Weekly Roundup – Henrique Hits his Stride

This is the fourth edition of weekly roundup. In this article we take a look at the last seven days of hockey in the NHL. The article will focus on players who might not be a franchise star, but have been lighting the lamp. We also look at the stars of the game who aren’t getting on the score sheet for their team.

Worth a look

Adam Henrique – Owned in 54% of Yahoo leagues

Henrique has been a consistent offensive force for the Devils this season. He had five points in four games last week, putting him at 19 points in 23 games on the year so far. He is leading the Devils in goals with 11 and is second on the team for points trailing only Mike Cammalleri. It is surprising that Henrique, who has put up over 40 points in his last two NHL seasons, is owned in just over half of Yahoo leagues. He is playing on the first line in between Cammalleri and Lee Stempniak who is also having a solid year with 18 points. Henrique also plays on the first power play unit. Henrique is a skilled goal scorer whose current record for goals in a season sits at 25. He is currently on pace to score 39 goals and 67 points. He may not keep up this pace, but Henrique is definitely a talented player who is looking at a career year.

Alex Galchenyuk – Owned in 72% of Yahoo leagues

Galchenyuk has six points in his last four games (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)
Galchenyuk has six points in his last four games (Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports)

The Canadiens are on a roll this season. Even with their star goalie Carey Price injured, the Habs continue to win. Galchenyuk is a big reason why they are doing so well lately. He had six points in four games last week and is now at 18 on the year. Now in his fourth year in the NHL, Galchenyuk’s stats have consistently gone up from year to year. Expect that trend to continue as he is currently on pace for 57 points. Galchenyuk has clearly found his confidence and is happy where his game is at, according to a recent article in the Montreal Gazette. The young forward plays on the second line and is also playing on the first power play unit alongside Max Pacioretty and Tomas Plekanec. If Galchenyuk is still available in your league, pick him up immediately. The young star has huge upside.

Joel Ward – Owned in 27% of Yahoo leagues

Ward is currently on a four game point streak, scoring five points over that span. He has 19 points in 23 games this year for the Sharks. Ward is playing on the second line and second power play unit. The 34 year old will likely be unable to continue at his nearly point per game pace, however he should definitely be able to top last years point total of 34. Ward is a solid option in depth leagues and is even worth considering in weekly pool formats. He has continued to produce through the first quarter of this season and with his current point streak, is showing no signs of slowing down.

Poor Performances

T.J. Oshie

Oshie has only scored one goal in his last eight games. He also has two assists over that span, putting him at a disappointing 12 points in 22 games this year. The star forward who was acquired in the offseason by Washington from St. Louis, has struggled with his new team and is only on pace for 44 points. His production may not look like it did with St. Louis; however playing with one of the greatest players in the game in Alex Ovechkin surely adds value to his stock. Oshie should get out of this funk; he may be a good buy low option in pools where owners are frustrated with his current production.

Shea Weber

Weber has been quiet for the Predators this year (Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports)
Weber has been quiet for the Predators this year (Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports)

The hard-hitting defenceman has no points in his last six games and is a minus seven over that span. Weber who only has 10 points on the year also has added value for his penalty minutes, but only has 6 so far this season. He is still getting hits and currently has 52 on the year, but is only on pace for 35 points. The Predators haven’t played great hockey in the month of November, losing five of their last six games. With four games this week, look for Weber and his teammates to turn around their game.

Chris Kreider

The gritty Rangers forward who is known for his hardnosed style of play, has been struggling this year with only one goal in his last seven games. That puts him at 11 points on the year. Kreider is currently on pace for 35 points, which is less than his total of 46 from a year ago. While he may not be putting up numbers in the goals and assists categories, Kreider still holds value with 25 penalty minutes and a plus seven rating this year. His numbers might dip this year from last, however don’t worry just yet as he is still producing in other categories.

Tune in next week to see who’s hot and who’s not in the weekly roundup.