Sometimes you just need a moment to relax. Everything else can wait until later. No, really. You deserve it.
Feel better? Good. Now get back to your fantasy hockey teams.
Need some hockey help? Perhaps some of these players can do the (hat) trick.
(Rostered rates as of Nov. 8)
Forwards
Connor McMichael, WAS (Yahoo: 50%)
When your first name is Connor, people expect success. It may have taken McMichael a couple seasons to get up to speed, but he’s doing great holding down a top-six job with 13 points and 39 shots — including 10 (!) last week against the Rangers — in 12 games. He’s also appeared on Washington’s top power play, though hasn’t yet contributed anything. Let’s assume McMichael won’t maintain this type of scoring pace, so he’ll probably end up somewhere in the 50 to 60 range and paired with excellent linemates.
Nino Niederreiter, WPG (Yahoo: 49%)
Kudos to anyone who’s been patient with Niederreiter over the years, as he’s rarely matched fantasy expectations — at least when it comes to offense. The hits have often operated as his biggest draw, though he’s definitely getting more looks of late as a result of a blistering run the last 11 contests where he’s totaled seven goals, three assists, 30 shots and 23 hits. The 19.4 shooting percentage and some other stats will eventually level off, but Niederreiter is a must-get based on what he’s been able to do in mediocre minutes (14:45 average) on a deep Winnipeg lineup.
William Karlsson, VGK (Yahoo: 36%)
Karlsson has been a Vegas mainstay since the franchise began by taking on important roles and being relatively consistent in supplying scoring. An injury kept him out for the first few weeks, but his coverage has steadily increased since he’s come back. He’s found the scoresheet in all five outings (two goals, four assists) on top of 12 shots and six blocks while centering the third even-strength line. Karlsson has also tallied a PPA on the second unit and a SHG during his debut. That’s a nice versatility to have in your lineup, though you may not want to add him if you’re full at C since he only qualifies there in Yahoo.
Troy Terry, ANH (Yahoo: 21%)
It’s amazing to see Terry frequently appear in this column considering he’s recorded at least 54 points from each of the previous three campaigns. So, you’re probably not shocked to hear he’s tallied five goals and five assists from his last 11…