Friday Sundae Split: Week 9

What’s poppin’, Razzpimples?

If you’re new to this column or have no idea what the Friday/Sunday split is, it’s a simple yet effective way to maximize your weekly output no matter the format of your league. Typically — and it’s not always the case — heavy game loads are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, whereas Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays are lighter. Streaming players on those lighter days is almost a necessity to ensure you’re getting the most of each week, but this column focuses on just Fridays and Sundays. Reason being is that you get more bang for your waiver add buck in picking up a guy who will play those two days and will almost always be able to slot into your starting lineup without having to sacrifice someone else to the bench.

Let’s do it to it.

Note: All Rostered% numbers and position eligibilities via Fantrax. All line deployment projections via Left Wing Lock.

Four teams on the Friday/Sunday ticket this week: the Jackets, the Oilers, the Panthers, and the Wild.

Columbus Blue Jackets (FRI vSTL|| SUN vFLA)

Kirill Marchenko whiffed last week but then went ahead and scored a powerplay goal on Tuesday. Think he warrants another weekend stream against the Blues and Panthers. The former are middle of the pack as a far as goals against are concerned (16th in the league), but Florida is a more daunting task (4th in the NHL). However, that PPG on Tuesday came against the 1st-ranked Kings, so maybe he’ll rise to the challenge once again!

Erik Gudbranson was kept out of Tuesday’s game with an illness, but since he was a game-time decision, I’d wager he’ll get back into action this weekend. Stream for H+BLK.

Edmonton Oilers (FRI vMIN|| SUN vNJ)

Mattias Ekholm is a decent enough stream if you’ve got an open D slot to plug someone into. He’s got a point in five of his last eight with a pretty solid SOG rate in that span — averaging just under three per game since Nov. 15, which ain’t shabby at all from the blueline. He’s even got more SOG than both Draisaitl and McJesus over the last 14 days.

Ryan McLeod is your deep-cut stream for extra peripherals, especially FOW.

Cody Ceci is always a good bet for BLK given his high usage on the PK.

Florida Panthers (FRI vPIT|| SUN @CBJ)

Sam Bennett is only 53% rostered in Fantrax leagues, which in my experience tend to have more non-standard category leagues, and that’s where Bennett really shines. So, I’m a tad confused at that number, but that just means I’m finna scoop him right now as I’m writing this, letting me get him for Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday WOOP WOOP. Over his last five, he has 2 G, 1 A, 17 PIM, 13 SOG, 2 STP, 9 H, and 29 FOW. My league counts all them goodies. Yes please.

Anton Lundell is fine stream if you need extra FOW, as he can be slotted in to the LW position.

Niko Mikkola, a former Blue whom I really liked having around, is crushing bodies and soaking up pucks lately, so he’s a great add for H+BLK. In his last five games, he’s got 15 H and 9 BLK.

If you need PIM and Jonah Gadjovich suits up (missed Saturday’s game), the dude does nothing but fight: 31 PIM in his last four games. He’s only played seven games yet has 41 PIM already, with at least 4 PIM in every game except one.

Minnesota Wild (FRI @EDM|| SUN @SEA)

Marco Rossi went a little cold but is getting hot again. Has 2 G and 3 A in his last six. The +/- is looking good with top-six minutes as well, including solid PPTOI. I swear it’s only a matter of time before Rossi develops into a stud alongside Kaprizov.

Welp, Jared Spurgeon is back in my good graces. I used to be so meh on him, then I liked him a lot, then he got meh again, but now he’s healthy and playing great hockey, with an assist in four straight (3 PPA). After six pointless games to start the year, he’s definitely cruisin’ now. Might even considering holding him now that he’s manning the top PP unit and succeeding in that role. I said earlier Ekholm was an okay D-man stream, but obvs prioritize Spurgeon if he’s there.

I really like me some Marcus Foligno is the right league. He’s a decent bet for a goal or assist, but you know he’ll get you +/-, PIM, H, and even some BLK. Category league maestro.

Jake Middleton is a delicious streaming option for both H and BLK, while Jonas Brodin is great for BLK and some extra SOG.

Frederick Gaudreau is eligible at C/RW, has 3 PTS in his last four, is seeing some PPTOI, and also has 30 FOW over his last six games. Extra FOW from the wing ftw! Also averaging about 3 SOG during this mini heater he’s on.

That’s all for this week! Thanks for reading. Leave me a comment below so I feel all warm and fuzzy.