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theScore will be giving out fantasy report cards discussing the fantasy value of key players on each of the 30 teams. This edition focuses on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF | CGY | CAR | CHI | COL | CLB | DAL | DET | EDM | FLA| LA | MIN | MTL | NAS | NJ | NYI | NYR | OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ | STL | TB | TOR | VAN | WAS | WPG
G Matt Murray and Marc-Andre Fleury
Murray is proving that his play down the stretch last season and in the postseason was no fluke. Fleury, on the other hand, is having his worst season since he was 21. They continue to split games, but it's clear who the go-to guy is. Grade: Murray A+; Fleury F
C Sidney Crosby
Crosby has a legitimate chance to finish with 60-plus goals this season, which would shatter his career best of 51. His shooting percentage is extremely high, but the majority of goals have been from in tight. He is taking more shots this year and is going to the net more frequently. This current Penguins team might be the best he's been a part of. Grade: A+
C Evgeni Malkin
Malkin's best seasons have historically come when Crosby has missed a large chunk of the season. Crosby has only sat out six games so far, but Malkin is putting together one of the best seasons of his career. Grade: A+
RW Phil Kessel
Kessel is known more for his lightning-quick release, but he is often overlooked as one of the game's premier playmakers. He isn't scoring at a high rate like we've seen in the past, but he has made up for it in a big way in the assist category. An 80-point season would mean substantial fantasy value, as he fell in drafts after back-to-back down seasons. Grade: A+
RW Patric Hornqvist
It's hard to be angry with Hornqvist's all-around fantasy production. He scores goals, tallies assists, takes plenty of shots and also throws an abundance of hits. Analytics suggest that progression is on the horizon. Grade: B+
LW Chris Kunitz
Kunitz isn't scoring as often as he has in the past. Yet, he still scratches together enough points to be relevant in banger leagues thanks his willingness to hit. Grade: C-
LW/RW Conor Sheary
Sheary has taken a big step in his second NHL season. He is quick enough and smart enough to succeed on a line with Crosby. He has vaulted from a cheap third-wheel in daily fantasy to a must-own player in all season-long leagues. Grade: A-
D Kris Letang
Injuries have derailed significant portions of Letang's Achilles career - and this season has been no different. He has already missed 12 games this season and is still projected to be out for another week or two. When healthy, though, he has been magnificent, with 19 points in 25 games. Grade: B
D Justin Schultz
Schultz failed to meet high expectations after being signed by the Oilers as a college free agent back in 2012. Five years later, he is fulfilling his potential. He has filled in great as Pittsburgh's primary puck-mover from the back end when Letang has been out. Grade: A-
Player to watch - RW Bryan Rust
Anytime a relatively unknown winger get's a shot on a line with Crosby or Malkin, there is always the potential for fantasy value. Rust is currently on the club's top line with Crosby and Sheary. His shot totals and ice time have been on the rise over the past couple of weeks and it's led to plenty of goals. He's worth adding now if your team lacks scoring.
