The Hot List provides a small sampling of players putting up big numbers over the last week who are flying under the radar in Fantasy Hockey leagues and could be worth a look if you need an extra boost in your stat categories.
Fantasy Hockey champions should be crowned either at the end of this week or next, depending on when your league is set to end. If you still have a week remaining and the injury bug has hit your team, or if you are looking for a big boost to get you over the hump for a championship run, check out one of these players in our last installment of The Hot List for the 2011-12 Fantasy Hockey Season.
Daniel Alfredsson (forward): It’s still amazing that this guy is owned in only 51 percent of Yahoo Fantasy leagues. With four goals, two assists and a plus-six over the last seven days, Alfredsson is doing his part to help propel the Senators back into the postseason. Alfredsson now has 56 points, including 26 goals. The Senators have five games remaining this season.
Michael Ryder (forward): Ryder has already set a new career high in goals and looks poised to set a new high in total points as well this season. Owned in 61 percent of Yahoo leagues, Ryder could be a great addition to your lineup if you need an injury replacement with three goals and two assists in addition to six penalty minutes and 10 shots on goal this past week. The Stars have five games remaining.
R.J. Umberger (forward): Worth mentioning because of his recent production, but Umberger is an incredibly streaky player and may not provide the boost you’re looking for during the playoffs. Umberger has four goals and two assists over the last seven days with an incredible 15 shots on goal. The Jackets have five games remaining, so approach Umberger with caution. If there are better options go for them, but Umberger could provide a boost for the desperate Fantasy owner.
Frans Nielsen (forward): Nielsen has a nice little three-game point streak going where he has tallied three goals and three assists and has posted a plus-five rating. The Islanders have basically been eliminated from the playoffs this season, but that doesn’t mean that Nielsen will slow down or try not to spoil another team’s playoff hopes. Like Umberger, Nielsen isn’t a big point producer but could provide enough of a boost if you need an injury replacement.
Mark Giordano (defense): Although a minus-four over the last week, Giordano has posted one goal and two assists in addition to 13 shots on a goal. Two of Giordano’s three points this past week came on the power play. Giordano has posted decent numbers throughout March, with scoring 11 points in 15 games. The Flames have four games remaining, so picking up Giordano could be a gamble. Weight your options before scooping him up.
Dwayne Roloson (goalie): Rolie the goalie seems to have found his game again, but it appears to be too little too late for the Tampa Bay Lightning. With three wins over the past week, Roloson could be a solid pickup for a team struggling in net. Be mindful of his 12 goals against during that same time period, however. Tampa Bay scores a lot of goals, but they let a lot in as well.
