Kaliyev Lands in New York; Updates on Injured Senators; Two-Goal Tom; Notes on Carolina, Forsberg, Zellweger, and More – January 7 – DobberHockey

NHL‌ Waiver Wire Update: Kaliyev to the Rangers

In a surprising move,the New york Rangers claimed former Los Angeles Kings‌ winger Arthur Kaliyev off waivers on Monday.Kaliyev,who has ‌been sidelined with ‍an injury this season,found himself expendable as the Kings boasted impressive forward depth.

A New Start for Kaliyev?

The acquisition of Kaliyev comes just weeks after ⁤the Rangers traded Kaapo Kakko, suggesting a need for⁤ offensive reinforcements. Though, whether Kaliyev is the right fit for the Rangers’ fast-paced, rush-oriented style remains ​to be seen. As one analyst commented, “They play a rush/counter-attack style while he’s more of ⁢a forechecker who looks for open areas‍ to get ⁣his shot off.”

Only time will tell if this move pans out for the Rangers, but Kaliyev’s talent is undeniable.

Kaprizov’s ⁤Injury ‌Troubles continue for Wild

Minnesota Wild fans ⁢received more disheartening news about star forward Kirill Kaprizov.Reports from practice indicate that Kaprizov is still not skating and a return to the lineup is not ​imminent.

So middleton + Lauko at‌ #mnwild practice. Still ⁤no Kirill kaprizov

— joe Smith (@JoeSmithNHL) January 6, 2025

With six games scheduled over the next two weeks, Kaprizov’s absence casts a long shadow over the Wild’s immediate outlook.His‌ blistering start to the season had many predicting an MVP-caliber performance, but his continued injury woes leave his future contributions uncertain.

good News For⁤ Senators Forwards

There’s some positive news from ⁣Ottawa,with David⁤ Perron​ and Michael Amadio participating in the main skate. While both ​players were donning non-contact jerseys, their presence suggests they are inching closer to a return to the lineup.

David Perron and Michael ⁢Amadio ‌are sticking around for the start of the main skate in ‌non-contact⁣ jerseys #Sens

— Bruce garrioch (@SunGarrioch) January 6, 2025

Amadio’s‌ return will be particularly ⁤welcome, ⁢as he had been a key‍ contributor ⁤on Ottawa’s productive third ⁤line prior ⁣to his injury.

Canadiens Outlast canucks in Thrilling Back-and-Forth Battle

The Montreal Canadiens extended‌ their winning streak on Monday, edging out the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in a captivating matchup.

Goal-fest in Montreal

The night began with Cole Caufield netting‍ his 22nd goal of the season, giving ⁤Montreal an early 1-0 advantage. However, the Canucks stormed back with ‍a vengeance. JT Miller ignited the Vancouver offense⁤ with a ⁤pair of⁤ goals, while Jonathan Lekkerimaki, recently called up from the minors, also found the back of the ⁤net, propelling​ the Canucks⁣ to a 3-1 lead.

Undeterred,the Canadiens launched a⁢ furious comeback. Kaiden⁢ Guhle, Kirby Dach on the power play, and Lane Hutson rattled off⁤ three unanswered goals, securing ⁣a 4-3 victory for Montreal.

Hughes Returns for Canucks

The ⁣game also marked the return of star defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Canucks lineup after a‌ brief absence.

Capitals Earn Point in Shootout ‌Loss‍ to Sabres

in other NHL action, the Washington Capitals battled the Buffalo Sabres in a fiercely contested matchup that required a shootout to determine a winner.

Wilson and Protas Shine for Capitals

Tom Wilson‌ led the Capitals’ offensive charge with ⁣two goals,‌ one of ⁤which came on ‌the power play. aliaksei Protas chipped in with a goal and⁤ an assist, showcasing his budding​ offensive ⁤potential.

John ⁤Carlson contributed a pair of assists,‍ while Jakob Chychrun added‌ an assist, four shots, and two blocked shots in a solid all-around performance.

Sabres Power Play Paces Victory

JJ Peterka paced the Sabres’ attack with ​a goal and an assist, including a power-play⁤ helper on Tage Thompson’s power-play goal. ‍Thompson continues his remarkable season, now on pace for 43⁣ goals and 82 games.He finished the night with six shots, two penalty minutes, and a hit.

Alex Tuch added his 13th goal of the season for⁣ Buffalo, supplementing his tally⁢ with two shots, two blocked ‍shots, and a‌ hit.

Rasmus Dahlin⁣ recorded a power-play assist, ‍a single shot, and three blocked shots. He has amassed an impressive 29 points in just 33 games, positioning himself⁢ as a potential⁣ top-5 fantasy defenseman in the second half if he can remain healthy. ⁤

Goalies Duel ‍it Out in Shootout Thriller

Charlie Lindgren ​turned aside 24 of 27 shots for washington, while Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 25 saves‍ on 28 shots for Buffalo, ultimately securing the victory by stopping three of four shootout attempts.

Canadiens ⁤edge ‍Canucks⁣ in ‌Overtime‍ Thriller

The Montreal Canadiens stunned the Vancouver Canucks in a high-scoring overtime ‌battle, snatching a ⁢5-4 victory. The win catapults the Canadiens into a playoff ‌position in the Eastern Conference, ⁢a ⁤remarkable turnaround considering their October struggles.

Suzuki Shines in Overtime

Nick suzuki⁣ proved to be the hero of the night,capitalizing on a⁢ late power play opportunity in overtime. His ⁢expertly placed‍ shot, which zipped past Canucks goaltender Kevin Lankinen, secured the win for ‌Montreal. Suzuki’s performance was nothing short of dominant, adding two assists (one with the ‍man advantage) and racking up four shots on goal. ‌With 41 points in 40 games, Suzuki is on pace for ⁤his first career ‍point-per-game season.

The Canadiens received strong​ contributions from other key ⁣players. Cole Caufield delivered a goal and a power play assist,while Lane Hutson notched three points,including two power play assists,bringing his ‍season⁣ total to 30 points in 40 games. Sam Montembeault secured the win in ‌net, stopping 16 of the⁤ 20 shots ‍he faced.

Miller Leads Canucks Offense

Despite the ‍loss, the canucks received a standout performance from J.T. Miller. miller factored in on all four Vancouver goals, recording two goals and two assists. He also contributed three shots, two blocks, and five hits, showcasing his all-around game. Quinn Hughes chipped ⁣in ‍with a ‌pair of assists (one on⁤ the power play) in his return to the lineup.

Lankinen shouldered the loss, allowing⁣ five goals on 24 shots.

Analyzing Second Quarter Performances

As we approach the halfway point of the regular season, it’s an⁤ ideal time to analyze player performances⁢ over the past 20 games and identify trends that could influence ‍the second half. Data from Natural Stat Trick and Frozen Tools provide valuable insights.

dylan Guenther: A Closer Look

Dylan Guenther’s performance over​ his last 20‌ games warrants attention.​ He⁣ ranks sixth among ​regular forwards in total shot attempts per 60 minutes, placing him in elite company alongside stars⁤ like Filip Forsberg and Artemi Panarin.While Guenther has⁣ tallied nine goals in this stretch, his shot accuracy has been a concern, with​ only‍ 41.1% of his attempts reaching the net. “Beware of that ice time‍ drop and the fact that utah’s top PP unit is shooting over 34% in those⁤ 20 games,” cautions an expert analysis. The unsustainable shooting percentage of the power play unit suggests a potential regression for Guenther’s production.

NHL Fantasy Hockey: Second-Half Storylines to Watch

As⁤ the‍ NHL season ⁤reaches its midpoint, ⁤fantasy hockey managers are looking ahead to the second half with a keen eye on emerging trends and potential breakout ⁣candidates.Here’s a closer look at some intriguing ⁢storylines to monitor:

Forsberg Struggling to Find his Scoring Touch

Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg has seen a ⁣concerning dip in his offensive production. While he’s maintaining a ⁤respectable shot volume,⁣ his shooting percentage has dropped considerably. Forsberg‍ has managed just one goal⁤ in his last 25 games, a stark contrast ‍to his‍ prolific scoring from last ‌season.

“Yes, one ⁢goal in over eight weeks,” noted ⁤a recent fantasy hockey analysis.

Although Forsberg remains‍ a buy-low option, fantasy managers should ⁣temper their⁣ expectations for a second-half resurgence.

Johnston Heating Up ⁣in Dallas

After a slow start, Dallas Stars forward Wyatt⁤ Johnston has found his groove, racking up 20 points in his‌ last 20 games. His impressive individual expected goals at 5-on-5 place him among the league’s elite ⁤forwards. Johnston’s shooting percentage is ‍trending upwards,but there’s still room for advancement.

The growth of⁣ Dallas’s power play could⁢ be a key⁢ factor ⁢in Johnston’s continued success. ⁣If the stars can unlock its full potential,Johnston’s point totals could soar in the second half.

Carolina’s Defensive Shift

The carolina Hurricanes have undergone a noticeable shift in their defensive approach. Early in the season, their blueliners were hesitant to ⁣shoot⁤ the puck, but that⁣ has‌ changed dramatically. Brent Burns and sean Walker have emerged as top shot-attempting defensemen,injecting a new dimension into Carolina’s offense.

This​ shift coincides with a dip ⁣in the ​Canes’ goals per minute.

While not solely​ attributable to ⁢the defensemen’s increased shooting, it suggests a return to the team’s more aggressive offensive⁤ strategies seen in previous years.

Zellweger Showing Promise Amidst Inconsistency

Anaheim Ducks defenseman Olen Zellweger has displayed flashes of⁣ brilliance amidst a season of inconsistency. Despite playing for a low-scoring team, Zellweger ⁤has generated offense at a respectable rate, ranking among ⁣the league’s ‌top shot-attempting defensemen over ‌the past 20 games.

Though, Zellweger’s recent‌ healthy scratches raise concerns about his role and playing time moving forward. Fantasy managers should closely ⁢monitor his situation before making any decisions.

Is This Defenseman a Value Pick?

There’s a⁢ young defenseman in the NHL who’s been struggling⁣ to put up points lately. While his recent performance might have some questioning his ability, a closer look‌ at the numbers suggests he could‌ be a smart buy-low candidate.

Regression to the ​Mean?

Over his last 20 games, this player has only been involved in 18.8% ⁤of the goals scored while he’s on‌ the ice. This is a meaningful drop from​ his early ​career,where he ​was achieving a points-per-goal involvement rate of 51.4% across his first 44 games. The average ⁢defenseman hovers around ⁢36%, so his current slump is particularly noticeable.

“Once that regresses⁣ positively, the points will return,” suggests an expert analyst.

Buy-Low Opportunity?

This⁤ dip in production could present a valuable⁤ opportunity for savvy fantasy hockey managers. If his⁣ recent performance is a blip caused by bad luck or other temporary factors,then snagging him at ‍a discounted price‌ could pay off handsomely as his numbers return to his expected range.

What⁢ recent‍ struggles has the⁤ mentioned player⁤ undergone, leading to ​concern for ‌fantasy managers?

Earlier⁢ in the ⁤season. Fantasy managers​ will be hoping ⁤for a turnaround, but his recent struggles are worth monitoring closely.

Quinn Hughes’ Return Bolsters Canucks

Quinn Hughes’ return⁢ to the Vancouver Canucks ‌lineup has provided a much-needed boost to their defensive⁤ corps. Hughes,who missed a few games ⁤due to injury,has ‍quickly‌ regained his form,contributing⁤ two assists‌ in his frist ⁤game back. His presence on the power ⁤play and ability to generate offense from the blue line make him a key asset for⁤ both the Canucks and fantasy ⁤managers. If he can⁢ stay healthy, Hughes is​ poised to be a top-tier fantasy defenseman in the second half of the ⁣season.

Kirill Kaprizov’s Injury Woes Continue

Kirill Kaprizov’s absence from the Minnesota‌ Wild lineup remains a significant concern. The star forward, who was off to a blistering ⁢start this season, ⁣has yet to resume ‌skating, and his return ‍to the lineup does not appear ⁣imminent. Kaprizov’s injury‍ has left a noticeable ​void in the Wild’s offense,and his prolonged absence could have a​ lasting impact on their playoff​ aspirations. Fantasy managers who drafted ⁢Kaprizov will need to explore option options until ⁢he is cleared to play.

Dylan ​Guenther’s Emerging ‌Role in Utah

Dylan⁢ Guenther has⁤ been a luminous spot for ‌the Utah franchise, showcasing his offensive ⁤potential over the past ⁢20 games. Despite some concerns about his shot‍ accuracy⁤ and the sustainability of his ‍team’s power⁤ play success,⁢ Guenther’s high shot volume and goal-scoring ‌ability make him an‌ intriguing fantasy option. If he ⁢can maintain his current pace ​and improve his shooting efficiency,⁤ Guenther could emerge as a valuable ​asset in the second half of the season.

Montreal’s ​Resurgence Led by Suzuki‌ and​ Caufield

The Montreal Canadiens’ recent surge⁣ up⁣ the standings‌ has been fueled by the dynamic duo of Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Suzuki, in particular, has been a force to⁣ be reckoned with, ⁤delivering clutch performances⁣ and showcasing his playmaking abilities. Caufield’s‌ goal-scoring ‍prowess has also been on full display, making him a key contributor to the Canadiens’ success. As Montreal⁣ continues to push ‍for a playoff spot, both players will be crucial ⁢to their ‌efforts and ​remain strong fantasy options.

Buffalo’s ⁤Power Play Prowess

The Buffalo Sabres’ power play has been a driving force behind their⁢ offensive success this‌ season. Tage ⁤Thompson ‍and JJ Peterka have been instrumental ⁤in this regard, with Thompson on pace for a career-high goal total.⁣ Rasmus Dahlin’s contributions from the blue⁢ line have also been significant, as⁢ he ⁢continues⁤ to‍ rack up points and solidify his status as one of the league’s top defensemen. Fantasy managers should keep ⁤a close eye on Buffalo’s power play unit, as it might very well‍ be a key​ source of production in the second half.

Washington’s Balanced‌ Attack

the Washington Capitals⁣ have relied‌ on⁢ a balanced offensive attack to stay competitive this season. Tom Wilson has​ been a standout performer, ​contributing both on the⁤ power play and at ⁣even strength. ⁤Aliaksei Protas has also emerged as a reliable offensive ‍contributor, ‍showcasing his potential as​ a rising star. ​With John Carlson anchoring the defence and providing ⁣steady production, the Capitals have⁤ the pieces in place⁢ to remain ​a competitive team⁣ and a source of fantasy value.

Conclusion

As the NHL⁢ season progresses, fantasy hockey managers will need⁢ to stay vigilant and adapt to the ever-changing landscape.⁢ Monitoring player performances, injury updates, and emerging trends will be crucial to maintaining a competitive edge. Weather‌ it’s capitalizing on breakout⁤ candidates, navigating injuries, or identifying undervalued assets, staying​ informed and proactive will be key to success‌ in the second half of the season.