Week 5 NHL Start 'Em / Sit 'Em: Bench Patrick Kane?
As Week 5 gets underway on Monday night, there are players to avoid, and players who are must-starts in your lineup. Taking into account the number of games and matchups, we will get you all the information you need to decide who to start and sit in your lineups. As always make sure you subscribe to get access to the Fantasy Assistant.
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Start 'Em
G Mikko Koskinen, Edmonton Oilers
Mikko Koskinen is off to one of the hottest starts in the NHL, while also playing on one of the hottest teams in the NHL. The Edmonton Oilers are currently 9-1-0 and Koskinen is 7-0-0 in his seven starts. With the Oilers staring down a four-game week with a back-to-back, look for Koskinen to start three games. In the four games, the Oilers face Detroit, Buffalo, Boston, and St. Louis. With Boston being the second leg of the back-to-back, Koskinen will most likely avoid the best offense he will face. Meanwhile, Detroit and Buffalo have two of the worst offenses in the league. Koskinen will have a chance to pick up a minimum of two wins this week, while also keeping his goals-against average down.
Sit 'Em
G Vitek Vanecek, Washington Capitals
Vitek Vanecek has not gotten off to a great start this year, going 2-5 in his first seven starts. Vanecek will probably see one or two games this week as the Capitals play four games, including one with a back-to-back. Although he will see game action, I would keep him on your bench unless you have no other option as he has a 3.15 GAA in his last three games. Vanecek just has not been convincing enough to warrant a start in your lineup this week.
Start 'Em
F Troy Terry, Anaheim Ducks
A forward who has burst on the scene this week is Troy Terry. Terry currently has five goals and two assists in his last five games. Taking the right-wing slot on the Ducks’ top line has given Terry a fresh look this year; playing alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Adam Henrique has been great for the young star. Terry has also made his way up onto the Ducks’ first powerplay unit. This will set him up for great success. With three games next week, two against Vancouver and one against Seattle, Terry should be set up for another great week.
Sit 'Em
F Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Although Patrick Kane has started the season on fire, the Blackhawks themselves have not. Kane will not have a great chance to put up any stats this week as the Blackhawks only play two games, including one against the Penguins. Although it may be shocking to hear me say to sit one of the best players in the NHL, he just does not have the opportunity to get enough points to warrant a start, especially in a weekly league.
Start 'Em
D Bowen Byram, Colorado Avalanche
Bowen Byram is another member of a very young Colorado blueline. Byram has been great to start the year. He has found his way onto the first powerplay unit which has given him more scoring opportunities. Do not let the fact he only plays two games this week scare you off. The Avalanche have been one of the highest-scoring teams all year, and as an offensive defenseman, he will have the opportunity to rack up the fantasy points.
Not sure who to start this week? Use our fantasy hockey Start / Sit Tool!
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