Fantasy Hockey: Week 2 Preview and Waiver Pickups

What’s going hockey nerds, it’s your boy vizioN back again with another post. DJ Khaled was screaming another one in the background while I was writing this so I hope you’ve missed me just like those who missed out on Connor and Bjorkstrand. For today, we’ll be taking a look at some waiver pickups that can help push your team over the line this week.

Six teams play two times this week. Those are ARI, LAK, MTL, SJS, VGK, and WPG. More than half the league play four games but I’m not going to list them all out. My fingers are as sore as Naruto’s back, so click on this to see this week’s full schedule. Just so you know, 4 > 2, just like how 46 > 45 for those who have trouble with arithmetic. So make sure to avoid those six teams to maximize this week’s schedule.

Keep in mind that although Carolina have 4 games this week, they won’t be playing until this Tuesday and may continue to see their games postponed with Jesper Fast landing on COVID-19 protocol yesterday per Chris Johnson.

Week 2 Waiver Pickups

1. Drake Batheson - W (14%).

Batheson is a multi-category gem waiting to be discovered. Batherson is only 14% rostered and is averaging 3.60 shots and 2.60 hits per game. The winger has 3 points in 5 games and is on line one and PP1 and is playing against VAN three times this week. With the Canucks’ D is looking a lot like Conor McGregor’s leg, Batheson is in a prime position to feast.

2. Joe Pavelski - C/W (42%)

Old man Joe had a big game the other day, carrying the young ones to victory the other day. DAL plays DET twice this week. Enough said. Other options includes first liners, Roope Hintz (23%) and Gurianov (23%).

3. Dylan Strome - C/W (41%)

Strome has 4 points in 5 games. He has been shifting between line 1 and 2, but the one constant is that he’s on PP1. If you need someone who can cover faceoff wins with scoring potential, take a look at Strome. He’s averaging 8 FW per game. Not to mention, three of CHI’s game are on off nights.

4. Tyler Motte - W (7%)

Motte has 4 games this week, 3 against OTT and 1 against WPG. If you need to stream hits this week, Motte is your guy. He’s averaging 4.1 hits and 2 shots per game. Cal Clutterbuck (1%) is another great option, playing 4 times this week. The winger is averaging 4.25 hits and 1.25 shots per game, respectively.

5. Carter Verhaeghe - C/W (3%)

Verhaeghe is currently getting top line minutes with Barkov and has 3 points in 2 games to show for. The winger put up 2 goals on 4 shots in one of those games against CHI. FLA will be playing their first two against a Dubois less CBJ, followed by 2 more against DET.

6. Mikael Granlund - W (8%)

Granlund had a lacklustre season debut but ended the game with 4 shots on goal. With two games against CHI, who is ranked 30th for goals against per game, Granlund may be a good pickup for those in a deeper league. The winger is on the second line and PP2.

7. Adam Larsson - D (14%)

If you need blocks, say no more. Larsson is your guy. EDM plays one game against WPG and two against TOR. WPG and TOR are ranked 11th and 10th, respectively, for shots for per game. Their last game come against OTT, and with both teams having sloppy defense, it might be a block shot feast. Larsson has been averaging 3.67 blocks and 3.17 hits per game.

8. Nikita Zaitsev - D (11%)

If you’re looking for someone who can cover peripherals while adding a little score touch, Zaitsev is another good add. The defenseman has 5 points in 5 games, with points in 4 of those games. Zaitsev is averaging 1.60 hits and 1.89 blocks per game while logging key minutes for OTT.

9. Kaapo Kähkönen - G (11%)

Can Talbot was still being evaluated at the time of thing writing, per Dane Mitzitani. Kaapo Kähkönen (2-0-0/1.20/.951%) might be a sneaky pickup for those looking to win their goalie categories. MIN play LAK twice week, who are ranked 20th with 2.8 goals per game. The real key here is MIN’s defense. The Wild are tied for third for goals against per game at 2. If Talbot is out, Kähkönen would be a great short term add.

10. Chris Driedger - G (15%)

If Sunday comes down to the wire and a goalie win is what you need, FLA is playing a back-to-back against DET on the weekend and Driedger is bound to start one of those games. Driedger played great against CHI in his only game of the season, putting up 2.00 GAA and a .933 save percentage. The goalie went 7-2-1 with a 2.05 GAA and .938 save percentage last season. A lot of people have been sleeping on Driedger so keep your eyes peeled for him.

If you guys want to see something like this every week, let me know! These are some of the guys I plan on grabbing for this week.

p.s. can you guys please check out tony deangelo’s twitter account. i promise it’ll make your day :>)