As hard as it may be to believe, the first week of hockey is in the books. It was an interesting week to say the least. The beginning of a new fantasy season is always exciting, and the first week certainly lived up to the hype. Before the week becomes a distant memory, it is appropriate to look back and see what fantasy trends can be detected and learn from them moving forward. Fortunately, this fantasy hockey first week edition will do just that!

As with the articles I have written for fantasy baseball and basketball, discussion and debate are highly encouraged. Are there other trends or players from the first week that you would like talking about? Let me know!

Keep a Close Eye on the Schedule

Without question, there was no rhyme or reason to the schedule that the NHL put forward in the first week. Many teams played three games (Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, among others) and some played only one (Dallas, Washington, among others). Of course, managers that had players in only one game were at a competitive disadvantage against their opponents who had multiple players in two or more games during the same period.

Week two is a little less dramatic, but still has differences. For example, Arizona plays four games while New Jersey plays on Monday and not again until Friday. Even worse, Anaheim doesn’t play their first game of the week until Thursday.

Knowing not only your weekly schedule and that of your opponent has many advantages. Specifically, the players at the bottom of a roster are exchangeable for others on the wire, depending on league size. In 12 or less team leagues, there should be plenty to choose from. If a bottom feeder had a lousy first week and isn’t playing for three days, simply send him to the wire and replace him.

Secondly, if your opponent has a lot of players who don’t have many games, perhaps you can hold off on making moves until a player you really want becomes available. No doubt, knowing your schedule and that of your opponent puts you ahead of the game.

Hat Tricks Ruled the Week

Clearly, there can be no debate that the most exciting aspect of week one was the hat tricks. In fact, Auston Matthews accomplished the feat in his first two games of the season, becoming only the fifth player in NHL history to do so. However, he wasn’t the only player to post one last week, as Frank Vatrano and Boone Jenner also pulled it off. For those unaware, a hat trick is when a player scores three goals in a game

Obviously, hat tricks cannot be predicted. Even so, it is clear that all three players are off to the races already this season. In my case, Jenner’s was particularly memorable, as I added him from free agency last Thursday. Matthews was the fifth overall player taken in our league’s draft, and he has already returned value.

In the case of Vatrano, he would have had tremendous value, except he was on the wire in my league when he turned his trick.

Without doubt, the point of all this is that there is value to be had all over the place in fantasy hockey. First rounders have it and players on the wire have it. Managers just need to keep an eye out and pounce when the opportunity presents itself.

Connor Bedard is the Real Deal

Most likely there never were, but if any questions lingered regarding Connor Bedard, they can be put to bed. Right out of the gate, Bedard is producing like few players before him. In his first three games, he scored a point in each, becoming the 10th overall pick and the 10th Blackhawk to accomplish the feat.

He has a goal, two assists and a +1 rating thus far, scoring 2.0, 3.2 and 2.0 fantasy points along the way. Bedard was a top ten selection in most fantasy drafts and, obviously, worth every penny.

Many a manager will want to pry him away from the fortunate soul who drafted him. Bottom line on this fantasy hockey first week edition: resist any and all overtures for Bedard and enjoy his performance the entire season on your fantasy roster.

Trouble Ahead?

Clearly, it goes without saying that a single week isn’t enough time to make any kind of sound judgment on a player. Having said that, there are a few cautions flashing that managers need to monitor.

First for review is Pierre-Luc Dubois of the Kings. Through two games, he has no goals, no assists, a -2 +- and just over a half a fantasy point. Obviously, that’s not what managers expected from someone with a 96.7 roster percentage.

Secondly is Dylan Cozens of Buffalo. Also through two games, he has no goals, no assists, a dismal -4 +- and a hair below a fantasy point.

Without doubt, many other players over 90 percent rostered could be mentioned. The recommended course of action on this fantasy hockey first week edition is stay calm, but keep both eyes on them.

If the slide continues, you will be prepared to make a decision, one way or another.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy hockey first week review edition! Again, as stated at the top, I always welcome suggestions, comments and input from my readers. Let’s discuss!

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