Prince Igor Shesterkin had one of the easiest games of his life on Thursday, recording a 16 save shutout in the 4-0 win over the Devils. The debate I have is where he should be ranked in dynasties. Vasilevskiy is clearly #1 still, but could be Igor be #2 overall? With Hart having a brutal season, there aren’t many other candidates. Hellebuyck definitely deserves discussion, but it appears that Shesterkin has played his way into being a top 3 dynasty goalie. The Rangers are coming on strong right now, and it should only get better going forward as their young players develop. Amazingly, the Rangers could have another incredible run in net after King Henrik dominated for almost 15 years. Let’s take a look at what else happened on Thursday night:
Anders Bjork – Goal and an assist with two shots. That’s three points in two games for Bjork since moving to Buffalo. I really like his first step and maybe there’s more long term offense here than I originally thought. Hagelin seems like a decent comparable.
Dylan Cozens – Two assists with four shots. It’s easy to miss because of how bad the Sabres have been, but Cozens has quietly had a very good rookie season. I know his totals don’t reflect that, but the Sabres are far better with him on the ice in terms of expected goals than most of the rest of their team. Long term, I see a very good player here.
Tuukka Rask – 22 saves on 23 shots in the 4-1 win over the Islanders. Can’t ask for more in Rask’s return to the ice. Look for Boston to go on a run with the season coming to a close.
Brad Marchand – Two goals on three shots. It’s ridiculous how good Marchand has become in fantasy. He crushes every single category better than anyone else.
David Pastrnak – Two assists with three shots. It’s shocking that Pasta doesn’t have a goal in seven games, but he’s still managed to stay at a point per game on the season.
Petr Mrazek – 19 saves on 20 shots in the 4-1 win over the Predators. Doesn’t get much easier than that for Mrazek. It’s a shame he missed so much time because he’s been incredible when on the ice this season.
Vincent Trocheck – Goal and an assist with two shots. Bounce back season, complete.
Andrei Svechnikov – Goal and an assist with four shots. As far as disappointments go, Svechnikov is near the top of my list. I really thought we were going to see a massive breakout this season, but it hasn’t happened. He’s still only 21 so it doesn’t drastically change my expectations going forward, but it’s worth noting that I have been a little bit too high on him.
Artemi Panarin – Two goals and an assist with three shots. On a point per game basis, Panarin is right near the top of the league. Props to Eli Man Penguin Boy for picking him in the Three Point Challenge, his second correct pick!
Colin Blackwell – Three assists with a shot. I can’t believe I’m actually typing this, but Blackwell is an elite streamer now. His line with Panarin and Ryan Strome (2A, SOG) is on absolute fire.
Carter Hart – 31 saves on 32 shots in the 2-1 SO win over the Penguins. Goalies are complete voodoo so part of me expects Hart to win the Hart next season. I really don’t know what to make of his disastrous season, but I know there’s still an elite goalie there.
Tristan Jarry – 26 saves on 27 shots getting the tough loss. Jarry’s been up and down but his overall numbers put him firmly in the #2 goalie category.
Markus Nutivaara – Two assists with four shots. And there’s your annual Nutivaara update!
Alex Killorn – Goal and an assist with three shots and two PIM. Killorn had went pointless in the previous nine games. He went from being a hold to back to being a middling streamer, or slightly better.
Mark Scheifele – Goal and two assists with three shots. With Matthews out, the Leafs had no answers for the best players on the Jets. Kyle Connor had two goals and an assist with three shots and two PIM, and Nikolaj Ehlers scored twice on four shots. This is the best the Jets have looked since their conference finals run.
Neal Pionk – Two assists with two shots. Props to the Jets for seeing something more from Pionk than he showed in New York. Now, I’d take him over Trouba, let alone getting that first round pick. He’s an easy hold in all formats.
John Tavares – Goal and an assist with five shots and two PIM. His minutes have been a bit down this year, but as long as Matthews is out, that’ should change.
Thomas Greiss – 24 saves on 25 shots in the 4-1 win over the Blackhawks. Greiss was very good in New York, but awful in Detroit. The situation means everything for a goalie.
Marc Staal – Two assists with a shot. Staal was quite a player in real life a while ago, but he was never a fantasy guy, and he certainly isn’t now.
Troy Stecher – Two goals. Stetcher had a couple okay seasons with the Canucks, but he never developed past what he was when he entered the league.
Jake Oettinger – 17 saves on 18 shots in the 4-1 win over the Blue Jackets. With Ben Bishop ruled out for the season, Oettinger should get a fair amount of games down the stretch with how compressed the Stars schedule is. They have Detroit four times next week making him a solid streamer.
Denis Gurianov – Two goals and an assist with four shots. Gurianov has had a really tough season. He’s a middling streamer for now, but I do like him plenty long term still.
That’s all for now guys. I’ll be back on Monday recapping the action from the weekend. As always, feel free to ask any questions, leave any comments, or give any suggestions below. Thanks for reading, take care!
