Power Plays that Slap & Penalty Kills that Trap: NHL Special Teams Efficiency Ranks

Welcome to the Sedated Sleeper Picks Special Teams ward. Here, we monitor the performance of 2 of your NHL team’s most vital organs: their Power play and Penalty Kill. We’ve done a chart review, spiked the coffee IV, and scrubbed in to dissect every squad’s special teams performance as of November 9^th (inclusive).

Some squads are humming along like a politician spending taxpayer dollars. Others are in critical condition, clinging to life support. 5 weeks into the season and let’s say we have some “unexpected” teams occupying some of the top spots of these special teams’ efficiency rankings. Let’s take a closer look at several teams to see if there is any potential fantasy spin for you, the valued reader.

The 110+ Club: Cream(pie) of the Crop

· Pittsburgh Penguins (120%): The Pens finished with the 3^rd PP in the league last year (24.7%) while their PK was unspectacular. Sid, Geno, & EK65 aren’t ready to hang ‘em up just yet – the PP is sizzling at 35.7%. Pair that with a top 10 PK (84.3%) and you get special teams royalty – the Pens are the only team to have 120% combined PK + PP efficiencies.

Potential fantasy advice: Most of the top unit is owned, but as of this writing Ben Kindel (8% rostered on Yahoo) is occupying the LW spot on PP1. He has 7 points in 15 games, averaging about 15 minutes a night. I’m sure you could do worse on the wire in deeper leagues (14 team+). Justin Brazeau (24% rostered) is on IR for several more weeks but he could be a sneaky stash as he looked great alongside Malkin at 5 on 5.

· Edmonton Oilers (115.1%): Expectedly, the Oilers sit in the second spot on these rankings. However, they have had some questionable defense and goaltending thus far, leaving them with a middling 6-6-4 record despite their great special teams’ performance.

Potential fantasy advice: I feel as though Jack Roslovic has been scooped in a lot of leagues the last week (still only 20% owned), but beware of Hyman’s imminent return and potential change in deployment.

The 105+ Crew: Vital Signs Stable

· Chicago Blackhawks (109.4): Really getting into the surprises here, the Blackhawks have had an unexpectedly strong start to the year. Maybe this rebuild is starting to turn a corner. Powered by Conor Bedard (25 points - 2^nd in the league) and Spencer Knight (1^st in the league in goals saved above expected – 13.3) the Blackhawks are definitely showing some strong signs of life.

Potential Fantasy advice: This PP1 also offers the most plentiful waiver wire options. Other than Bedard, all other members (Burakovsky [20%], Bertuzzi [37%], Teravainen [17%], & Levshunov [8%]) are quite available. Single and ready to mingle for you waiver wire hunters.

·Philadelphia Flyers (107.8): Another unforeseen top 10 special teams squad, the Flyers have looked more competitive under new head coach Rick Tocchet, boasting an 8-5-2 record. Their strong ranking is propelled by their 4^th ranked PK (88.2%), while their PP is in the mushy middle. Sure sounds like a Tocc team.

Potential fantasy advice: Matvei Michkov (62% rostered) has had a bit of a slow start to the year, with only 8 points and seeing under 15 minutes of ice/night (14:48). Perhaps his owner is growing tired of the low production and usage? Try to get a trade completed before the young Russian inevitably puts his foot on the gas and racks up enough points to choke a horse.

The Sub 90 Society: Clinging to Life Support

· Vancouver Canucks (86.1): Sitting at 8-8-1 and it feels like they are fortunate to be around .500 with the 2^nd lowest ranking on this list. Despite so much talent, these guys can’t seem to really figure out the PP (18.2% - 18^th in the league). Their penalty kill might as well take an ayahuasca retreat and get to the bottom of their woes – 67.9% (31^st).

o   Potential buy low opportunity: Quinn Hughes has had a by his standards “slow start”, with 10 points thus far. He missed 4 games but has 3 points in 4 games since returning, with more than 26 minutes TOI/game. He could be turning a corner. Get some offers in before it's too late.

· Columbus Blue Jackets (85.4): The PP/PK basement dwellers, the Jackets are likewise fortunate to be .500 (7-7). Other than Kiril the Thrill (Marchenko – 16 pts) and Voronkov the Volkswagen (13 pts), the other offensive forwards (looking at you Kent Johnson, Adam Fantilli) have not been pulling their weight. Hopefully these young guns can turn their slow starts around. No fantasy recommendation at this time

The traditional school of thought is if the sum of your PP + PK is greater than 100 you are a likely a “playoff bound” team. While special teams percentages don’t correlate to points in the standings, the teams who are most proficient up or down a man tend to “make the most” of their opportunities. The old sports adage “those who win special teams will win the game” does not always hold true. Those who excel on special teams do present fantasy opportunity. Keep an eye on which units are hot and see if there are any waiver wire or buy-low opportunities. Use the chart at your own peril.

Doc out. Stay sleepy zzz