Fantasy - Fact or Fiction: 3 players to watch using advanced stats
Every week, we examine three players you should watch in your hockey pool using advanced statistics.
Jets F Andrew Ladd
With 18 goals and 27 assists in 56 games, the Winnipeg Jets' captain is on pace for a career year in total points, and could challenge his high of 29 goals set back in 2010-11.
Andrew Ladd's underlying numbers, especially as of late, prove his production isn't a fluke. Through his first 18 games of 2015, Ladd ranked 27th among all NHL players (minimum 100 minutes played) with 2.8 even-strength points per 60 minutes, backed by a Corsi rating of 54.1 as a top-line winger facing heavy opposition.
His goal total isn't all that inflated either, as his shooting percentage sits level with his career average of 11.5.
In short, Ladd's a good under-the-radar target for the remainder of the season.
Panthers F Jonathan Huberdeau
Jonathan Huberdeau is also coming on strong in 2015, posting 3.2 points per 60 minutes at even strength - ninth among players with at least 100 minutes played - with a Corsi rating of 53.9 through his first 15 games of the new year.
Through 49 games, Huberdeau has matched his goal total (9) reached in 69 games last season, and is on pace to push for 15-20 goals by season's end. And with three assists in Monday's win over the Anaheim Ducks, he matched his career-high 31 points set as a rookie in 48 games two seasons ago.
Like Ladd, Huberdeau's shooting percentage suggests he isn't playing over his head. His nine goals have come on 99 shots, good for a 9.1-percent success rate, shy of his career average of 10.
Skating on the club's top line with Aleksander Barkov and Brad Boyes, a further breakout could be in store down the stretch, especially if Huberdeau's shot rate rises.
Stars F Erik Cole
Speaking of points per 60 minutes, this veteran forward from the Dallas Stars sits in a tie for sixth with Mike Hoffman of the Ottawa Senators at 3.4 since Jan. 1.
Cole, who most recently skated on the Stars' second line with Jason Spezza and Ales Hemsky, has recorded three even-strength goals in five February games, and is riding a two-game scoring streak after an unusual empty-netter Tuesday in Boston.
A couple of factors are working against the 36-year-old, though. Cole is currently scoring at a success rate of 18.3 percent, a level not seen since he hit 30 goals in 60 games nine years ago, and well above his career average of 12.9. Cole's even-strength Corsi rating (46.8) further suggests his possession game isn't conducive to sustained success.
If Cole's on your fantasy team, try to sell high, and if you're tempted to pick him up as a hot free agent, you may be better served adding the likes of Huberdeau, who's owned in only 37 percent of Yahoo leagues.
- Statistical information courtesy war-on-ice.com