Now is the time to get excited if you own Blues players. Sure, the top guys have been plenty good, but after their seven game battle with the Coyotes, the Blues played their next 11 games against the California trio. It took a dramatic finish on Thursday, but they started off on the right foot. With the goalie pulled, the Blues tied the game before winning it in overtime on a David Perron goal. Perron scored a goal and added two assists with four shots in the victory. That brings him over a point per game on the season with a quality plus-minus, solid shot rate, and good PIM. He’s a true stud across the board that tends to get a bit overlooked. The top players on the Blues could be in line for a big month with Perron leading the way. I can’t rule out a top 50 season when we reach the end of this truncated year. Let’s take a look at what else happened on Thursday night:
Vitek Vanecek – 22 saves on 23 shots in the 3-1 win over the Sabres. The Sabres hit multiple posts in this game, but it was easy enough for Vanecek overall. I wrote in yesterday’s post that he should be streamed so hopefully you had Vanecek in your lineup. This says more about the Sabres than Vanecek; he’s still a desperation play.
David Krejci – Left the game with an LBI and did not return. There was no update after the game, but he was ruled out pretty quickly which is never a good sign. If he misses time, Charlie Coyle would be the biggest beneficiary.
Kyle Palmieri – Two goals with two PIM. That’s three points in two games for Palmieri since the Devils started playing again. He had a slow start, but generally, I’m a believer. He’s on the fringe but I lean towards holding.
Kevin Hayes – Two assists with two PIM and two shots. Revenge game for Hayes who been outstanding this season. Easy hold in all formats.
Tristan Jarry – 31 saves on 32 shots in the 4-1 win over the Islanders. Nice for Jarry to put two quality starts in a row together. If you own him, I would still hold, but keep expectations in check.
Evgeni Malkin – Two assists with four shots and ten PIM. Bryan Rust moved back on this line and he had a goal and an assist with four shots, as did Jason Zucker. Could this be what finally gets Pittsburgh’s second line going? Here’s to hoping because Malkin and Zucker have been incredibly disappointing.
Tim Stutzle – Goal and an assist with four shots. I wouldn’t hold Stutzle, but he’s clearly an elite streamer. If he starts to get more ice time, maybe that changes.
Auston Matthews – Two goals and two assists with four shots. Mitch Marner had a goal and three assists with three shots while Joe Thornton had a goal and two assists. I’m still bearish on Thornton and wouldn’t be holding him. It looks like the other two could easily finish as top 10 players.
Morgan Rielly – Two assists with two shots. Despite Toronto’s dominating offensive season, Rielly has been a bit disappointing. He’s under two shots per game and was actually a minus player before tonight. The assists are excellent, but that’s about it so far.
William Nylander – Goal and an assist with two shots. Nylander was pointless in his previous six games and is closer to a bottom end hold than I anticipated he would be this season.
Alex Kerfoot – Two assists with three shots. He’s been good in his role, but Kerfoot is stuck as a bottom end streamer barring an injury to Matthews or Tavares.
Elvis Merzlikins – 32 save shutout in the 3-0 win over the Predators. Elvis has been decent so far, but his missed time due to injury has limited his action. I do think he’s a better goalie than Korpisalo, but I’d be surprised if they aren’t close to an even split. That puts Elvis on the fringe.
Mike Hoffman – Goal and an assist with five shots. Hoffman has moved onto the second line which pushed his minutes up a bit. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes on a big run with this schedule boost incoming.
Kaapo Kahkonen – 16 saves on 17 shots in the 3-1 win over the Ducks. Easy night for Kahkonen who is the clear workhorse while Talbot is out. I’d hold him for the time being. Welcome to the Razzball Database!
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!
