#AND playing in mtl this week? bye

[st-louis]

somehow patrick roy coaching the islanders seems deeply, deeply cursed to me

[kikohao]

ᅠᅠᅠᅠ ⠀⠀⠀⋆˙. operation: one bed

★ ㅤㅤpairing ; agent!jeonghan x agent!reader ★ ㅤㅤsummary ; you and jeonghan were assigned a case together, you both played the roles of an engaged couple. why is it that you had to share a bed to sell the act? ★ ㅤㅤthemes ; spy au, one bed trope. fluff, mentions of seungcheol, soonyoung, and joshua ★ ㅤㅤwarnings ; cursing, kissing, slight jealousy, use of nicknames ("babe") ★ ㅤㅤword count ; 2k ★ ㅤㅤtaglist ; @nonononranghaee @abodyhasbeenfound ★ ㅤㅤa/n ; one bed trope with jeonghan has been rotting my mind for almost a week omg im really happy i was able to finish it on time! i've never really wrote a "kissing" scene before so im really sorry if its weird bye 😭 requests are always open! (texts, ot13 scenarios, drabbles, fics, mtls, etc) send an ask to be added to my taglist! likes and reblogs appreciated! <3

"Agent Kim, do you hear me?" You try to maintain a formal persona, as you talk into your built-in earphones as you make your way to the grand venue.

"Loud and clear. Make sure your earpiece is switched on at all times." A tuneless voice followed.

Upon entering the hotel, you and Jeonghan were greeted by the expansive lobby that screamed elegance and sophistication.

"They must be bloody rich," Jeonghan muttered quietly, but loud enough for me to hear. He was right though, there were multiple marble chandeliers, casting a warm, golden glow upon all the guests. 

It was extraordinarily exquisite.

"Pass the details," Jeonghan spoke into his earpiece as we moved to a certain corner of the corridors, hoping to maintain a low profile throughout the whole party. 

After a few shufflings of his notes, he responded.

"Agent Yoon, you're Jacob Choi, son of the most prestigious Grand Celestial Palace. I'm pretty sure no one would go into more detail about you, but make sure they buy the act. We can't risk anything. Agent Y/N, you're Ana Wang, Jacob's fiancee, I'll get back to both of you with more details on the individuals. For now, you both are an engaged couple, seemingly having an Alliance with Mr. Lin."

"Got it."

You and Jeonghan made your way towards the reception to mark you both in now that you've got your "personal" details. By doing so, you both were accompanied by a middle-aged man, possibly someone who worked there. He wore a black suit and bow, around 5'8?

"Keep an eye on everyone you see tonight," Agent Kim spoke from the earpiece.

"Why are you so tense?" Jeonghan muttered, "I'm not." You replied swiftly with a scoff earning nothing but a soft chuckle from him that kept on making my ears ring.

Why did your stomach suddenly start to churn? You disregarded it, possibly assuming it was hunger or thirst. Your train of thought was interrupted by a man who made his way towards us. He looked old, although, his rosy cheeks and flawless demeanor said otherwise. Guess he was the well-known, Mr. Lin.

"Oh, Mr. Choi!" He exclaimed out loud for everyone to hear, grabbing Jeonghan's hand and shaking it vigorously.

You tried extremely hard to keep in the giggles that were trying to escape your mouth as you looked at Jeonghan's reaction to the sudden interaction from the man. You forcibly had to look away because you knew you'd fuck things up the second you made eye contact with him.

"It's been so long! How're you and your fiancee? Ms. Wang ain't it?" He questioned, looking towards you. Maybe it was just you and your overthinking capabilities, but you swore something was off about how he looked at you compared to how he looked at Jeonghan, but you decided to brush it off.

"We're doing quite well, thank you." Jeonghan put out, maintaining a calm composure that very well contrasted with his normal personality.

"How's your mom doing? I'm so sorry that happened to her," continued the man. You and Jeonghan shared a quick glance at each other, one that said -- "Oh we're so fucked if we mess this up."

"Mom is doing quite well, thanks for asking. She's doing much better." You replied, noticing the intense tension that followed. Seems like staying here for too long may be risky.

"Babe, why don't we get something to eat? I'm starving." You shared teasingly, looking at Jeonghan, enjoying the flushed expression that lay on his face as you managed to throw in a pout to make it seem more genuine. You both needed to instantly get away for a while to ask Agent Kim about the next plan, and this was the only resort.

Jeonghan excused himself as walked towards one of the empty tables, hand in hand. As soon as we took our seats, Jeonghan voiced through his earpiece, "What do we do next?"

"So far, we haven't found anything. And, I'm guessing neither have the two of you. I checked with Agent Kwon regarding the party details. Seems like everyone attending is encouraged to stay the night, I'm pretty sure it's just for them to make more affiliates, either that or just to show off how rich they are. Either way, I and the crew think it would be beneficial if you did so, in order to uncover more details on Mr. Lin, it would also help in selling your facade since I'm pretty sure he's catching up with suspicions of his."

"Are you sure about that?" You spoke softly into the earpiece, observing the surrounding area, "It sounds quite risky,"

"It is, indeed, but it's your call on whether you want to."

You look at Jeonghan, he seems to have similar thoughts as you do -- he doesn't seem too fond of the idea.

"What do you 'reckon?" you ask him, simultaneously taking a sip of the non-alcoholic wine they'd provided all the attendees.

"Well, it is pretty risky. But, we'd better do as per Mr. Kim and Mr. Kwon since we'd have to put up with these titles until we get the requirements. It'd help sell the act." He finally spoke.

It was unusual. It was unusual how he seemed calm and collected amidst something like this. You'd imagined him to be some kind of reckless person like the persona he usually played so you weren't quite fond of going with him.

You nodded -- he had a point. The faster Mr. Lin believed us, possibly the quicker we could get this case over with.

And, this was it.

Jeonghan hurried towards the hotel management before it was too late to get a room while you sat at your spot, gazing at everyone who attended such a social gathering.

Guess you realized you zoned out when a young man, maybe in his 20s, sat next to you and started up a conversation like good old friends.

"No way, Ana? Is that you?" He put up a question, his face in awe.

"Oh, yes, hello." you manage to spit out, giving off a small smile as you gaze at Jeonghan, his back facing towards you as he converses with the management team.

Guess I'm fucked.

"You were never the one for these kinda parties, you always mentioned that they were too crowded. Guess you grew out of your phase?" He smiled cheekily avoiding the fact that he most possibly just insulted you, or at least the role you're currently playing.

Is this gaslighting?

A phase? How is not wanting to go out and talk with people a phase? You didn't know who Ana was nor did you ever meet her, but you most certainly didn't like someone like him straight up insulting someone.

"What is that supposed to mean?" You questioned, maintaining a small smile. The last thing you wanted was your cover to get blown.

"Oh, Nothing. How's Jacob? He be treating you well?" He continued as he took a small sip from his cocktail drink.

You nodded, glancing every now and then at your so-called "companion" who's left you to talk to some guy who supposedly knows you. It made you laugh how he thinks he's all that -- you could easily spot how the guy was wearing a worn-out suit and tie, most probably already used, and how he just seemed sketchy. 

"Keep an eye on everyone you see tonight," 

He did seem quite sketchy.

You spotted Jeonghan making his way back, guess God did hear your prayers after all. As soon as the guy spotted "Jacob" making his way towards us, he excused himself and left. Possibly to get another drink.

"Guess who managed to get us a room with my good looks," he winked at you, holding the keys high up. You couldn't help but chuckle.

Cute, you thought. Instantly regretting it when Jeonghan pointed out who flushed your face looked.

"Oh shut it, Yoon. Look, now you've ruined the mood." You shot back before he got a chance to say something sly.

His smile didn't last long though. "Oh and, who was that?" He asked, most likely mentioning the guy who'd been talking with you while he went to get the keys.

"Some guy who knows Ana. No clue, but he seemed sketchy." You replied, taking the keys from him.

A few hours passed with nothing but talking with the other participants, drinking, eating, talking again, drinking, talking...

"Huge thanks to everyone who was able to attend today. I wish all those returning back home a safe ride. Everyone who's staying for the night, you may make your way towards your rooms. Have a wonderful night!" Mr. Lin spoke out after clinking his wine glass, attaining attention from everyone present in the hall.

You followed Jeonghan as you made your way toward your room, slightly gazing in awe at all the picturesque art on the walls.

As soon as we entered our rooms, we both noticed the same exact thing.

There was only one bed.

One bed.

Anyone would expect Jeonghan to take up the sofa that was present in the room. Well, guess what? You were wrong.

There was a minute of silence before Jeonghan spoke out loud. "I'm taking the bed. You can take the bed if you want, but I'm not taking the sofa if that's what you're thinking." He smirked as he took off his shoes and placed them on the shoe rack before heading towards the bed.

Well, what did you expect?

That Jeonghan would give up the bed?

No chance and not at all surprising.

"You're such a gentleman aren't you?" You placed your shoes alongside him, making your way to the bed, not ready to give it up either. "They should've sent Joshua with me," You sighed out loud for him to hear.

"Joshua?"

"Well, anyone taking a good look at us would know that we're meant to be," You reasoned, followed by a breathy scoff from Jeonghan. You cooed at his reaction, "Aw, babe, didn't know you were the jealous type," you added, teasingly. You hated to admit it but playing Ana was fun.

"Yeah, right." 

We both had got into bed by the time it was 11. You switched the lamp that was present in your dimly lit room.

4 AM.

He stared right at me, with his dusk-brown eyes. But, it wasn't a normal stare. But a stare that held desire within. You both faced towards each other, the middle barrier made of pillows long gone.

"What?" You slurred slightly, still half-asleep, heart, leaping in your chest.

It was now that you realized that you failed to realize how ethereal he looked. His tired eyes bore into yours, as his bangs lay lazily on his face.

He leaned in slightly, reducing the gap between us. 

"Your eyes are really pretty," He muttered. It always amazed you how he didn't have much of a deep voice like other men, but still seemed dominant without it.

That was a stab to the heart. Not in a bad way though. In a way that made you want to kiss him. You wanted to hold him.

Maybe it was an exaggeration, but you swore you couldn't breathe as soon as he gently placed his lips, carefully molded into a heart, onto yours, locking it in place for a swift second before pulling away.

It lasted like a second or two, but your face looked as if you'd just run a marathon.

"Yoon, are you drunk?" you finally spoke out, not believing what just happened. You thoroughly enjoyed it, but how could he kiss you just like that?

"Yoon doesn't sit right with me, 'Babe' sounds much better."

[borathae]

MTL giving the best oral

I mean honestly you have to ask me that? 🤪🤪🤪

Most 

Yoongi 

Taehyung 

Jimin

Seokjin  

Hoseok 

Namjoon 

Jungkook

Least

Y’all I could write a 100k paper on why I think Yoongi is the king of oral sex. I mean it is basically confirmed by him aka ”my tongue technology will make you go to Hong Kong” bitch ?? fight me. okay sorry I got triggered a little, imagining how Yoongi would give you oral like fkjsjdfas bye. He’d be slobby and fast or slow and precise, changing between his techniques just like he changes flow in the middle of a rap. His tongue has the stamina of an athelete, all those difficult raps and long practices be praised. And omg he would be so vocal, moaning and growling against your pussy like a crazed man. Also not to bring up his hands again but he’d know how to use them to make your legs shake and your head spin. He sees oral sex as an entire session if not even religious experience, if you want him to eat you out for two hours he will do that because honestly it’s the hottest thing for him. Also enjoys when you ride his face and he basically chokes on your pussy, it’s the best feeling for him as much as it is for you. I’m sobbing Min Yoongi you dangerous man uff I had to stop myself from writing a 3k scenario rn seriously

Taehyung would be crazy, like seriously you’d have to tell him to slow down at some points because he is basically devouring your pussy as if he didn’t have a meal in three weeks and you are the first thing he had tasted again after such a long time. His eyes would be blown out, dark and hooded. His hair would damp and messy from all the pulling you have to do and his cock would be swollen and wet, throbbing with ever lick and suck. He particularly enjoys it when you ride his face, or smother his face to be more exact, that’s where he can really show off his skills. He is also not afraid to use his teeth, knowing exactly where and how hard he has to nibble to make you see stars. Also his fingers? They’d be knuckle deep up your pussy and if they aren’t they are working your clit whilst his tongue is fucking your hole. Also really enjoys eating ass sjsjs it’s when he starts growling and writhing like a wild animal. Probably jerks off to the memory of your taste when he is in the shower and hot water runs down his back aye. 

Jimin I put on third place because okay I think his style of eating pussy is refined. He likes it slow, he likes it to take long and he likes it to be almost rythmical. His oral sex session aren’t short or slobby, no he likes to take his time with you. He likes to see the pleasure built up on your face and he enjoys the way the taste of your arousal gets more and more the longer he eats you out. The orgasms he gives you aren’t mindnumbing or breathtaking or even unexpected. Jimin works hard to built them up slowly, they are warm and intense and don’t seem to stop for what feels like minutes. His oral sex is honestly a spiritual experience, that leaves you content and so, so fulfilled. 

Honestly just the feel of Seokjin’s plumb, soft lips on your pussy is an experience in itself. And we all know how much Seokjin enjoys eating and this passion doesn’t just stop at food. This man lives for eating you out and he is fucking incredible in it. He is vocal, letting out deep hums and groans of enjoyement. He can go as slow or as fast you want him to, enjoying both of it equally and when those juicy lips of his start sucking on your clit it’s over for you. And if you are into food play boY that man would be all for licking sweet chocolate sirup off your body, especially your thighs or breast (don’t put sugary food on or inside your vagina unless you want a yeast infection lmao) probably also calls himself a connoisseur of pussy, but you didn’t hear that from me

I think that Hoseok is good in giving oral. He really is, he likes to make sure you are getting the most pleasure out of his tongue and he doesn’t care if that takes an hour. He enjoys your taste and he loves watching your face as it contorts in pleasure. He is also not afraid to use his fingers too, playing with whatever hole you want him to, pussy or ass alike that man isn’t picky. But, idk how to describe it, I just think the obsession, the devotion to oral sex, the other guys, I put above him have, is missing with Hoseok. At the end of the day Hoseok sees oral sex as a way to either get you wet enough for his dick or make you cum if he didn’t do so with penetration.

Namjoon enjoys pleasing you with his hands a lot more than he enjoys pleasuring you with his mouth and it kinda shows. He isn’t bad, hell no he is amazing in your eyes but! He is a little clumsy with his mouth, and no this is not because he is “king of destruction” (which is cringy btw and he doesn’t like being called like that so stop lol). It is just that he is a little insecure in his oral abilities, which is surprising for such a talented rapper such as him but he feels like he has a lot more control over his fingers and hands than he has over his tongue. You would have to lead him, grab his hair and press him against your core, to make him forget about his worries and make him actually feel confident in his actions. 

It is not that Jungkook is bad at giving oral, it is just that he would get too turned on and excited far too quickly to want to do it for a long time. He wouldn’t want you to suck his dick off for forever (if penetrative sex is planned) and that’s why he wouldn’t want to eat you out for forever too. He wants to get to the “real action” as fast as possible please :( It would be far too quick and rushed with him, so if you want the real deal with him you have to stradle his face and ride the fuck out of his tongue, at least then he couldn’t pull back after five minutes. Or maybe that was Jungkook’s plan all along, judging by the pure lust burning in his eyes when he is looking up at you.

[spockandawe]

OH RIGHT, I also have to follow up on The Healer Demands Payment!

Because oh my god, you guys

This is the most fun I’ve had with a cnovel in EONS (by eons, I mean like. a week. I'm an impatient binch). I was just poking idly around on novelupdates, and I tripped across an absolute GEM, and I need to scream about it. Which I already did once before, so I’ll try not to rehash things too-too badly, but I hit the end of the translation and blew through into MTL, because how was I supposed to stop? I’m still not caught up with MTL (not that it matters, since the story is ongoing), but I trust this author to take me good places, and I’m about 99% positive the author is deliberately playing with genre-based storytelling conventions, if a little more subtly than svsss. 

I’m going to get into more spoilers as I go along than I did last time, all things revealed fairly early, but if you’d rather read it cold (a++, do recommend, but not critical for reading pleasure), hit up that post instead of this one. But these first couple paragraphs aren’t super revealing.

The premise!! Meng Qi is a healer. Her first time living her life, she tried to charitably do good and heal the people around her in need. However, like every time she tried to treat a guy, circumstances were such that everyone thought she looked suspicious, credit was given to her shijie, Lu Qingran, and then all the guys went off to moon over Lu Qingran. Meng Qi does her own thing for a while, and even picks up a shizun who she adores, and who is her research partner developing all kinds of revolutionary new medical techniques. When she eventually died (I still don’t know how, but it definitely looks like Lu Qingran was swooning into the arms of the man who did it), Meng Qi was told that Lu Qingran was beloved by the heavens. Then... Meng Qi woke up, age 17 or 18, just as she entered her sect, but with all the theoretical knowledge that she accumulated in her past life.

When our story begins, the first of Lu Qingran’s love interests has just entered the scene. He staggers back to the sect, carrying Lu Qingran, badly poisoned after encountering a magic beast in the woods. Meng Qi knows how to treat him. But she’s also aware that yeah, after she did this last time, she slaved away from a week, and passed out in exhaustion, just in time for Lu Qingran to wake up and say she saw ~someone~ in their sect’s uniform in the forest just before the beast attacked. Meng Qi is all set to be locked in jail for three months until someone gets around, finally, to clearing her name. Meanwhile, clown prime, Chu Fengtian, is busy mooning over Lu Qingran and ignoring all the work she did to save him.

Yeah! She’s not super interested!!!!!!!!!

So she thinks about this for a little while, and decides that the best way to extract herself from any kind of karmic entanglements is to make sure any work she does is just a pure, simple exchange of goods. So... she says she can treat him, and she charges him money. A lot of money.

He’s angry and embarrassed and has to sign an official IOU, her sect is upset with her, but her sect also knows that treating this poison is beyond their capabilities, so they’re like ‘yeah, whatever, humiliate yourself, i guess!’ She doesn’t, because she is a good and clever girl, and as Chu Fengtian’s humiliation fades, he seems to.... gradually realize that Lu Qingran shouldn’t be the object he orbits. Meng Qi charges him money for everything she does for him, all the different pills and such, and he’s, uh. He’s starting to get into it, and I am living.

I won’t lie, whenever I talk about this book I’ve been framing it as accidental findom harem acquisition, and I’m not wrong.

Now, at this point, Meng Qi kind of has a grasp on what Events ought to be transpiring, and is managing along. That gradually fades as the plot progresses, but it’s an early element. She acquires an injured baby tiger she wants to heal, who, uh, is definitely actually a member of a royal demon clan trapped in beast mode (and baby mode). To treat this tiger, she needs expensive-ass medicine. And now, our girl has additional motivation to extort the men around her (mostly) for everything they have. She also accidentally runs into another of Lu Qingran’s eventual love interests, Qin Xiumo, recovering from the aftermath of a failed heavenly tribulation, and in a really bad way. She... can treat him. If he pays :3c

(Lu Qingran almost steals credit for Meng Qi’s work, again, and this is the point where I start to wonder if there’s some kind of.... legit gravitational field around her that’s altering people’s perceptions, because this is a terribly consistent pattern. The Dreamer In The Spring Boudoir had a toxic white lotus of its own, but what she was able to do isn’t the same as Lu Qingran, and the way people eventually break free of orbit around Lu Qingran and realize that things are Strange is fascinating)

And now here is where I was like OHHHHHHH.

Because the moment Chu Fengtian gets Qin Xiumo alone, he’s like ‘right, you and me, we both remember our last lives, right? we remember how lu qingran got us killed? and how meng qi got caught up in that all trying to help us and died too? let’s NOT do that again’

MULTIPLE REINCARNATORS WITH MEMORIES OF THEIR LIVES

And here, I have to copy over this one bit again, because it made me go yeeeee out loud

“Meng Qi.” Qin Xiumo smiled. “You should always remember one thing.” He turned to look at Meng Qi. “If someone betrays and wrongs you in the future, don’t try to talk reason, just kill them.” He paused for a moment, then slowly said, “I know you can do it. As long as you don’t feel soft-hearted.

Qin Xiumo took a step towards Meng Qi. The mountain wind stirred his black robe, but he kept staring at her eyes. With a low whisper, he softly spoke every word. “Including me…if one day I betray you, bring you harm, just kill me without hesitation.”

Okay now

So

Here’s the funny thing

Because Meng Qi was not treated well by any of these love interests before, she’s totally willing to be pleasant with them, but like........... respect? what respect? the two boys out themselves to each other immediately, but they have no clue that meng qi remembers anything, and it’s hilarious. Also they start immediately getting into baby slapfights over who she’s charging more for certain services. Is it that she doesn’t care about you and only wants to talk money with you, or is it that hey, why did she charge you ten times as much for the same service??? The answer is yes. Also, Qin Xiumo offers to repay her with his body almost right away and she’s like No Thank You, and the moment their financial obligations are repaid, she’s like OKAY BYE, and it’s great.

Virtually every major character who’s been added to the party or exists on the outskirts of the party has won me over. Xue Junwen? A treasure. Su Junmo? A++++ gossipy fox bastard, would die for him. Sikong Xing? WONDERFUL fox lesbian, also a treasure, deserves the best girlfriend in the world. Pei Mufeng? BEST BOY, needs to tell me ALL his secrets!!!! Ji Wujiong? Absolute Bastard, my favorite lad, absolute treasure of a terrible man. I love him. And Meng Qi’s mysterious once-shizun is also floating around now, and is WILDLY jealous of who this ““shizun”” that she respects from her past could be.

The story has this balance I really, really like, where all of the major women who have shown up have either been absolutely delightful creatures or fascinating I-can’t-tell-if-they-know-they’re-toxic antagonists, and all the men have been SOME variety of clown. It’s so good.

And I’m speculating so hard about everything that’s happening!!! Why do three human lads appear to remember a past with Meng Qi, while at least two demons who were very involved with her definitely don’t? Meng Qi is getting SUPER good at arrays, but the narrative makes a point about how a ton of knowledge about arrays was lost in both the human and demon realms. So........ tell me more about the devil realm? Why have you told me so little about the devil realm, I’m getting suspicious! What the FUCK did all that internal damage to both Ji Wujiong and Yun Qingyan?? Are those wounds on Ji Wujiong’s face perhaps........... tiger claws? Do they have anything to do with a baby tiger’s injured paw that wouldn’t close until Meng Qi saved up for a ton of medicines? HOW MUCH DOES PEI MUFENG REMEMBER, and did he promise to go to the starfallen sea because of his PAST LIFE remembrances of meng qi? Why is he immune to propaganda lu qingran?

And also, last time I posted, I mentioned the strict stages of cultivation as my biggest downside in the novel. That’s still probably the case, but now, I’m invested. The conceit that Meng Qi’s theoretical knowledge far outstrips her cultivation is a fascinating one, and the story leans into it real, real good. Especially once Ji Wujiong got involved and started teaching her about arrays, and she wasn’t just leaning on rote lessons from the past to get by, it got so interesting. And some of the cultivation trappings that never really clicked for me are much more interesting in the context of a medical cultivation novel, like, I have never once cared what a spiritual sea is, but once it turns out that Ji Wujiong’s internal damage involves damage to his spiritual sea? Yes?? Tell me more?????

I’m genuinely shocked and delighted that I’m so invested in this book, because I only expected it to be a light, casual read from the start. I was looking for something to kill the time, not something to distract me while I’m supposed to be working, but I love it so much. I’m in the middle of wrapping up a story arc and pausing for air before I press on through the mtl, but I’m already planning to loop back to the beginning and read again and look for hints as soon as I finish. This is so GOOD. It was such a surprise how fun it was, but I love it so much!!

[kumoriyami-xiuzhen]

Hakuoki Shinkai: Ginsei no Shou - Saito Hajime Chapter #1 English Translation

well... it’s going to be a long while before I finish translating another chapter from this game, though I will definitely finish at least one more before the end of the year. 

please note that i will not be posting any translations next week on account of me taking a break for CNY and studying... so, to whom it may concern, Happy Chinese New Year~! Alternatively, Happy Lunar New Year~! also happy early family day (Canadians only xD)!

anyway, enjoy! as always, tl is CN->ENG so it may not be 100% accurate while the final edits will be done later though I’m not sure how long that will take with my current schedule. 

Hakuoki Shinkai: Ginsei no Shou - Saito Hajime Chapter #1

Translation by KumoriYami

12 month of the 3rd year of Bunkyū

In order to find my missing father, I left Edo and came to Kyoto……

The night I arrived in Kyoto, I was attacked in an alley by a group of men.

They had ominously blood red eyes, were armed with vicious blades, making one feel one's blood run cold [reword later].

They smiled/laughed eerily at me as they drew/came closer, at that moment/then in a split second, the silver light of the moon flashed, and someone had cut them in half.[reword later]

Those swords that helped me—— [they were from] Shinsengumi First Division Captain Okita Souji and Third Division Captain Saito Hajime. [reword later]

I had accidently caught a glimpse of their secrets, which was why I was taken back to their headquarters and questioned by their executives......

I didn't expect for them to also be looking for my father, which was why I agreed to stay, on the condition that I helped find him.

As a result of that entire incident, I was to be treated as a page by the Shinsengumi.

Even among the executives, Saito-san was especially taciturn.

He doesn't say anything more than necessary, if he is given a mission, he will fulfill it better than anyone else [reword later].

Although I accepted how he was basically a cold person——

I however thought that this was because he always prioritizes devoting everything to accomplish his missions.

That's why he never ridiculed my swordsmanship as a woman [check jp mtl] and calmly evaluated my capabilities, and supported me accompanying the patrols [reword later].

During this time, I already knew how extraordinary his strength was, and in the following days, I witnessed that strength and his seriousness countless times.

For example, during the Ikedaya Incident, when the Shinsengumi arrested a large number of the Choshu [? check jp mtl and game. this wasn’t translated well] who had been flying the Emperor's flag and expelling foreigners.

There was also during the 7th month of Genji, a month after the Ikedaya Incident, at the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion......

While the Aizu and Satsuma were fighting against the Choshu who attacked the Imperial Palace.

Saito-san was facing Amagiri Kyuuju from the Satsuma/who was associated with the Satsuma Domain, who had seriously injured Heisuke-kun during the Ikedaya Incident, and stood his ground, not allowing for the situation to develop further.

Because of these events, at the end of the first year of Genji, I had come to a gradual understanding of who he was.

This is the story of what happened in the winter, one year after I came to the Shinsengumi [check jp mtl if this is more 'in the first year i came to the Shinsengumi'].

11 month of Genji

Approximately half a year after the Ikedaya Incident, and about three or four months after the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion......

I had more or less become accustomed to my life with the Shinsengumi.

Today, in order to look for my father, I was accompanying the Third Division's patrol.

I heard that after the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion, almost half of Kyoto had been destroyed by fire......

Yukimura: Quite a few homes have been rebuilt.

Saito:......Ultimately, it was a very large fire.

Yukimura: …………

The Shinsengumi has been patrolling the streets everyday, doing to their best to protect the people and streets of Kyoto, [though] many people still lost their homes and property in the fires caused by the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion.

Although the division members didn't say anything, they probably felt incredibly remorseful at being able to prevent this disaster from reaching the streets.

Child 2: What are you looking at? If you want to say something, say it/talk!

Yukimura: ?

Hearing a child's/children's voice/s from the other end of the ally, I glanced at Saito-san.  

Yukimura: Saito-san, just now that was......

Saito: That sound was probably from a child playing around with their friends.

Yukimura: But that voice right now, rather than playing, it sounded more like......

It sounded like a fight.

Yukimura:…………

Since we were still on patrol, regardless of what I think, this matter is highly unlikely to concern my father or the Shinsengumi, but I......

Yukimura:......Saito-san, can I take a quick look?

Saito: Right now we're on patrol, I can't waste time on matters that have nothing to [my] division's [our]work [check jp for taishi].

Although I thought he would say that.

Yukimura: Please...... I'll come right back.

I asked him again and again, and he seemed to be in a bit of a dilemma, but......

Saito: Okay, in that case, I'll go with you. You aren't allowed to move on your own/be alone.

Yukimura:......Thank you.

Soon after he gave orders to the other soldiers, we went together in the direction where I heard that child's voice came from just now.

Yukimura: The voice just now, it really did come from around here......

Following that voice, there was a tea house in front of us.

Yukimura Huh [check jp mtl]? Shouldn't it be here——

Sure enough. There were some older kids surrounding a smaller child [/boy. check jp].

Child 2: Aren't you learning kenjutsu? Come on, take your revenge!

One of the children spoke sarcastically, hitting the small child's head with a shinai.

Child 1:…………

But, the child being beaten who was beaten just bit his lip tightly, and resigned himself.

Child 3: Why is the child of an ordinary family learning kenjutsu?

Child 2: Are you wanting to rob my family's store?

Child 1: I don't, I'm not……！

Child 2: Lies/You're lying! Isn't your family's business not doing well?  Furthermore, my parents said that your family's store burned down a while ago.

Child 1: Wu......

Yukimura: What are you doing!

I couldn't continue watching this, and moved without thinking.

The children backed away for a moment, but recovered immediately——

Child 3: What? What's wrong with you? Go away!

Yukimura: You're bullying this child, right? Why do you need to do that?

Child 2: What I say has nothing to do with you. My father is popular around here. If you're going to go against me, I'll make it so that you can't stay in the capital.

Apparently these children are not going to listen to me talk.

Yukimura: Hey, you kids/children——

I was about to start speaking when Saito-san stepped forward.

Saito: Yukimura, as I said earlier, we're still on patrol, time cannot be wasted......

The children froze as soon as they saw his uniform.

Child 2: H-Hey, that haori......! Isn't that what the Mibu Wolves wear [check game if it's Wolves of Mibu or Mibu Wolves]?

Child 3: That's right! My parents said that! We absolutely cannot get involved with them!

Child 2: We might get killed! Run for it!

Yukimura: Ah, wait a moment......!

Before I could stop them, they abandoned [dropped] the shinai as they ran away.

Child 1: Wa-Wait for me......!

Although this child was left behind, he also wanted to escape......

But it seemed that he had no strength, and wasn't even able to stand up.

Yukimura: Are you okay?

Child 1: Ah......! This, I......! I haven't said bad about the Wolves of Mibu.

This child apparently believed in the negative rumours about the Shinsengumi that were going around and was terrified.

Yukimura: Uh......

I don't know what to do......

Without any better idea, I picked up the fallen shinai, and handed it to the child.

Yukimura: This..... does this belong to the children who were here just now? If that is the case, can you please return this to them?

He visibly trembled, as if he were using the entirety of his strength to answer.

Child 1: That...... it's mine......

Yukimura: This is your shinai? Then I'll return it to you.

The child hesitated for a moment, fearfully taking the shinai.

I've heard it from the other warriors before......

Kyoto's populace does not have a good impression of the Shinsengumi, apparently this was true.

Yukimura:......You don't need to be so scared. The Shinsengumi only goes after people who do bad things.

Child 1: But, everyone says that the Wolves of Mibu are extremely scary/terrible......

It was different from me who was in contact with these warriors every day/I was different since I was in contact with these warriors every day...... [check jp]

This child had little chance to be in direct contact with the Shinsengumi, so it was difficult to imagine that prejudice would be eliminated any time soon.

But......

Yukimura: Although those children spoke poorly of the Shinsengumi just now, however [check jp. either reword or remove], do you think that I'm scary?

The child desperately shook his head.

Child 1: N-No no, don't...... I don't think that......

Saito-san had been silently watching our exchange.......

Saito: This matter appears to have been settled. Let's go, Yukimura.

Yukimura: Ah, okay, I know/understood.

I turned to the child again.

Yukimura: You should go home, be careful on your way back.

Child 1: Nn......

I said good-bye to the child, and left there with Saito-san.

After/Afterwards/Later, on our way back to headquarters, Saito-san quietly spoke/spoke softly.

Saito: You're very caring about children.

Hearing him say something so suddenly, I felt puzzled./I felt puzzled to hear him abruptly say this.

Yukimura: Eh? You're talking [referring] to just now/what just happened?

Saito: Nn. I didn't expect you to have a side like that.

Yukimura:......While I lived in Edo, my family's clinic also provided medical care to children. Certainly, I might get along well/be good at dealing with children.

My answer was apparently unexpected to him, and his eyes widened slightly.  

There was silence for a moment......

Saito: No, not only that.

Yukimura: What do you mean?

Saito: Nn, it should be said that I feel like you would be a good elder sister...... No, you'd be a good mother. If you have children, you should be able to guide[tl word can also mean teach or instruct] them well [check jp mtl].

Yukimura: Eh……！

I didn't expect him to say that [I'd be a] "good older sister" or "a good mother"......

It was surprising/I was surprised.

Yukimura: A mother....... me/Me...... as a mother? I've never thought about that until now. Furthermore, rather than saying that I care about children......

In fact, I was bullied by other children when I was a child.

As a result of that, I wasn't able to ignore what happened to that child just now.

Saito:......What's wrong? You've suddenly stopped talking.

Yukimura: No...... it's nothing. However, as far as I'm concerned, even if I can be a good mother in the future, I would need to find the[/a] father of[/for] the [/my] child first. Meaning, I would first have to find a lover.

He held his breath, apparently somewhat nervous.

I was used to seeing him always look calm, so it was hard to imagine how his words were so awkward [now]......

Saito: Th-That's right...... Indeed, that is true. Still, that's probably too early for you.

After he spoke, Saito-san seemed somewhat embarrassed and averted his eyes.

Saito-san had actually brought this subject up first.......

He was so embarrassed as he spoke that I started to feel embarrassed [reword later].

Yukimura: Yes......

Thinking about it, until now, I've never had the opportunity to talk about this subject with anyone.

I didn't expect to actually talk about this with Saito-san..... it was quite astonishing.

Afterwards, we chatted about some other topics on our way back to headquarters.

A few days later.

I was in the middle of sweeping the entrance of the Yagi residence [check game for capitalization].

Yukimura: Mm......!

The winds of the eleventh month were cold and bone-chilling.

I was planning to finish sweeping a bit earlier then go back to my  room.

Okita: Areh, sweeping here?

Yukimura: Ah, Okita-san. Are you back from patrol? You've worked hard.

Okita: That's right..... There was a bit of trouble though.

Yukimura: What was that trouble [reword later].

Okita: While we were on patrol, a kid kept on following us. Since they were in the way, we tried to send them away, but they were really persistent and kept following us/ insisted on following us.

Yukimura: Was that child not one of Okita-san's friends?

Okita: I don't/didn't know them. They weren't a kid who lives nearby/It wasn't a kid living around here. I think/feel that they weren't so much as chasing me, and were rather looking at the [our] uniform[s] to keep up/follow [us?].

Maybe they wanted to join the Shinsengumi? Well, that/it'd be impossible for such a little kid.

Yukimura: That child, where did he go?/Where did that child go?

Okita: Who knows? They seemed to have followed me/us/made it to the Mibu Temple. Though they might have given up already?

Okita-san wasn't interested in saying anything else and went back inside.

A child who was interested in the Shinsengumi......

......I couldn't help but feel concerned.

According to Okita-san, that child had followed him all the way to the Mibu Temple.

……Mibu Temple was right behind headquarters, and many of the warriors went there to practise kenjutsu.

It should be okay/shouldn't matter if I go look there for a bit [take a quick look].

Having thought this, I decided to go check the Mibu Temple.

Yukimura: Huh......?

Okita-san clearly  said that a child followed him here/ had come to this place.

But there was no one around.

Was it possible that they gave up and went home?

Regardless of how close the Mibu Temple is, it's not possible for me to leave headquarters without permission, so I still needed to return.

I was just about to finish my sweeping.

Saito: Yukimura, where were you just now? [might swap this line with the 4th one after. tl is almost the same]

Yukimura: Ah, Saito-san!

Saito: You need to be accompanied by one of the executives when you leave, this should have been repeatedly explained to you/this should have been repeated several times.

Yukimura: Sorry, I thought I'd be able to just to quickly go there and back, that's why......

Saito: Where did you go?

Yukimura: Here's the thing—— [reword later. i don't like how it reads]

I told him everything Okita-san had just said about the child.

Saito:......A child was following the Shinsengumi around?

Yukimura: Yes, I feel that I can't just stop thinking about this. But it seems/appears that no one's no one around the Mibu Temple anymore/ like they're no longer around the Mibu Temple. It'd be worrying if they got lost and were unable to go home.

Saito: That's true/It's as you say. We should try looking around for a while then.

Yukimura:……Is that okay?

Saito: I don't have any particular arrangements now. Of course, if it's not necessary, then I will refrain/stop.

Yukimura: That isn't the case. Thank you.

Saito: okay, then let's go.

Thus, Saito-san and I went to go look around.

As we looked for the child, we walked down the main road.

Yukimura:......I can't find them anywhere. Maybe they're gone home.

Saito: Perhaps. If that was the case, it would be good if these were just groundless worries.

Yukimura: I'm sorry to have wasted your time. Let's go back to headquarters......

After I said that, just as we were planning to go back.

Yukimura:……！

Saito: What is it?

Yukimura: A familiar looking child ran down that alley just now...... I want to go chase after them/catch up and go look at them. Can I ask Saito-san to come with me?

Saito: Nn, there's no problem, let's go.

Saito-san and I started running.

Then, in the a narrow alley that lead to the Mibu Temple——

Yukimura: Hey, don't run [away].

I finally caught the child.

Child 1: Ah……！

The face of the child looking back was very familiar [reword later].

Yukimura: You should be the child from that time......

Child 1:…………

Saito: Is this the child who was following the First Division?

Yukimura: I think so.

Saito: Why have you been following the Shinsengumi around?

This child seemed to be scared of him.

He timidly opened his mouth.

Child 1: I want...... to learn kenjutsu.

Yukimura: You want the Shinsengumi to teach you kenjutsu?

Child 1:......Nn. Adults say that the Shinsengumi is frightening/terrible. But I hear that even if you aren't a samurai/warrior [check audio],  even if you're an ordinary person...... it's possible to join their ranks [literally: team/group. may reword later]. I want to become stronger....... please teach me kenjutsu.

Saito-san frowned and/as he glanced at me.

Although he appeared to be very calm......

I think he was probably worrying about how to respond.

After a while......

Saito: The Shinsengumi is not a place for children to learn kenjutsu, and a child like you will not be allowed to join. [/it is also not something a child can become a member of?]

Child 1: Eh...... But...... I've helped around the store several times already, and I'm not that different from an adult!

Saito: That's not the problem. With your height, do you think that you will be able to fight against ronin [check audio]?

Child 1: That......! That might be true now, but I'm still growing! So please, teach me kenjutsu!

Once the child finished speaking, he bowed deeply.

Saito:…………

He seemed very unaccustomed to this type of situation, and was apparently/seemed to be worrying about how to convince this child.

Seeing how troubled he looked, I——

Choices

[ Asked for his reason/Asked for a reason] <-

[remained silent]

Yukimura: You just said that you were learning kenjutsu to become strong/more powerful, so why do you want to become stronger?

Child 1: Because…………

Saito: If you want to get stronger than those kids who bullied you to then retaliate against them, I cannot approve of that as your/will not acknowledge that as a reason to join the team [thesaurus later]. Kenjutsu is not to be learned for that sort of purpose [reword later?].

Child 1: Ah......

Hearing such strict words, the young boy's eyes were filled with tears.

Looking at his demeanor, Saito-san bearing softened somewhat.

Yukimura: Wait, Saito-san, this child looks like he has something to say.

Having said that, I turned to the boy again.

Yukimura: If it's not for revenge, is there/do you have another reason? Can you tell me?

The boy took a moment to hold back/suppress his tears

Child 1:…………Nn.

He nodded slightly.

Saito:......I really am no good at dealing with children. Fortunately, you are here.

Yukimura: Such a thing......

It was great that I was able to help him.

Child 1: I…………want to learn kenjutsu so I can protect my family, and my little sister. That's why I started going to a dojo to learn kenjutsu. But the other kids told me that "it's strange for ordinary people/civilians to learn kenjutsu".

Saito:……Indeed, to protect your family, that responsibility/duty belongs to the town/it is the duty of the town to protect your family. You do not need to learn kenjutsu  for this. Everyone has their own responsibilities.

Child 1:Those other children's families are well-off, and as long they hire people, they'll be able to entrust someone with that responsibility, but....... my family only has a small store, and during the previous conflict, part of it burned down......

Yukimura: I see……

Saito:……You mean to say that you only want to protect your family, with your own hands, right?

Although I knew that many streets had suffered losses during the previous conflict.......

It was still very painful to hear about someone personally talk about it.

After Saito-san thought over it, he crouched down next to the boy.

Looking directly into the child's eyes......

Saito: I understand your circumstances. In order to protect your family and the weak, those are good reasons for wielding the sword.

Child: Re-Really!?

The child's face immediately lit up.

Saito-san however, still had a serious expression as he spoke.

Saito: But even if that is the case, I naturally cannot teach you kenjutsu. Of course, you can't become a member of the Shinsengumi.

Child: Ah......

The boy's face was full of disappointment. However, it wasn't a face that was on the verge of crying.

Saito-san was taking him seriously, and although he was a child, it seemed that he understood that.

Saito: In order to protect yourself, and one's family, practising in a dojo will suffice. Kyoto is protected by us. No matter what happens, we will certainly protect you all. Please pass that onto your family.

The boy's eyes widened, almost as if he was striving to engrave Saito-san's words into his memory.

Saito-san lightly nodded, then he placed his hand on the child's head as his expression relaxed.

Saito: The purpose of the Shinsengumi is to protect the helpless in Kyoto. For the sake of becoming strong to support those who are weak, we practise kenjutsu together here. In the event that one day, you truly need the assistance from the Shinsengumi...... Then, we will certainly be there to help you.

Child: Really?

As if to confirm this, the child asked this again.

Child: Really....... they'll help me?

Saito: Of course. We — as warriors, if a promise is made, we will never break it.

Hearing Saito-san's words, the boy's eyes seemed to glow with strength.

Finally, he firmly nodded......

Child: Mm, I understand. I..... will believe the Shinsengumi.

Hearing those words, Saito-san, his mouth formed a satisfied smile.

Saito: All you need is spirit. I also believe that you are determined to become stronger.

After saying that, Saito-san slowly stood up.

After we watched the boy return home, we started going back to headquarters.

Yukimura:……Saito-san is such a kind person. Even when speaking to a child, you will treat them so sincerely.

He narrowed his eyes in embarrassment.

Saito: I didn't treat him as a child. While addressing someone [who has chosen to] wield a sword to protect the weak, even if the other person was an adult, I would have said the same thing.

Yukimura: But, I think, to be treated as an adult…… for that child, it must have been a good experience.

Saito:……If that is the case, that's good.

As expected, he was still embarrassed and refused to meet my gaze. [depending on jp sentence, change to as 'really']

Saito: I really am unable to deal with children. It would be better for Souji to handle children/Children should be left for Souji to handle. [depending on jp audio, change to 'as expected']

Yukimura: Is that so? But, I think that if Saito-san had children, you would be a very good father.

Saito: Me, a father……？

He froze with a face full of embarrassment, almost as if he heard something completely foreign.

Saito:……For this sort of thing, I haven't even thought about it until now. After all, let alone a child, I still haven't married yet……

I'm afraid I said too much.

Yukimura: Th-That's right. Saito-san is busy doing work for the Shinsengumi, and can't be bothered about these things……

I quickly retracted my thoughtless words.

Saito: No…… it's not that I'm not a little interested……

Yukimura: Eh?

Saito:…………It's nothing.

He walked away with a shy/embarrassed look on his face.

Yukimura: Wa-wait for me, Saito-san!

Just now he said, it wasn't that he wasn't uninterested…… [reword later...? kinda gave up trying to tho]

Did that mean he had someone he liked?

Or was it……

After, I asked him several times, but he never answered back.

—The End—

after chapter 4 (still 40% done T_T)... i’m probably going to focus on chapter 2 then 5.... tho who knows when that will be since im translating at a severely reduced speed since school> all else, though i will definitely finish translating at least one more ginsei chapter this year (can’t say the same for videos given how painstaking it is to format everything lol). 

anyway, the reason why i say that i need my queued filled up to november before working on translating another ginsei chapter in earnest is cuz i don’t want to worry about meeting my self-imposed weekly translation goal and cuz i prefer having lots of time to work on full chapters given how long they take for me to get done... while also having pleeeenty of leeway for procrastinating lol.

also my laptop had a stupid error so everything shut down (though on the upside to that, i can see all my pc text again). thankfully robocopy makes it so that i don’t need to duplicate everything, but it’s seriously taking a long time for everything to move...

after everything finishes, i think im going to have a calendar that celebrates each month of no computer problems lol. 

[thrashermaxey]

Looking Ahead: Heiskanen Not Ideal In Single-Season Formats

All fantasy owners need help in the short term AND the long term. The Looking Ahead feature identifies one player to plug into lineups in the short term, a second to invest in for the long term, a third to bench for the coming week, and a fourth who will struggle to meet expectations for some time. All players discussed are selected based on their upcoming schedule.

Stats updated through Wednesday, January 31

The Immediate Fix (Grab this guy and use him for the next several days)

Oskar Lindblom, W, Philadelphia Flyers (Available in 99 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – The Flyers’ schedule isn’t as ideal as some other teams, but they still play six times during this period (Feb 1-13) and Lindblom offers a lot of upside as an available fill-in.

Lindblom spends his 5v5 time playing the wing opposite Jakub Voracek, with Sean Couturier as his centre, and that’s proven fruitful over his past five games: three goals (including a PPG) and two assists, with 12 SOG. His season ice time average has been a paltry 11:58/game, but Lindblom has seen a big increase in ice time recently, playing 16 or more in four of his past five games and is solidified on the second power play unit.

Don’t expect any five-point performances, but Lindblom is a great replacement for Boone Jenner/Tyler Bertuzzi owners, and a solid speculative bench stash.

The Building Block (Buy now, sit back and enjoy the production)

Oscar Klefbom, D, Edmonton Oilers (Available in 69 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – After getting injured and going on IR, Klefbom was dropped in far too many leagues (as shown by his current ownership of just 31% on Yahoo). Although his season hasn’t been rosy, Klefbom is still taking three shots per game (as a defenseman!) and was seeing 25 minutes per night prior to the injury.

Klefbom should be expected to pick his PP1 spot back up from Darnell Nurse, which will be a boon for Klefbom’s fantasy production, as six of his 15 points this season have come with the man advantage. He should jump right back into his top-pair role when he comes off IR, and should be expected to see his regular 25 minutes/game within the first few games he’s back.

Klefbom is only shooting 3.2% this season, which is 0.9% below his career average and a large drop from his 6.0% in 82 games in 16-17, and is an excellent pickup for essentially free. He’s a must-add in leagues that track shots on goal, and he’s also solid if your league tracks peripherals such as blocks and hits.

The Odd Man Out (His short-term value is cause for concern)

Keith Kinkaid, G, New Jersey Devils (Owned in 34 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – As Mackenzie Blackwood has returned from the AHL and Cory Schneider is finishing up a conditioning stint in the AHL, Keith Kinkaid’s days of seeing the ice in Newark are numbered.

While goaltending hasn’t been the major issue in New Jersey this year – Kinkaid has a .900 SV% but a brutal 3.10 GAA – there isn’t much help defensively, and Kinkaid has been a major step down to Blackwood (0.924 SV%) so far.

The reason Kinkaid is a “short-term” concern is on the slight possibility that he gets traded for; Kinkaid is an upcoming UFA with a great salary cap hit (1.25MM on the year, only 443k remaining) and is a more appealing stopgap to playoff-contending teams than what else is on the market. Given Kinkaid’s been at least as good as league average in the past (career .909 with 50% of his starts being Quality Starts), he’s worth keeping on the bench in case he gets moved to a better team.

The Anchors (They’ll do nothing but disappoint even over the long haul)

Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars (Owned in 33 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – This is important to note off the hop: do *not* drop Heiskanen if you’re in a keeper league. He’s 19 years old, he’s put up 20 points in 50 games, he’s an All-Star and will be a top-3 Calder Trophy finisher, and he’s playing 23 minutes per game.

All that being said though, Heiskanen has lost essentially all of his upside that made him such a crucial pickup earlier in the season. In his last 20 games he’s picked up only four goals and one assist, and two of those goals came in the same game. With John Klingberg healthy, Heiskanen has seen much less time with the Seguin/Radulov/Benn combo, and Dallas has been a one-line team for essentially the entire season. As the Stars sit 29th in goals for and don’t have any secondary scoring coming any time soon, Heiskanen can safely be moved or dropped altogether in one-year leagues.

Love ‘Em (These squads are sure to pay dividends in the coming days)

Washington – Although they’ll be missing Alex Ovechkin for one game thanks to suspension, the Capitals are in a great spot through the first two weeks of February: between the 1st  and 13th the Caps play seven times, with six of the seven coming at home and only the last game coming on a back-to-back. Columbus is their opponent in that last game, and their home games come against Calgary, Boston, Vancouver, Colorado, Florida and Los Angeles.

Nashville – The Preds’ games in this period are very intriguing fantasy-wise, but they’re also strange – of their seven games in this stretch, they’ll play Dallas twice (both at home) as well as two games against St. Louis (road/home split.) Their other opponents are Florida (road), Arizona and Detroit (home), so they should be in position to pop some goals against lesser competition.

Florida – Six of the Panthers’ seven games come at home, but the Panthers don’t jump off the page as much as the Caps and Preds do thanks to some tougher competition. Florida will play Nashville, Vegas, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Washington and Tampa Bay, which isn’t the easiest schedule. At the same time, Florida’s healthy and have scored 13 times in three games since Vincent Trocheck came back from injury, so roll out any Panthers you have.

Leave ‘Em (These squads will leave fantasy owners sorely disappointed in the short term)

Columbus – The Blue Jackets are a team with “only one centre” according to John Tortorella after Boone Jenner was lost for the next few weeks, and their schedule doesn’t seem to offer much help either as they only play five times between the 1st and 13th. Between injury (Jenner), poor play (Wennberg, Foligno, Anderson, etc.) and possibly getting moved (Panarin), there’s not much to like coming out of Columbus these days. Avoid at all costs.

Dallas – Another weird bit of scheduling sees the Stars play Nashville and Arizona twice each over the next two weeks, as well as games against Minnesota and Florida. Their only home games will be against Minnesota and one of the Arizona games, and the first game against Nashville is the second half of a back-to-back. Given the Stars have averaged a paltry 1.9 goals for in their past ten games, it’s not a stretch to call them a struggling team.

Montreal – The Habs get to stay in Montreal for a good stretch coming out of their bye week, with five straight home games between February 1 and 13 – their last game comes on the 9th and they have a second, mini-bye week as they don’t play again until the 14th in Nashville. Their competition is relatively easy, but there’s also a matinee back-to-back which is never good for players’ rhythms. Their opponents are the Devils, Oilers, Ducks, Jets and Maple Leafs.

February 1 to February 7

Best Bets

WSH 4.41 – – Home CGY BOS VAN COL

PIT 4.315 – Away TOR FLA- Home OTT CAR

MIN 4.2475 – Away DAL BUF – Home CHI EDM

NSH 4.205 – Away FLA – Home DAL ARI DAL

TOR 4.19 – Away DET – Home PIT ANH OTT

Steer Clear

STL 2.6125 – Away CBJ FLA TBL- Home

NYR 2.8875 – Away – Home TBL LAK BOS

SJS 2.9025 – Away WPG CGY- Home ARI

COL 2.955 – Away WSH- Home VAN CBJ

CBJ 2.9975 – Away COL ARI- Home STL

February 2 to February 8

Best Bets

NYR 4.1475 – – Home TBL LAK BOS CAR

MTL 4.1475 – Home NJD EDM ANH WPG

EDM 4.005 – Away PHI MTL MIN – Home CHI

CAR 3.995 – Away PIT BUF NYR- Home CGY

LAK 3.99 – Away NYI NYR NJD PHI – Home

Steer Clear

DET 2.095 – Away OTT – Home VGK

CGY 2.19 – Away CAR – Home SJS

BUF 2.205 – Away – Home MIN CAR

STL 2.6125 – Away CBJ FLA TBL – Home

DAL 2.76 – Away NSH NSH – Home ARI

February 3 to February 9

Best Bets

WSH 4.41 – – Home BOS VAN COL FLA

EDM 4.105 – Away MTL MIN – Home CHI SJS

MTL 4.095 – Away – Home EDM ANH WPG TOR

CAR 3.995 – Away PIT BUF NYR – Home CGY

ANH 3.99 – Away TOR MTL OTT PHI- Home

Steer Clear

DET 2.095 – Away BUF- Home VGK

CHI 2.1575 – Away EDM – Home VAN

COL 2.745 – Away WSH NYI- Home CBJ

STL 2.75 – Away FLA TBL – Home NSH

SJS 2.8025 – Away WPG CGY EDM- Home

February 4 to February 10

Best Bets

BUF 4.41 – – Home MIN CAR DET WPG

NYR 4.2525 – Home LAK BOS CAR TOR

TOR 4.2425 – Away MTL NYR- Home ANH OTT

NJD 4.2 – Away – Home LAK NYI MIN CAR

WPG 4.185 – Away MTL OTT BUF- Home SJS

Steer Clear

VGK 2.84 – Away TBL DET – Home CBJ

CGY 2.1425 – Away VAN – Home SJS

DAL 2.855 – Away NSH ARI – Home ARI

SJS 2.8025 – Away WPG CGY EDM – Home

CBJ 2.8975 – Away COL ARI VGK – Home

February 5 to February 11

Best Bets

BUF 4.41 – – Home MIN CAR DET WPG

NJD 4.2 – Away – Home LAK NYI MIN CAR

WPG 4.185 – Away MTL OTT BUF – Home SJS

WSH 4.2525 – Home VAN COL FLA LAK

NSH 4.1525 – Away STL – Home ARI DAL STL

Steer Clear

DAL 1.805 – Away NSH ARI – Home

CGY 2.1425 – Away VAN – Home SJS

PHI 2.835 – Away – Home LAK ANH PIT

VGK 2.84 – Away TBL DET – Home CBJ

ARI 2.85 – Away NSH – Home CBJ DAL

February 6 to February 12

Best Bets

BUF 4.5675 – – Home CAR DET WPG NYI

NSH 4.31 – Away STL – Home DAL STL DET

WPG 4.29 – Away MTL OTT BUF – Home NYR

NYR 4.2625 – Away WPG- Home BOS CAR TOR

NJD 4.2575 – Away STL- Home NYI MIN CAR

Steer Clear

EDM 1.905 – Away MIN – Home SJS

ANH 1.995 – Away OTT PHI – Home

MTL 2.0475 – Away – Home WPG TOR

DAL 2.755 – Away NSH ARI FLA- Home

LAK 2.755 – Away PHI BOS WSH – Home

February 7 to February 13

Best Bets

BUF 4.5675 – – Home CAR DET WPG NYI

NSH 4.31 – Away STL – Home DAL STL DET

WPG 4.29 – Away MTL OTT BUF – Home NYR

NJD 4.2575 – Away STL – Home NYI MIN CAR

CAR 4.1325 – Away BUF NYR NJD OTT – Home

Steer Clear

MTL 2.0475 – Away – Home WPG TOR

DAL 2.755 – Away NSH ARI FLA – Home

LAK 2.755 – Away PHI BOS WSH – Home

EDM 2.76 – Away MIN PIT- Home SJS

CBJ 2.845 – Away ARI VGK – Home WSH

  from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/looking-ahead/looking-ahead-heiskanen-not-ideal-in-single-season-formats/

[365footballorg-blog]

Fantasy: Week 17 positional rankings

USA Today Sports Images

June 20, 20181:34PM EDT

Reid, Mike and Blayne take a break from all of the World Cup action to sit down and get back to breaking down Round 17 of the MLS Fantasy Season. They start out with a quick review of the few takeaways from the short Round 16 slate of games and try to make sense of both Piatti and D.C. United going forward. After that, they identify their most promising games and top targets for Round 17. Everything kicks off on Saturday, so be sure to take a break from the World Cup to listen to this episode before you set your Round 17 lineup.

With the FIFA World Cup in full swing, Round 17 offers an opportunity to test your knowledge of the league’s rosters and solidify your standings with as we enter the final few weeks of the Spring MLS Fantasy season.

There are 10 matches on the slate this weekend. The New England Revolution, LA Galaxy and D.C. United are the three teams on a bye.

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Goalkeepers

Sporting Kansas City didn’t lose anyone to the World Cup, so there’s little reason to look past the league’s top scorer from the goalkeeper position: Tim Melia. If you’re not feeling Melia, Andre Blake and Nick Rimando also make strong selections in Round 17.

Rank Player Team Opponent Price 1 Tim Melia SKC vs. HOU $ 9.8 2 Andre Blake PHI vs. VAN $ 8.2 3 Nick Rimando RSL vs. SJ $ 7.3 4 Luis Robles RBNY vs. DAL $ 6.7 5  Zack Steffen CLB at LAFC $ 7.9 6 Sean Johnson NYC vs. TOR $ 7.0 7 Joe Bendik ORL vs. MTL $ 4.3 8 Brad Guzan ATL vs. POR $ 6.4 9 Stefan Frei SEA vs. CHI $ 7.0 10 Tyler Miller LAFC vs. CLB $ 6.8

Defenders

Steven Beitashour | USA Today Sports Images

LAFC’s Steven Beitashour was unlucky not to make Iran’s 23-man roster, but this omission lands him in the top spot of the Round 17 defender rankings. The veteran notched a goal and assist in his last outing. Outside of Beitashour, Sporting KC and New York City FC defenders look to be dependable options.

Rank Player Team Opponent Price 1 Steven Beitashour LAFC vs. CLB $ 8.1 2 Graham Zusi SKC vs. HOU $ 12.5 3 Matt Besler SKC vs. HOU $ 10.5 4 Alexander Callens NYC vs. TOR $ 8.1 5 Justen Glad RSL vs. SJ $ 8.5 6 Keegan Rosenberry PHI vs. VAN $ 9.4 7 Tim Parker RBNY vs. DAL $ 7.3 8 Ike Opara SKC vs. HOU $ 10.1 9 Anton Tinnerholm NYC vs. TOR $ 6.5 10 Edgar Castillo COL vs. MIN $ 6.3 11 Sebastien Ibeagha NYC vs. TOR $ 5.9 12 Michael Parkhurst ATL vs. POR $ 8.2 13 Kemar Lawrence RBNY vs. DAL $ 7.7 14 Laurent Ciman LAFC vs. CLB $ 9.8 15 Aaron Long RBNY vs. DAL $ 8.3 16 Harrison Afful CLB at LAFC $ 9.3 17 Lalas Abubakar CLB at LAFC $ 11.0 18 Reggie Cannon DAL at RBNY $ 8.5 19 Tommy Smith COL at MIN $ 5.2 20 Nick Hagglund TOR at NYC $ 4.7

Midfielders

‘Kaku’ Gamarra | USA Today Sports Images

Even against a stingy FC Dallas defense, the New York Red Bulls’ Alejandro Romero “Kaku” Gamarra leads the midfielders coming into Round 17. The newly-minted Paraguay international impressed in his first look with his new national team and is a good bet to carry that confidence into MLS play. Outside of Gamarra, the usual suspects (Nicolas Lodeiro, Miguel Almiron, Maxi Moralez) should find places on your roster.

Rank Player Team Opponent Price 1 Alejandro Romero Gamarra RBNY vs. DAL $ 11.8 2 Miguel Almiron ATL vs. POR $ 13.6 3 Maxi Moralez NYC vs. TOR $ 12.0 4 Nicolas Lodeiro SEA vs. CHI $ 12.2 5 Federico Higuain CHI vs. COL $ 11.0 6 Ignacio Piatti MTL at ORL $ 11.3 7 Victor Vazquez TOR at NYC $ 10.2 8 Aleksandar Katai CHI at SEA $ 9.5 9 Jonathan Osorio TOR at NYC $ 9.2 10 Daniel Royer RBNY vs. DAL $ 7.8 11 Diego Valeri POR at ATL $ 11.7 12 Danny Hoesen SJ at RSL $ 10.1 13 Johnny Russell SKC vs. HOU $ 9.4 14 Tyler Adams RBNY vs. DAL $ 6.9 15 Daniel Salloi SKC vs. HOU $ 10.5 16 Julian Gressel ATL vs. POR $ 8.6 17 Ezequiel Barco ATL vs. POR $ 8.6 18 Yordy Reyna VAN at PHI $ 6.2 19 Borek Dockal PHI vs. VAN $ 6.4 20 Benny Feilhaber LAFC vs. CLB $ 9.3 21 Sebastian Blanco POR at ATL $ 9.3 22 Bastian Schweinsteiger CHI at SEA $ 10.6 23 Sean Davis RBNY vs. DAL $ 8.7 24 Ilie Sanchez SKC vs. HOU $ 11.0 25 Saphir Taider MTL at ORL $ 9.8 26 Sacha Kljestan ORL vs. MTL $ 8.6 27 Vako SJ at RSL $ 8.2 28 Justin Meram ORL vs. MTL $ 5.5 29 Josue Colman ORL vs. MTL $ 6.3 30 Cristian Roldan SEA vs. CHI $ 7.5

Forwards

Josef Martinez | USA Today Sports Images

Having found the net in each of his past four outings, Josef Martinez remains the most enticing striker in the group. With Atlanta United’s elite players still in town and playing at home, his high-end potential makes him a must-have in Round 17.

Rank Player Team Opponent Price 1 Josef Martinez ATL vs. POR $ 10.7 2 Bradley Wright-Phillips RBNY vs. DAL $ 11.3 3 Sebastian Giovinco TOR at NYC $ 11.9 4 David Villa NYC vs. TOR $ 12.2 5 Adama Diomande LAFC vs. CLB $ 7.8 6 Israel Tajouri-Shradi NYC vs. TOR $ 8.4 7 Gyasi Zardes CLB at LAFC $ 9.6 8 Dom Dwyer ORL vs. MTL $ 10.0 9 Alberth Elis HOU at SKC $ 10.4 10 Kei Kamara VAN at PHI $ 8.2 11 Maxi Urruti DAL at RBNY $ 9.8 12 Romell Quioto HOU at SKC $ 10.0 13 Nemanja Nikolic CHI at SEA $ 5.9 14 Dominique Badji COL vs. MIN $ 6.9 15 Diego Rossi LAFC vs. CLB $ 9.5 16 Jefferson Savarino RSL vs. SJ $ 6.7 17 Darwin Quintero MIN at COL $ 9.0 18 C.J. Sapong PHI vs. VAN $ 4.9 19 Will Bruin SEA vs. CHI $ 7.2 20 Chris Wondolowski SJ at RSL $ 6.1

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Fantasy: Week 17 positional rankings was originally published on 365 Football

[thrashermaxey]

Looking Ahead: Look Out For Bye Weeks

All fantasy owners need help in the short term AND the long term. The Looking Ahead feature identifies one player to plug into lineups in the short term, a second to invest in for the long term, a third to bench for the coming week, and a fourth who will struggle to meet expectations for some time. All players discussed are selected based on their upcoming schedule.

Stats updated through Wednesday, January 17

The Immediate Fix (Grab this guy and use him for the next several days)

Jordan Weal, C, Arizona Coyotes (Available in 100 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – So much of Weal’s value is in opportunity: with the injuries to Nick Schmaltz (season) and Brad Richardson (a month, approximately), the center depth in Arizona will have Weal lining up alongside a strong group of young wingers like Clayton Keller and Christian Fischer. While coach Rick Tocchet likes to mix up his forward lines, expect to see Weal get some PP1 time and an increase in ice time (current average of 13:56) over the next few days and especially after the All-Star break.

In his three games with Arizona, Weal has only put up one assist and one shot on goal, but started in the offensive zone 68% of the time (albeit this is a tiny sample) and got some power play time. He’s definitely worth a speculative add at no cost, and should be held through the break as Arizona also has a great schedule.

The Building Block (Buy now, sit back and enjoy the production)

Nino Niederreiter, W, Carolina Hurricanes (Available in 77 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – The first round pick has found yet another new home after getting shipped out of Minnesota for Victor Rask, and Niederreiter is in a prime position to put some points up on a Carolina team that’s crushed possession but has struggled scoring for most of the season.

Niederreiter’s career high remains 57 points in 2016-17 so his ceiling isn’t massive. However, he’s a strong power play performer – 49 of his 228 points have come with the man advantage – that attempts a ton of shots (~13 shot attempts/60 at 5v5 over his career) and creates high-danger chances at a strong rate as well while being a plus possession player. He should slot into a top-9 role in Carolina while joining a strong power play, and he is a lock to improve his scoring pace given what his role had diminished to in Minnesota. He’s a strong buy in trades – even after the trade he should be cheap if you act now.

The Odd Man Out (His short-term value is cause for concern)

Logan Couture, C, San Jose Sharks (Owned in 88 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – To preface: NO, do not drop Logan Couture. Be concerned? Yes, a little.

Since the Sharks have gone to three very balanced lines – almost four balanced lines given the chances Barclay Goodrow and company get some nights – Logan Couture’s ice time has taken a tumble, as has his production. In his last five games, Couture has seen ice time of 15:39, 17:23, 14:57, 18:12 and 17:03; all five of those games are below his season average (18:40) and all but one are below his career average (18:10). As the calendar turned to 2019, which is around when the new Sharks lines started to form, Couture has managed only 2G-2A in eight games while taking 11 shots on goal.

Losing Tomas Hertl as a linemate has hurt Couture in a big way, probably more than the ice time, as he’s been a part of ~30% of Couture’s points over the past two seasons. The advice on Logan would be to continue playing him – he’s obviously talented and shouldn’t be benched – but maybe start making in-roads on trade avenues. With 43 points in 49 games, Couture looks great on paper and should garner a strong return.

The Anchors (They’ll do nothing but disappoint even over the long haul)

Duncan Keith, D, Chicago Blackhawks (Owned in 45 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – He’s on pace to just beat out last year’s poor showing – 2G and 30A in 82 games last season – with a 1G-19A season so far. Unlike last year when Keith was still averaging 23.5+ minutes a game, his role on the Hawks has diminished with Joel Quenneville gone.

Keith is down to 22:40 – which is still a lot – but has lost his role on the top power play to Erik Gustafsson (available in 56% of leagues). Given 29% of Keith’s career points have come on the power play, the fact that he’s only put up two assists with the man advantage this year (10% of his total points) is a bad sign, as is the fact that he’s lost a full minute per game of PP time and is playing with lower-quality teammates.

He can be safely dropped in most formats, and should definitely not be owned in cap or keeper leagues. There’s an argument to be made for keeping him around if your league tracks blocks and hits – Keith is at ~4 combined hits/blocks/shots per game which makes him valuable in those leagues, just don’t expect point production.

Love ‘Em (These squads are sure to pay dividends in the coming days)

Washington – One of three teams with four games between the 18th and 30th of January, the Caps have struggled to score recently – 13 goals in their past five games which is almost a full goal less than their season average – but have two high-tempo games upcoming, facing Toronto and Chicago on the road. The Capitals will also play home games against the Sharks and Islanders, with the Islanders game coming as the second half of a back-to-back for New York.

Carolina – The Hurricanes addressed some of their secondary scoring issues by grabbing Nino Niederreiter from the Wild on Thursday – for the dirt cheap price of Victor Rask – and have a very strong schedule heading into the break: a home game against Ottawa and a trip out west to face the Oilers, Flames and Canucks. After scoring 17 in their past five and 34 in their past ten, they seem to have figured the scoring out.

Arizona – Arizona makes this list almost by default, as no other teams (beyond the Caps and ‘Canes) have as many games; at the same time, the Coyotes lead both the Canes and Caps in scoring over the past five, with Arizona scoring 19 goals in that time. The addition of Jordan Weal and emergence of Conor Garland have helped the Coyotes immensely, and Arizona will look to continue that against Pittsburgh at home before going on the road against Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Leave ‘Em (These squads will leave fantasy owners sorely disappointed in the short term)

With ten teams starting their bye weeks near the end of this period, there are lots of areas of concern. Bye weeks start on the 20th, and the affected teams are Boston, Buffalo, Columbus, Dallas, New Jersey, NY Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and Winnipeg.

Between the byes and the All-Star break, look away from all of those teams. The Leave ‘Em will look much the same next week with the rest of the bye teams, but will come back to normal sooner than later.

January 18 to January 24

Best Bets

WSH 4.1475 – Away CHI TOR – Home NYI SJS

CAR 4.1475 – Away EDM CGY VAN – Home OTT

ARI 3.985 – Away TOR OTT MTL – Home PIT

VAN 3.6225 – Away – Home BUF DET CAR

EDM 3.5175 – Away – Home CGY CAR DET

Steer Clear

NYR 0.95 – Away BOS – Home

DAL 0.9975 – Away – Home WPG

NJD 0.9975 – Away – Home ANH

WPG 0.9975 – Away DAL – Home

PHI 1.045 – Away MTL – Home

January 19 to January 25

Best Bets

EDM 3.5175 – – Home CGY CAR DET

WSH 3.045 – Away CHI TOR – Home SJS

ANH 3.045 – Away NJD NYI – Home STL

ARI 3.04 – Away TOR OTT MTL – Home

NSH 2.9975 – Away COL VGK – Home FLA

Steer Clear

BUF 0 – Away – Home

CBJ 0.855 – Away MIN – Home

NYR 0.95 – Away BOS – Home

PIT 0.95 – Away VGK – Home

DAL 0.9975 – Away – Home WPG

January 20 to January 26

Best Bets

WSH 3.045 – Away CHI TOR – Home SJS

ARI 3.04 – Away TOR OTT MTL – Home

CAR 2.9925 – Away EDM CGY VAN – Home

VAN 2.4675 – Away – Home DET CAR

EDM 2.4675 – Away – Home CAR DET

Steer Clear

BOS 0 – Away – Home

BUF 0 – Away – Home

CBJ 0 – Away – Home

DAL 0 – Away – Home

NJD 0 – Away – Home

January 21 to January 27

Best Bets

ARI 2.09 – Away OTT MTL – Home

CAR 2.0425 – Away CGY VAN – Home

WSH 2 – Away TOR – Home SJS

NSH 1.9475 – Away COL VGK – Home

MIN 1.9475 – Away VGK COL – Home

Steer Clear

CBJ 0 – Away – Home

BOS 0 – Away – Home

DAL 0 – Away – Home

BUF 0 – Away – Home

NJD 0 – Away – Home

January 22 to January 28

Best Bets

ARI 2.09 – Away OTT MTL – Home

WSH 2 – Away TOR – Home SJS

VAN 1.26 – Away – Home CAR

CAR 2.0425 – Away CGY VAN – Home

CGY 1.26 – Away – Home CAR

Steer Clear

BOS 0 – Away – Home

BUF 0 – Away – Home

CBJ 0 – Away – Home

DAL 0 – Away – Home

FLA 0 – Away – Home

January 23 to January 29

Best Bets

PHI 2.0425 – Away NYR- Home WPG

WPG 1.9 – Away PHI BOS- Home

VAN 1.26 – Away – Home CAR

CBJ 1.155 – Away – Home BUF

PIT 1.1025 – Away – Home NJD

Steer Clear

CGY 0 – Away – Home

CHI 0 – Away – Home

DAL 0 – Away – Home

DET 0 – Away – Home

EDM 0 – Away – Home

January 24 to January 30

Best Bets

PIT 2.0475 – – Home NJD TBL

PHI 2.0425 – Away NYR – Home WPG

WPG 1.9 – Away PHI BOS – Home

BUF 1.805 – Away CBJ DAL- Home

DAL 1.155 – Away – Home BUF

Steer Clear

ANH 0 – Away – Home

CGY 0 – Away – Home

CAR 0 – Away – Home

CHI 0 – Away – Home

COL 0 – Away – Home

from All About Sports https://dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/looking-ahead/looking-ahead-look-out-for-bye-weeks/

[thrashermaxey]

Timo Meier and the Sharks Offer Value in the Week Ahead

  All fantasy owners need help in the short term AND the long term. The Looking Ahead feature identifies one player to plug into lineups in the short term, a second to invest in for the long term, a third to bench for the coming week, and a fourth who will struggle to meet expectations for some time. All players discussed are selected based on their upcoming schedule. Stats in this article updated through January 17th

The Immediate Fix (Grab this guy and use him for the next several days)

Jordan Oesterle, D, Chicago Blackhawks (Available in 84 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Had the Blackhawks not been on bye last week, Oesterle was going to be featured here. With the ‘Hawks favourable upcoming schedule, now is the time to grab the ex-Oiler. All the 25-year old d-man has accomplished so far since moving on from Edmonton: averaged 20:52 through his first 20 games (no less than 21:24 in his last five games), grabbed a first-pairing spot alongside Duncan Keith, and took over the PPQB spot on what should be a strong offensive unit. He’s put up 39SOG in those 20 games, with 3G-7A (shooting 7.7% which will regress a touch), and is an excellent mid-season add for the next few weeks.

  The Building Block (Buy now, sit back and enjoy the production)

Timo Meier, LW, San Jose (Available in 96 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Meier is currently sporting the 12th-highest iCF/60 out of forwards with more than 200 5v5 minutes (18.44/60), and has a plum lineup spot beside the Two Joes. Unfortunately, Meier is relegated to secondary power play minutes – which explains his only having two PPP – so that will hurt fantasy owners that play in leagues that track that, but Meier is averaging 2.57SOG/Gm and has put up 8G-5A-13Pts to date this season. His ice time has started to jump up since the year turned over, and he collects the odd peripheral (hit/block) as well. Given his opportunity, Meier should have a great second half.

  The Odd Man Out (His short-term value is cause for concern)

Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida (Owned in 74 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Ekblad in points-only leagues is almost a non-starter on a bad Florida team that also features Keith Yandle on the point – Ekblad has put up only 7G-6A-13Pts even seeing 23:54/game. Beyond a game against Nashville who typically funnel shots to come from the points, there’s nothing exciting about Ekblad’s upcoming schedule, and his value comes purely from leagues that count peripherals. It’s easy to forget Ekblad is just 21, but he’s a long way off his 39-point rookie season and should be benched until he gets hot; of his 13 points, four came in a one-week stretch, four came in another one-week stretch, and he went all of November and January with only one point in each month. He’s streaky, sit him for now.

  The Anchors (They’ll do nothing but disappoint even over the long haul)

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Arizona (Owned in 81 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Beyond Arizona’s light upcoming schedule, there are many reasons to be concerned about OEL in the short-term, but more concerning is his long-term value. From game 28 to 46, the former 55-point defenseman put up all of one goal and two assists. He did that even seeing anywhere from 22-26 minutes every night, and his shot volume over the last ten games is nowhere close to what’s expected from him. For leagues that track +/-, OEL’s -19 from December 2nd onward is just a microcosm of how bad the Coyotes are; put him on the bench for the foreseeable future, hope he gets briefly hot, and shop him.

  Love ‘Em (These squads are sure to pay dividends in the coming days)

Detroit – Hockeytown has been home to a pretty inconsistent team these days, but the Red Wings have some nice match-ups upcoming against teams that lack a bit in the defensive areas: New Jersey, Chicago and the sub-par goaltending of Carolina. All but the game against New Jersey come at home as well, which is a bonus in terms of avoiding some of the better shutdown lines in the league.

Chicago – Unfortunately the ‘Hawks are coming off their bye which is always a recipe for disaster, but going in their favour is that their first game back comes against the hapless Islanders (at home). Beyond that fantasy cakewalk, Chicago faces Tampa Bay, Toronto and Detroit before the break.

New Jersey – The Devils have four games before heading into the break and one after (on the 30th a.k.a. my birthday), and fantasy owners should look for NJ to continue their high-event hockey: in their past four games (not including vs. Washington), the Devils have hit 40 shots on goal three times and scored at least thee goals in every one. They play Philly, Detroit and Buffalo, but also have “tougher” games against the Preds and Boston.

  Leave ‘Em (These squads will leave fantasy owners sorely disappointed in the short term)

The bye weeks are finally over, but the All-Star Break also coincides with this week’s Looking Ahead, which means lots of options for teams to steer clear of.

Arizona – The Desert Dogs don’t have much happening in this next stretch with only three games between the 19th-31st, and although one is coming against the previously mentioned Islanders (jackpot!), the other two games come at St. Louis and home against Columbus. There are few fantasy relevant Coyotes in the first place, but leave them to the side if you own any.

Colorado – Nathan MacKinnon and company have been hot fire recently with seven wins in a row (reminder: stats updated through the 17th so this may have changed), and they do get five games in this next stretch, but unfortunately four of those games come on a road trip: against Toronto, Montreal, St. Louis, and Vancouver. In ten of the Avs’ 19 road games, Colorado has scored two or less as they can’t get their optimal line match-ups set up, so feel free to lower expectations for them.

New York Rangers – The Rangers have four games in this period but all four of them come on the road, first at Colorado followed by the California swing. In their previous ten games, NYR have scored more than two goals in just two games (Philadelphia, at Buffalo) and failed to hit 30 shots on goal in five of those ten. Play the studs but don’t get cute with secondary players.

  January 19th to January 25th

Best Bets

DET 4.305 – Away NJD – Home CAR PHI CHI

CHI 4.2425 – Away DET- Home NYI TBL TOR

NJD 4.2 – Away PHI BOS – Home DET NSH

MTL 4.12 – Away WSH – Home BOS COL CAR

CGY 4.105 – Away EDM- Home WPG BUF LAK

Steer Clear

BOS 2.86 – Away MTL OTT- Home NJD

ARI 2.8925 – Away STL – Home NYI CBJ

PIT 2.8975 – Away SJS – Home CAR MIN

MIN 2.9025 – Away PIT- Home TBL OTT

WSH 3.05 – Away FLA- Home MTL PHI

January 20th to January 26th

Best Bets

DET 4.305 – Away NJD – Home CAR PHI CHI

CHI 4.2425 – Away DET – Home NYI TBL TOR

NJD 4.2 – Away PHI BOS – Home DET NSH

CGY 4.105 – Away EDM – Home WPG BUF LAK

BUF 4.09 – Away CGY EDM VAN – Home DAL

Steer Clear

CBJ 2.185 – Away VGK ARI – Home

FLA 2.6925 – Away NSH DAL – Home WSH

BOS 2.86 – Away MTL OTT – Home NJD

ARI 2.8925 – Away STL – Home NYI CBJ

PIT 2.8975 – Away SJS – Home CAR MIN

January 21st to January 27th

Best Bets

DET 3.2025 – Away NJD – Home PHI CHI

CHI 3.1925 – Away DET – Home TBL TOR

NJD 3.155 – Away BOS – Home DET NSH

LAK 3.135 – Away VAN CGY – Home NYR

TOR 3.1075 – Away CHI DAL – Home COL

Steer Clear

MIN 1.8525 – Away PIT – Home OTT

ARI 1.9425 – Away – Home NYI CBJ

PIT 1.995 – Away – Home CAR MIN

BOS 2.005 – Away OTT – Home NJD

NSH 2.0475 – Away NJD – Home TBL

January 22nd to January 28th

Best Bets

DET 3.2025 – Away NJD – Home PHI CHI

CHI 3.1925 – Away DET – Home TBL TOR

NJD 3.155 – Away BOS – Home DET NSH

TOR 3.1075 – Away CHI DAL – Home COL

BUF 3.04 – Away CGY EDM VAN – Home

Steer Clear

NYR 1.805 – Away ANH SJS – Home

CAR 1.71 – Away PIT MTL – Home

WPG 1.805 – Away SJS ANH – Home

FLA 1.79 – Away DAL – Home WSH

MIN 1.8525 – Away PIT – Home OTT

January 23rd to January 29th

Best Bets

MTL 2.31 – – Home COL CAR

STL 2.205 – Away – Home OTT COL

DET 2.205 – Away – Home PHI CHI

EDM 2.2575 – Home BUF CGY

CBJ 2.185 – Away VGK ARI – Home

Steer Clear

ARI 0.8925 – Away – Home CBJ

WSH 0.95 – Away FLA – Home

NYI 1.14 – Away VGK – Home

CAR 1.71 – Away PIT MTL – Home

FLA 1.79 – Away DAL – Home WSH

January 24th to January 30th

Best Bets

CGY 3.1075 – Away EDM – Home LAK VGK

CHI 3.045 – Away DET NSH- Home TOR

VAN 2.3625 – Away – Home BUF COL

BUF 2.2425 – Away VAN – Home NJD

NYI 2.19 – Away VGK – Home FLA

Steer Clear

NYR 0.9025 – Away SJS – Home

WSH 0.95 – Away FLA – Home

DET 1.05 – Away – Home CHI

PHI 1.05 – Away – Home TBL

EDM 1.1025 – Away – Home CGY

January 25th to January 31st

Best Bets

NYI 3.14 – Away VGK TOR- Home FLA

SJS 2.945 – Away PIT DET- Home NYR

VAN 2.3625 – Away – Home BUF COL

BUF 2.2425 – Away VAN – Home NJD

CGY 2.1625 – Away EDM – Home VGK

Steer Clear

NYR 0.9025 – Away SJS – Home

LAK 0.95 – Away DAL – Home

EDM 1.1025 – Away – Home CGY

MIN 1.6625 – Away PIT CBJ – Home

FLA 1.79 – Away NYI – Home WSH

from All About Sports http://www.dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/looking-ahead/timo-meier-and-the-sharks-offer-value-in-the-week-ahead/

[thrashermaxey]

JT Miller and the Rangers are Primed for Success in the Coming Weeks

  All fantasy owners need help in the short term AND the long term. The Looking Ahead feature identifies one player to plug into lineups in the short term, a second to invest in for the long term, a third to bench for the coming week, and a fourth who will struggle to meet expectations for some time. All players discussed are selected based on their upcoming schedule. Stats in this article updated through January 9th

The Immediate Fix (Grab this guy and use him for the next several days)

J.T. Miller, RW, New York Rangers (Available in 63 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – The Rangers’ right-winger has seen an uptick in both ice time and role thanks to the unfortunate Chris Kreider blood clot situation, and has a ton of value these days. Since Kreider went down, Miller has seen between 17 and 21 minutes of ice time (six games) and potted two points on 11 SOG. Although those numbers don’t jump off the page, Miller has put up 8G-19A as a second/third line tweener, and as he finds chemistry with Mika Zibanejad, that total should climb. Miller’s seen at least two minutes of power play time in five of those six games as well, but that one game where he missed the Rangers had only one opportunity.

  The Building Block (Buy now, sit back and enjoy the production)

Vinnie Hinostroza, LW, Chicago (Available in 92 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Although “My Cousin Vinnie” has only played a few games alongside Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad, he’s already the best fit that line has seen this season. Since moving up, Hinostroza is better than a point-per-game, with 2G-6A in six games. One thing going against Hinostroza currently is his lack of special-teams time, which hurts his overall ice time quite a bit – he’s only playing between 13-14 minutes a night, all at even strength. If the ‘Hawks struggles on the PP continue (against teams better than the Senators), then look for Joel Quennville to try Hinostroza on a unit to let the obvious chemistry continue. Given Hinostroza’s AHL numbers – 51pts in 66 in his AHL rookie year, 22pts in 23 this season – and NCAA numbers (1.00PPG), he does have some scoring pedigree, and should be owned in deeper leagues even if he loses his spot on the first line.

  The Odd Man Out (His short-term value is cause for concern)

Vladislav Namestnikov, LW, Tampa Bay (Owned in 85 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – This is definitely more of a “situation to keep an eye on” than anything more drastic, but in recent games (both Tampa wins) Namestnikov has been relegated to third-line duties. Going from playing alongside Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov on the second-best line in hockey, to playing alongside Alex Killorn and Yanni Gourde is a real kick in the teeth from a fantasy value perspective. To add to that, Namestnikov also lost his role on the potent first-unit power play. Don’t do anything as drastic as dropping Namestnikov if you’re a Vlad owner, but with Tampa’s bye still to come and the role reduction don’t expect anywhere close to the same production for the next little while.

  The Anchors (They’ll do nothing but disappoint even over the long haul)

Craig Anderson, G, Ottawa (Owned in 67 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – It took a long time to get to this after writing that Scott Darling and Petr Mrazek should be dumped, but waiting this long was probably the optimistic Sens fan in me. Unfortunately for both Ottawa fans and Craig Anderson owners, the horse has left the barn. Anderson’s numbers are horrendous no matter how they’re sliced: 3.14GAA, 0.899 Sv%, -12.71Goals Saved Above Average, 11 wins in 28 starts. The last time Anderson was this bad, he ended up getting moved from Colorado to Ottawa in 2010-11 (0.897, 13W in 31 starts) and ended up salvaging his season, but unfortunately at age 36 there won’t be many contenders looking to upgrade in net to save Anderson. Ottawa is giving up the fourth-most shot attempts per hour, so Anderson will be able to collect saves if that has value in your league, but allowing 10.1% of shots against will hurt no matter what stats are counted. Drop him now and save yourself the headache.

  Love ‘Em (These squads are sure to pay dividends in the coming days)

NY Rangers – Between the 12th and 24th, the Rags have a whopping seven games. Unfortunately, that does mean two back-to-back scenarios (home/road vs. NYI and PIT, road/road vs. COL and LA) but with half the league on bye it’s hard to ignore NYR on volume. In addition to the amount of games the Rangers get, they get to face teams just a bit lacking in defensive prowess: Buffalo, NY Islanders, Pittsburgh are three of the match-ups that really jump out as being advantageous.

San Jose – The Sharks also manage seven games coming out of their bye, and also have two back-to-back situations (at LA/Arizona, home/road vs. PIT/Anaheim). Also like the Rangers, the Sharks have some games that should see strong offensive numbers from the teal team: Arizona (twice!), Pittsburgh, and Winnipeg.

NY Islanders – The second-best offensive team in the league has a strong schedule in this stretch, and luckily should be close to full health coming out of the bye after Josh Bailey and Andrew Ladd got hurt recently. Beyond a game against Boston where their big guns may get shut down by Patrice Bergeron and company, the Islanders face some soft competition in Montreal, Arizona, and the high-event New Jersey Devils as part of their six-game schedule.

  Leave ‘Em (These squads will leave fantasy owners sorely disappointed in the short term)

With all the bye weeks during this period, this week’s Leave ‘Em will be a little different.

NHL teams on bye Jan 10th-15th: Nashville, St. Louis

NHL teams on bye Jan 11th-15th: Ottawa (-17th), Toronto

NHL teams on bye Jan 12th-17th: Buffalo, Tampa Bay

NHL teams on bye Jan 13th-17th: Columbus, Florida (-18th), Washington

NHL teams on bye Jan 14th-19th: Edmonton, Winnipeg

NHL teams on bye Jan 15th-19th: Calgary, Carolina, Chicago, Minnesota, Vancouver

This period is much improved from last week’s Looking Ahead, with 15 bye weeks ending, but there are still 16 teams taking a week off. In simple terms, avoid the teams listed above.

January 12th to January 18th

Best Bets

NYR 4.215 – Away PIT – Home NYI PHI BUF

SJS 4.1475 – Away LAK ARI COL- Home ARI

DAL 4.0575 – Away BOS DET CBJ- Home COL

PIT 3.9625 – Away ANH LAK- Home DET NYR

NYI 3.91 – Away NYR MTL – Home NJD BOS

Steer Clear

OTT 1.05 – Away – Home STL

FLA 1.1025 – Away – Home CGY

TBL 1.26 – Away – Home VGK

VAN 1.615 – Away CBJ MIN – Home

WPG 1.7575 – Away CHI MIN – Home

January 13th to January 19th

Best Bets

NYR 4.215 – Away PIT – Home NYI PHI BUF

SJS 4.1475 – Away LAK ARI COL – Home ARI

DAL 4.0575 – Away BOS DET CBJ – Home COL

PIT 3.9625 – Away ANH LAK – Home DET NYR

NYI 3.91 – Away NYR MTL – Home NJD BOS

Steer Clear

WPG 0.8075 – Away MIN – Home

BUF 0.9025 – Away NYR – Home

CGY 0.9975 – Away CAR – Home

CBJ 1.05 – Away – Home DAL

OTT 1.05 – Away – Home STL

January 14th to January 20th

Best Bets

NYR 4.2575 – Away PIT COL- Home PHI BUF

NYI 3.9575 – Away MTL CHI- Home NJD BOS

SJS 3.9375 – Away LAK ARI COL – Home PIT

DAL 3.895 – Away BOS DET CBJ BUF- Home

MTL 3.81 – Away BOS WSH – Home NYI BOS

Steer Clear

CBJ 1.05 – Away – Home DAL

EDM 1.26 – Away – Home VAN

VAN 1.71 – Away MIN EDM- Home

WSH 1.9425 – Away NJD – Home MTL

BUF 1.9525 – Away NYR – Home DAL

January 15th to January 21st

Best Bets

SJS 4.84 – Away LAK ARI COL ANH- Home PIT

NYR 4.2575 – Away COL LAK- Home PHI BUF

ANH 3.98 – Away COL – Home PIT LAK SJS

NYI 3.9575 – Away MTL CHI – Home NJD BOS

DAL 3.895 – Away BOS DET CBJ BUF – Home

Steer Clear

CGY 1.1025 – Away – Home WPG

CBJ 1.05 – Away – Home DAL

EDM 1.26 – Away – Home VAN

MIN 1.05 – Away – Home TBL

VAN 1.9 – Away EDM WPG- Home

January 16th to January 22nd

Best Bets

NYR 4.2575 – Away COL LAK – Home PHI BUF

NYI 4.1475 – Away CHI ARI- Home NJD BOS

NJD 4.0425 – Away NYI PHI – Home WSH DET

TOR 4.205 – Away PHI OTT – Home STL COL

SJS 3.985 – Away ARI COL ANH – Home PIT

Steer Clear

EDM 1.26 – Away – Home VAN

VAN 1.9 – Away EDM WPG – Home

MIN 2.0475 – Away – Home TBL OTT

CHI 2.1 – Away – Home NYI TBL

FLA 2.1625 – Away NSH – Home VGK

January 17th to January 23rd

Best Bets

SJS 4.0425 – Away COL ANH – Home PIT WPG

NJD 4.0425 – Away PHI BOS- Home WSH DET

PHI 4.005 – Away WSH DET- Home TOR NJD

NYR 4.005 – Away COL LAK ANH- Home BUF

LAK 3.985 – Away ANH VAN- Home PIT NYR

Steer Clear

CHI 2.1 – Away – Home NYI TBL

CBJ 2.19 – Away VGK- Home DAL

CGY 2.2575 – Away – Home WPG BUF

EDM 2.415 – Away – Home VAN BUF

VAN 2.845 – Away EDM WPG – Home LAK

January 18th to January 24th

Best Bets

LAK 4.9825 – Away ANH VAN CGY- Home PIT NYR

TOR 4.105 – Away PHI OTT CHI- Home COL

SJS 4.0425 – Away COL ANH – Home PIT WPG

NJD 4.0425 – Away PHI BOS – Home WSH DET

PHI 4.005 – Away WSH DET – Home TOR NJD

Steer Clear

CBJ 2.19 – Away VGK – Home DAL

EDM 2.415 – Away – Home VAN BUF

VAN 2.845 – Away EDM WPG – Home LAK

PIT 2.86 – Away LAK SJS – Home CAR

DAL 2.9025 – Away CBJ BUF – Home FLA

  from All About Sports http://www.dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/looking-ahead/jt-miller-and-the-rangers-are-primed-for-success-in-the-coming-weeks/

[thrashermaxey]

Mathieu Perreault Set to Shine and Other Good Options for the Week Ahead

  All fantasy owners need help in the short term AND the long term. The Looking Ahead feature identifies one player to plug into lineups in the short term, a second to invest in for the long term, a third to bench for the coming week, and a fourth who will struggle to meet expectations for some time. All players discussed are selected based on their upcoming schedule. Stats in this article updated through December 21st – HAPPY HOLIDAYS

  The Immediate Fix (Grab this guy and use him for the next several days)

Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW, Columbus (Available in 92 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Bjorkstrand has bounced between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th lines in Columbus this season, which is fairly typical for a Tortorella-coached team, but he’s produced consistently for a young player – and sees power play time – and is in a great spot while Cam Atkinson and Alex Wennberg are on the mend. In the first game without the aforementioned Jackets, Bjorkstrand saw 17:16 (his third-most ice time on the year) and got on the scoresheet with an assist and a +1 with 1SOG. Bjorkstrand is more a set-up man than a Cy Young winner, with 6G-18A, so he should especially be targeted by players lagging in the assist category.

  The Building Block (Buy now, sit back and enjoy the production)

Mathieu Perreault, RW, Winnipeg (Available in 82 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – With Mark Scheifele out 4-6 weeks, that’s a great opportunity for a player that should really already be owned in most leagues, even as a 4th-liner. Perreault now gets the chance to jump up with Bryan Little and Nikolaj Ehlers, so his ice time should rise from the 12:24 he’s currently seeing on average to something closer to the 16-minute range. Perreault has 9G-11A in only 26 games with that minimal ice time – including 8PPP – and should look to improve on that with his new role.

  The Odd Man Out (His short-term value is cause for concern)

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Arizona (Owned in 90 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – OEL is still one of the league’s best fantasy defensemen, so in no way, shape or form should he be dropped, but there are a lot of factors that make shipping him out or at the very least benching him the right decision. As mentioned below, the ‘Yotes only play three games in this next stretch which obviously hurts, but OEL has only one assist (no goals) going back to November 30th. He’s still playing 20+ minutes a night and getting the puck to the net, but as a consistently minus player that doesn’t collect a ton of hits or blocks, he needs to get points to retain value. OEL’s young counterpart Jakob Chychrun has put up 1G-4A in that time, which makes OEL’s points drying up look even worse.

  The Anchors (They’ll do nothing but disappoint even over the long haul)

Scott Darling, G, Carolina (Owned in 53 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Here’s an idea of how poorly Darling has performed this season: he’s losing his starting job (handed to him almost sight-unseen) to CAM WARD – Ward with the career .909SV and negative GSAA over his career is beating out Darling on what should be a good Carolina team. Darling is currently sporting a sub-.900 save percentage, has only eight wins in 23 starts, and has let in four or more in six games this season. There are better backup goalies sitting on the wire (Aaron Dell, Malcolm Subban, etc.), so Darling can safely be dropped.

  Love ‘Em (These squads are sure to pay dividends in the coming days)

Ottawa – The Nation’s Capital is having more than their fair share of struggles these days, especially defensively, but their schedule is loaded in this period. The Sens play seven times, which unfortunately means three separate back-to-backs, but on volume alone any Senator player still hanging around fantasy teams should be used. They play five of the seven at home, and travel only to Detroit and Columbus, which is not a lot of wear & tear.

Toronto – Ontario’s OTHER team (oft-forgotten) also has seven games in this period, and with Auston Matthews and lines that should stick together, look for lots of scoring and fantasy success with Leafs players upcoming. Once the Leafs are back from Colorado and Vegas to close out 2017, the Leafs are at home for five straight with no back-to-backs. The competition is a little tougher than what Ottawa gets, but there is a Battle of Ontario that should lengthen the scoresheet.

New York Islanders – The Islanders have one of the best lines in hockey with Lee-Tavares-Bailey, one of the most exciting second lines in hockey with Ladd-Barzal-Eberle, and have scored three or more in eight of their past ten games. With games at Winnipeg, Colorado and Philadelphia mixed with home games against the Devils and Penguins, look for the Isle to keep putting the puck in the net with ease.

  Leave ‘Em (These squads will leave fantasy owners sorely disappointed in the short term)

Los Angeles – Los Angeles gets to spend their New Year’s shuttling back-and-forth in Western Canada, as the Kings’ road trip against Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary is split up by the holiday. Their fourth and last game in this period comes at home against Nashville, thanks to their bye week.

Washington – The Capitals have struggled to score lately – especially on the power play – getting shut out twice (back-to-back) before finally getting three non-shootout goals on the Bruins. They’ll need the mini-bye week that’s not officially their bye week to reset – they only play four times between the 30th and 9th, and have their actual bye week starting the 13th.

Arizona – The Coyotes have one of the softest schedules in this stretch thanks to the holidays and the start of their bye week: only three games for the Desert Dogs between Dec. 29th and Jan. 10th, and the three games come against much better teams (not that that’s a stretch). @ Anaheim on New Year’s Eve, then home vs. the Preds and Rangers, not much of a cakewalk. Put any Coyotes on the shelf.

December 29th to January 4th

Best Bets

STL 4.415 – Away DAL – Home CAR NJD VGK

ANH 4.3 – Away VAN EDM- Home CGY ARI

TOR 4.28 – Away COL VGK – Home TBL SJS

PIT 4.2375 – Away CAR DET PHI – Home CAR

NYI 4.185 – Away WPG COL PHI- Home BOS

Steer Clear

VAN 1.9425 – Away – Home LAK ANH

WSH 2.1 – Away CAR – Home NJD

FLA 2.7025 – Away MIN BOS- Home MTL

SJS 2.755 – Away DAL MTL TOR- Home

BUF 2.8025 – Away NJD MIN- Home NYR

December 30th to January 5th

Best Bets

PIT 4.19 – Away DET PHI NYI- Home CAR

NYI 4.1325 – Away COL PHI – Home BOS PIT

VGK 3.9475 – Away STL CHI- Home TOR NSH

FLA 3.795 – Away MIN BOS DET- Home MTL

SJS 3.6575 – Away DAL MTL TOR OTT- Home

Steer Clear

VAN 1.9425 – Away – Home LAK ANH

CGY 1.995 – Away – Home CHI LAK

PHI 1.995 – Away – Home PIT NYI

NYR 2.095 – Away BUF – Home CHI

WSH 2.1 – Away CAR – Home NJD

December 31st to January 6th

Best Bets

TOR 4.4475 – Away VGK – Home TBL SJS VAN

ANH 4.195 – Away VAN EDM CGY- Home ARI

PIT 4.19 – Away DET PHI NYI – Home CAR

NYI 4.1325 – Away COL PHI – Home BOS PIT

EDM 3.995 – Away DAL- Home WPG LAK ANH

Steer Clear

NJD 1.9 – Away STL DAL – Home

VAN 1.9475 – Away TOR- Home ANH

MTL 2.0475 – Away – Home SJS TBL

CAR 2.645 – Away PIT BOS- Home WSH

BUF 2.8025 – Away MIN WPG – Home NYR

January 1st to January 7th

Best Bets

NYR 4.28 – Away BUF ARI VGK- Home CHI

PHI 4.2 – Home PIT NYI STL BUF

STL 4.1675 – Away PHI WSH- Home NJD VGK

PIT 4.1475 – Away PHI NYI – Home CAR BOS

NYI 4.1425 – Away PHI – Home BOS PIT NJD

Steer Clear

CAR 2.645 – Away PIT BOS – Home WSH

ARI 1.995 – Away – Home NSH NYR

VAN 2.8025 – Away TOR MTL- Home ANH

WSH 2.0475 – Away CAR – Home STL

NJD 2.85 – Away STL DAL NYI- Home

January 2nd to January 8th

Best Bets

TOR 4.2 – – Home TBL SJS VAN CBJ

STL 4.1675 – Away PHI WSH – Home NJD VGK

PIT 4.1475 – Away PHI NYI – Home CAR BOS

PHI 4.2 – Home PIT NYI STL BUF

NYI 4.1425 – Away PHI – Home BOS PIT NJD

Steer Clear

ARI 1.995 – Away – Home NSH NYR

WSH 2.0475 – Away CAR – Home STL

CAR 2.645 – Away PIT BOS – Home WSH

VAN 2.8025 – Away TOR MTL – Home ANH

BUF 2.85 – Away MIN WPG PHI – Home

January 3rd to January 9th

Best Bets

OTT 4.19 – Away DET – Home SJS TBL CHI

STL 4.115 – Away PHI WSH – Home VGK FLA

CHI 4.0625 – Away NYR OTT- Home VGK EDM

TBL 3.9525 – Away MTL OTT DET – Home CAR

BUF 3.9525 – Away MIN WPG PHI – Home WPG

Steer Clear

ANH 1.9 – Away EDM CGY – Home

NJD 1.9 – Away DAL NYI – Home

LAK 1.995 – Away CGY – Home NSH

ARI 1.995 – Away – Home NSH NYR

DAL 2.1 – Away – Home NJD EDM

January 4th to January 10th

Best Bets

MIN 4.3 – Away COL CHI- Home BUF CGY

TOR 4.1475 – Home SJS VAN CBJ OTT

STL 4.115 – Away PHI WSH – Home VGK FLA

CHI 4.0525 – Away OTT – Home VGK EDM MIN

OTT 4.0475 – Away TOR- Home SJS TBL CHI

Steer Clear

ANH 1.9 – Away EDM CGY – Home

NJD 1.9 – Away DAL NYI – Home

LAK 1.995 – Away CGY – Home NSH

ARI 1.995 – Away – Home NSH NYR

DAL 2.1 – Away – Home NJD EDM

from All About Sports http://www.dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/looking-ahead/mathieu-perreault-set-to-shine-and-other-good-options-for-the-week-ahead/

[thrashermaxey]

Looking Ahead: Fiala and the Predators Have a Favourable Schedule

All fantasy owners need help in the short term AND the long term. The Looking Ahead feature identifies one player to plug into lineups in the short term, a second to invest in for the long term, a third to bench for the coming week, and a fourth who will struggle to meet expectations for some time. All players discussed are selected based on their upcoming schedule. Stats in this article updated through November 15th       

The Immediate Fix (Grab this guy and use him for the next several days)

Jakub Vrana, LW, Washington (Available in 92 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – Vrana should go under the Building Block section given what an extreme talent he is, but Caps’ coach Barry Trotz has yo-yo’ed the rookie up and down the lineup already. The reason to pick him up now – even with Washington’s lighter schedule – is that he’s finally playing alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov (and TJ Oshie). He produced immediately with that line, scoring two goals on five shots against Ottawa; he also has shown he can produce no matter where he sits in the lineup, putting up 4G-4S on 52 SOG in his other 21 games.

  The Building Block (Buy now, sit back and enjoy the production)

Kevin Fiala, LW, Nashville Predators (Available in 94 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – With Nashville having a great upcoming schedule, the time is now to grab Fiala before his value is shown to the rest of the NHL. The young Swiss forward looked great in the playoffs for Nashville last year before breaking his leg (2G on 12 shots in five games) and has carried that over this year: 2G-11A in 20 games, but since the Kyle Turris trade, Fiala has put up six of those 11 points in only six games. He’s also fired 18 shots in those six games, and should stick alongside Turris and Craig Smith for the foreseeable future.

  The Odd Man Out (His short-term value is cause for concern)

Bryan Little, C, Winnipeg (Owned in 23 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – For having Nikolaj Ehlers and Patrik Laine as his main linemates Little’s stat line is incredibly disappointing: 2G-7A with only 25SOG and only two of those assists coming on the power play. He’s currently averaging a full three minutes less than his peak years in Winnipeg – he averaged 17:33 last year but 19-20 the five preceding years. With Mathieu Perreault back from injury `to take away even more PP time Little’s value is slipping even as Winnipeg’s schedule picks up.

  The Anchors (They’ll do nothing but disappoint even over the long haul)

Alex Wennberg, C, Columbus (Owned in 36 percent of Yahoo! Leagues) – There’s a good argument to be made about keeping Wennberg around given his underlying stats – specifically, in salary cap or keeper leagues – but his value these days is lower than it’s ever been. Wennberg is currently injured, but with the play of Nick Foligno/Pierre-Luc Dubois/Brandon Dubinsky at centre, Wennberg’s role is getting more and more tenuous; to date in his 18 games played, Wennberg has only 1G-8A, and for a low-volume shooter his ceiling is limited if the points aren’t coming.

  Love ‘Em (These squads are sure to pay dividends in the coming days)

Nashville – With seven games during this stretch – only one being a back-to-back – and the emergence of secondary scoring since acquiring Kyle Turris, Nashville owners should be rejoicing. The Preds face some very high-event teams in Carolina, Anaheim, Chicago, and Dallas. After scoring 23 goals in their past 6 games, this team is red hot.

Montreal – Sitting 28th in Goals For, Montreal has been a disappointment so far, but it’s not for lack of trying: they’ve fired 828 shots in 23 games (36/game), best in the league. Shooting only 6.4% as a team isn’t sustainable given some of the talent they have, and with games against Buffalo, Ottawa, and Detroit (twice in a home-road split) they should find the back of the net again. Good time to buy Habs players!

Winnipeg – The Jets also have seven games upcoming, with only one back-to-back on their Friday/Saturday West Coast swing. They have some soft games against Ottawa and Detroit as their highlights, but on volume and the talent of their big guns, should be rolled out without looking back.

  Leave ‘Em (These squads will leave fantasy owners sorely disappointed in the short term)

Washington – The Capitals are disappointing in that they FINALLY reunited Backstrom and Ovechkin, just to have the lightest part of their season upcoming (bye week excepted). Washington does get the advantage of hosting four of their five games, but they all come against very tough competition in Los Angeles, San Jose, Columbus, Chicago and Toronto.

Detroit – The Red Wings have only five games in this period and have struggled offensively for most of November, an 8-2 win against Calgary aside. Their schedule isn’t the toughest – no back-to-backs and two games against Montreal – but on volume and games against Los Angeles and Winnipeg, ‘Wings players should be used with caution.

Carolina – Although their shots are finally starting to click, Raleigh’s team will need to “rally” during this stretch; the ‘Canes also have five games, as they face the suddenly incredible-defensively Columbus and have a road-home back-to-back (NYR-FLA). They also get Nashville at home, which is no picnic.

November 24th to November 30th

Best Bets

MIN 4.415 – Away STL WPG – Home COL VGK

NSH 4.2575 – Away STL CAR – Home CHI VAN

CGY 4.2475 – Away DAL COL – Home TOR ARI

EDM 4.2 – Away BUF BOS – Home ARI TOR

MTL 4.1375 – Away DET- Home BUF CBJ OTT

Steer Clear

CAR 2.855 – Away CBJ – Home TOR NSH

STL 2.8875 – Home NSH MIN ANH

BUF 2.9025 – Away MTL – Home EDM TBL

PHI 2.9025 – Away PIT – Home NYI SJS

WSH 2.945 – Away TOR – Home TBL LAK

November 25th to December 1st

Best Bets

WPG 4.1475 – Away SJS COL – Home MIN VGK

MTL 4.1375 – Away DET – Home BUF CBJ OTT

FLA 3.9475 – Away NJD NYR – Home CHI SJS

VGK 3.9 – Away ARI MIN WPG- Home DAL

CHI 3.9 – Away FLA NSH – Home ANH DAL

Steer Clear

WSH 1.895 – Away TOR – Home LAK

BOS 2.0475 – Home EDM TBL

DAL 2.09 – Away VGK CHI

CAR 2.7075 – Away CBJ NYR- Home NSH

TOR 2.74 – Away CGY EDM – Home WSH

November 26th to December 2nd

Best Bets

NSH 4.305 – Away CAR – Home CHI VAN ANH

MTL 4.19 – Away DET – Home CBJ OTT DET

EDM 4.1525 – Away BOS CGY- Home ARI TOR

CHI 3.9 – Away NSH DAL- Home ANH DAL

FLA 3.895 – Away NJD NYR CAR- Home SJS

Steer Clear

WSH 1.8375 – Home LAK CBJ

COL 2.205 – Home WPG NJD

NYI 2.2575 – Home VAN OTT

DET 2.745 – Away MTL- Home LAK MTL

STL 2.75 – Away MIN- Home ANH LAK

November 27th to December 3rd

Best Bets

CHI 4.845 – Away NSH DAL – Home ANH DAL LAK

WPG 4.2425 – Away COL – Home MIN VGK OTT

DAL 4.2325 – Away VGK CHI COL- Home CHI

MTL 4.19 – Away DET – Home CBJ OTT DET

ARI 4.1425 – Away EDM CGY VGK- Home NJD

Steer Clear

NYI 2.2575 – Home VAN OTT

BOS 2.095 – Away PHI – Home TBL

DET 2.745 – Away MTL – Home LAK MTL

NYR 2.1525 – Home FLA CAR

STL 2.75 – Away MIN – Home ANH LAK

November 28th to December 4th

Best Bets

NSH 4.3575 – Home CHI VAN ANH BOS

DAL 4.2325 – Away VGK CHI COL – Home CHI

ARI 4.1425 – Away EDM CGY VGK – Home NJD

CGY 4.3575 – Home TOR ARI EDM PHI

VGK 4.01 – Away MIN WPG – Home DAL ARI

Steer Clear

NYR 2.1525 – Home FLA CAR

PIT 2.2 – Away BUF – Home BUF

MIN 2.31 – Home VGK STL

ANH 2.66 – Away STL CBJ NSH

DET 2.745 – Away MTL – Home LAK MTL

November 29th to December 5th

Best Bets

WPG 4.4425 – Away COL DET- Home VGK OTT

COL 4.41 – Home WPG NJD DAL BUF

MTL 4.3475 – Away DET – Home OTT DET STL

NSH 4.2575 – Away DAL- Home VAN ANH BOS

DAL 4.09 – Away CHI COL – Home CHI NSH

Steer Clear

TOR 2.0425 – Away EDM VAN

EDM 2.0475 – Away CGY – Home TOR

PHI 2.0475 – Away CGY – Home BOS

SJS 2.66 – Away FLA TBL WSH

OTT 2.8025 – Away MTL NYI WPG

November 30th to December 6th

Best Bets

NSH 4.2575 – Away DAL – Home VAN ANH BOS

CGY 4.2575 – Away TOR- Home ARI EDM PHI

DAL 4.09 – Away CHI COL – Home CHI NSH

VGK 3.9575 – Away MIN WPG – Home ARI ANH

WSH 3.885 – Home LAK CBJ SJS CHI

Steer Clear

NYR 1.9575 – Away PIT – Home CAR

TBL 2.0475 – Home SJS NYI

STL 2.6075 – Away MIN MTL – Home LAK

SJS 2.66 – Away FLA TBL WSH

OTT 2.85 – Away NYI WPG ANH

  from All About Sports http://www.dobberhockey.com/hockey-home/looking-ahead/looking-ahead-fiala-and-the-predators-have-a-favourable-schedule/