…to this day, and from a much “simpler day,” this clip still brings a tear to my eye. Back then, this was a big deal even for a 10-year old like me.
And it sort of reminds me of what’s ahead for so many of us as the fantasy hockey season, quicker than might be expected, winds its way down the stretch.
MacGyver 2.0
I don’t know how he does it, but yet, I think I know why he does it as I stand here in front of this computer hammering out these words.
Like every season, it can be a bit of a challenge to take a step back and reflect. For me, and like so many things in life, this can be both good and bad. As the seasons change, and we too? I think it’s sometimes nice to appreciate what we’ve collectively gained from our community of like-minded souls.
During the winters of our (dis)-contents, I’ve noticed that I’ve come to appreciate the notion that I’ve got some good company along for the ride.
Somewhere up north of me, a man took the time to put together a spreadsheet to illustrate which NHL teams have the best schedules in an attempt to help us all maximize our playoff schedules so that we might increase our chances of fantasy hockey playoff success.
When did he do this? Why would he do this?
There often seems that there’s a lot of debris strewn along the highways of our daily travels. And yet, every so often, and I’d argue probably more often than perhaps we’re willing to recognize and appreciate, it’s helpful for me at least, to take notice of the folks tidying up the medians.
There may not be more to this than meets the eye, but I for one, appreciates when someone takes what they’re good at and offers it up for the benefit of others. The people connected with this endeavor do just that.
And for that I say, thank you.
Old (not hot) Guy Check In
…So wait. Justin Beiber and Tate McRae are Canadian? Oh, o.k. Now I get it. Hey, you guys wanna play Pac Man? File this under Chapter 1 of The Game Has So Passed You By Professor.
-23
Readers of these articles have come to realize that of all the NHL teams, the New Jersey Devils are the team where my hat rests. Like it is for so many denizens of the Garden State, you sometimes wish that you’d been born under a different star. And yet you also realize that you’d have it no other way.
There’s an intensity to living here that’s difficult to explain to those who live elsewhere. You see and experience it daily and it’s no different when it comes to our sports fandom.
And so it is with the team that plays its games at The Rock.
For the past three seasons, I’ve rostered a few Devils on my fantasy squads, but none more so than Timo Meier. Prior to his trade to NJ, he was a gem for fantasy owners. This year, I went all in on the Devils rostering, not only Timo, but some combination of Dougie Hamiltion, Tyler Toffoli, Nico Hischier, and Jack Hughes across my three teams.
The results have been rather disappointing (that’s Jersey for sarcasm).
Most fantasy managers, from what I can gather, dislike the Plus/Minus (+/-) scoring category. Having come into fantasy in 2007, it’s what I grew up on, therefore I’m used to it and even, if I may be so bold, like it.
Here’s why:
Timo Meier.
Look, I know he’s been a “minus machine” from way back. When he played for the San Jose, his plus/minus deficiencies could be absolved with 5 goal games against the Kings. Remember that? Because I do:
MLK Day in 2022…but I digress. Back to the whole plus/minus thing.
Timo’s plus/minus rating for this season with the Devils is a minus 23. Are you kidding me Timo!
This tells me something, and forgive me my Vulcan friends, while I go full on Kirk mode here….Either he plays no defense, does little but “cherry pick” on offense, or is not engaged/interested. Whatever the case, this is troubling to say the least. Say what you will about the coaching and or the injuries which have beset this team, but I’m sorry; I can’t defend this as a fantasy manager.
C’mon man. You play in a huge media market for a team that’s been, at least historically, well-run and has won three Stanley Cups in the “modern era,” they’ve backed up the Brinks truck for you, you’re surrounded by elite players, play in an awesome arena, and are supported by rabid fans. But I gotta be honest here: those same fans (I’m looking at you) are not fans of the half-hearted effort. And it’s kind of looking that way so far. So please. Figure…it…out. Like now.
…Deep breaths Professor…
While plus minus certainly has its detractors, I use it as an indicator, especially when it’s as out of whack as in the case of Meier, as a factor when it comes to player evaluation.
Sneaky Good (so far)…but first, a musical interlude.
Recognizing that tastes in music are inherently personal, and that it’s always a risk in making a recommendation, nevertheless, it’d be really cool if you’d plug-in to this classic (and turn it up) while you perused the rest of this piece. It has the additional hook, especially for yours truly, in that it features a (The)Rock and Roll Hall of Famer from these parts. Plus, I know they’re gonna love it…and yes Blake, that’s Michael McDonald singing the background harmonies.
Depending on your league settings and your wants and needs, here are some just go checks for a possible trade/add or two:
Nick Suzuki
Joel Erikkson Ek
Vincent Trocheck
Eeli Tolvanen
Mathew Barzal
Sergei Bobrovsky
Martin Necas
Matt Roy
Petr Mrzak
Down the Stretch
If your team(s) are in the mix:
1. As mentioned in Ep. 258 – 8 NEW Buy Lows and Sell Highs PLUS a Playoff Schedule Primer with Nate Groot Nibbelink, focus on making your league’s playoffs.
2. If you’re somewhat comfortably in the playoffs, focus next on vying for a first round bye.
3. Use Nate’s Playoff Fantasy Playoff Schedule Spreadsheet to help you maximize your playoff schedules down the stretch.
…but Professor, what do you do if you’re out of the running?
Here’s what I’m doing:
I have three teams this year. Two of them are currently in first place and there’s a good chance that those teams will get a first round bye in the playoffs.
My third team is comfortably at the bottom of its respective league. How and why?
First of all, it’s the most competitive league of the three and, quite frankly, it’s been a struggle. I’m not going to lie.
I’ve tried my best, but this team has been beset by a host of key injuries which doesn’t help. Not an excuse, but in a very competitive and deep league, any team shortcomings are exacerbated by injuries. But, and this is a big but, I refuse to throw in the towel.
I want the other managers to know that when they play me, I’m going to give it my best shot. In doing so, I’ve found success with the little things.
For example, my team is one of only two teams in this league to have defeated the first place team. That’s a win in my book. While that and fifty-cents may get me a cup of coffee, it also gives me the feedback I need as validation for some of the moves and strategies I’ve employed.
All this is to say that I’d highly recommend you not being that manager who throws in the towel if things don’t go according to plan. In fantasy, that’s often the case.
It’s how you handle it down the backstretch that makes the difference.
Hope this helps and, as always, thank you very much for reading.
Mike@TheFantasyHockeyProfessor
Apples and Ginos 