PP Measurement: Big Points, Bigger Units

As a new year is upon us, we will all make some sort of resolutions. Some will follow through, most will fail (likely by the end of the month). From a fantasy standpoint, I’m making a resolution to clean up the depth pieces on my squad. Where can we find some fantasy gems at this point in the season? When I don’t know where to start, I resort to taking a good look at the best PPs (PowerPlays) and see what all the fuss is about. And if you’re lucky maybe even you can get a piece of these efficient PP units. All roster rates are from Yahoo.

The Cream of the PP Crop

·       Edmonton – 33.3 PP%

Wow. This PP is absolutely humming. For reference, this would rank as the best PP unit in terms of efficiency (2^nd is the 22/23 Oilers at 32.4 %). There is no chance of getting a member of the 1^st unit (McDaddy/Uncle Leo/Hyman/RNH/BouchBomb). The 2^nd unit does offer some intriguing players though. The guy I’d look at in deeper leagues is Jack Roslovic (16% rostered). He recently returned from an 11-game injury absence. He has played 5 games since, scoring 2 goals. If there should be an injury to one of the 4 forwards on PP1, I would imagine it’s Roslovic who would get the first look in that spot.

·       Pittsburgh – 30.1 PP%

Now we have a 1^st unit where a current member is widely available. I would say Anthony Mantha (also 16% rostered!) is worth a look in most leagues while he is this hot (6 points in his last 4 games). Another recommendation is Mantha’s linemate at even strength and a guy on PP2. Justin Brazeau (14% rostered - shoutout New Liskeard Cubs alumni) has had a good year, notching 20 points in 25 games. Tommy Novak has done well centering this pair of wingers, but I will remind everyone it was Evgeni Malkin who was the pivot of line 2 when the Pens are at full health.

·       Dallas – 29.8 PP%

Much like Edmonton, there is little hope of getting a member of the 1^st unit (Johnston/Robertson/Hintz/Rantanen/Heiskanen). The 2^nd unit has one name that jumps out at me: Jamie Benn (16% rostered). Benn has been effective since returning from a collapsed lung on Nov. 18. He has 14 points in 22 games, averaging 13 minutes of ice time. His best years are behind him, but he is a decent depth forward for 12+ teamers. Not to mention he has bangers appeal – 34 hits thus far.

Up & Coming PPs

Let’s take a quick look at a few PPs on the rise

·       Boston – 24.8 PP%

Options that are available from PP1 include Pavel Zacha & Elias Lindholm (both 30% rostered). While their point totals aren’t overwhelming (26 & 25 points respectively) they enjoy prime deployment alongside the Bruins’ best scorers (Pasta & Geekie). I view them as somewhat boring but reliable options who are decent pieces for the bottom of your roster

·       Seattle – 20.5 PP%

While the Kraken have struggled to score goals as a whole (2.61 G/game – 29^th in the league) their PP has been doing its part, ranking 12^th. Outside of Vince Dunn (72% rostered), the forwards are all quite available. The 2 guys I would be looking at are Jordan Eberle (31%) & Jared McCann (27%). Eberle has had a nice year with 26 points and is riding a 5 game point streak. Jerry McCann just returned from injury 3 games ago and has potted 2 goals since. Pick Jerry up while you still can because I envision his ownership rate climbing over the next few weeks as he gets re-acclimated to L1/PP1 duties. I will remind you he has had 62 and 61 points the last 2 years – won’t blow the doors off but certainly the potential to be useful.

Well don’t just stare at these PPs – get to the wire and see if you can get in on the action. Enjoy the playoff round of the WJC. Quick shoutout to the best PPs from the round robin – Canada (53.5%) & Sweden (50%).