The NHL season is almost halfway over, and there are some surprises and some things everyone expected. Some players have taken off, while others have struggled getting started. Everyone knows what players are the best, so the halfway mark is a good time to look at who would make up the first and second fantasy all-star team.
First Team
Steven Stamkos, C, Tampa Bay Lightning
The debate between Stamkos and Sidney Crosby is never ending, but Stamkos should be the top center. Crosby might have a few more points, but the goal scoring of Stamkos is too good to pass up. Nobody puts up more goals, and Stamkos doesn’t do too badly in the assist column either.
Patrick Kane, RW, Chicago Blackhawks
The Blackhawks are off to a huge start, and Kane has been a big reason why. He seems to have his off-ice escapades under control now and the on ice production has benefitted. Kane gets lots of points, and his timely production provides a lot of game winning goals for fantasy owners.
Max Pacioretty, LW, Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens have had a better start than even the craziest Habs fan could have predicted. Pacioretty is one of the best there is in a pretty slim left-wing class, but he has been a consistent scorer for the Habs all season.
Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh Penguins
Letang and his flowing locks have been as good as ever for the Penguins this season. Letang takes after the Karlsson model of defense, and focuses more on offense which provides a lot of points. Look for Letang to continue to benefit from the high powered Pittsburgh offense.
Kevin Shattenkirk, D, St. Louis Blues
Shattenkrik is a great defender who actually plays defense. Shattenkirk is among the top of the charts in terms of assists, and points among defenders. The steady play makes Shattenkirk one of the best so far this season.
Carey Price, G, Montreal Canadiens
Price is finally living up to the expectations that the people have Montreal have always had for him. Price has huge win number and a great save percentage. The Habs are not a high scoring team, so look for Price to keep up the strong play to keep the Habs in the hunt.
Second Team
Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
It’s basically impossible to do any list these days without Crosby. As much as it might pain some to say, Crosby is an amazing playmaker and one of the best in the league. Once again, Crosby has huge point numbers and would be a dream for any fantasy owner.
Jakub Voracek, RW, Philadelphia Flyers
Jakub Voracek came out of nowhere this season, and has actually become the most dominant scorer for the Flyers. Voracek has benefitted from playing with Grioux and Hartnell, but his skills are the real deal.
Alexander Ovechkin, LW, Washington Capitals
Everyone thinks Ovechkin is slipping away into the world of average, but that is far from the truth. Ovechkin is fantasy gold. The goals and assists are down, but Ovechkin is much more than that. The amount of hits and shots Ovechkin puts up more than makes up for any offensive shortcomings.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Phoenix Coyotes
Ekman-Larson is really young and unknown, but he has had a great start. Ekman-Larson has sick hands, which makes him a scoring threat, but his impressive plus-minus makes him a great all around addition.
Niklas Kronwall, D, Detroit Red Wings
Kronwall is a solid defenseman who has been helping pick up the pieces of the defense in Detroit. There isn’t much flash with Kronwall, except for the occasional blast to a forward with their head down.
Corey Crawford, G, Chicago Blackhawks
The big question for the Blackhawks going into the season was goaltending. Crawford has stepped up huge this season and has been a big reason for the great start. The entire team has been playing great in front of him, so continue to expect big things from Crawford.