFS team’s winning percentage. Make sure to pick one who’ll contribute most to your team goal.
Runner-up: Alexander Ovechkin of Washington Capitals.
Goalies: Andrei Vasilevskiy of Tampa Bay Lightning
The goaltending position is the most underestimated position. Yet, it is the toughest and the hardest to master. It requires sharp decision-making, presence of mind, and top of the class athleticism to block and prevent the opposite team from scoring.
However, Andrei Vasilevskiy made it look like a simple thing to do on the ice. During the Lightning first game against the Bolts, Andrei took 60 stops and conquered their first win.
This young goalie proved his role in his hockey club, having 32 starts and passing comfortably to Ben Bishop, which made records in Lightning history. His smooth stops against Eric Robinson are fantastic, though he struggled against power strikes from Jenner and Dubois. Still, this Vezina Trophy recipient is marking his territory on the ice and is ready to show more of his skills in the next game.
In case you need more options to check out, these two power goalies are both Vezina Trophy holders and contenders. You might want to dabble them when you assemble your team.
Runner-ups: Sergei Bobrovsky of Florida Panthers and Ben Bishop from Dallas Stars
Centers: A Battle Between Connor McDavid of Edmonton Oilers and Sidney Crosby of Pittsburgh Penguins
We’re not messing around here, but we also can’t make up our minds between these power centers. For you to get a clearer view, here’s ours.
McDavid still ranked first among different sports rankings and has always been a top expert pick in his entire hockey career. For his 300 career-games, McDavid set 260 assists and ranked 7th in NHL history.
Not falling short of McDavid statistics, Crosby ranked 6th, making the same records as McDavid when it comes to assisting. For the first time in his playing career, Crosby played 82 games last season, just before he turned 31. A great advantage and assurance for the Penguins are that when Crosby is healthy, he’ll definitely be on a roll.
Both of these power players are great on the ice. Their ability to find the right passing position, vision for open spaces, ability to create space for themselves, and strength is formidable. You can benefit from these star players.
Assembling your team with either of the two as centers, combined with a fit right and left-wing player, and a great goalie, you are on your way to leading a winning position for fantasy hockey.
Takeaway
The NHL is back, and with its return, fantasy hockey will also take place. Before the regular season starts, this is a great time to research and look at the recent players’ statistics and records before assembling your team. There are power players this season, and all you need to do is carefully look at their gameplays and incorporate your technique the way you want your team to work out.
