This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
In fantasy, you could do extensive research and make a whole bunch of transactions but your team may go nowhere. And then, there are times when you barely need to lift a finger and everything just falls into place.
Throughout the years, I've been involved in both types of situations. While the former can be frustrating, one should not be discouraged by the results. Some circumstances -- like injuries or real-life trades -- cannot be controlled. Alternatively, success after little activity will boost confidence but can also lead to laziness. And that usually doesn't turn out well.
In one of my leagues, a 13-team cumulative rotisserie format, I've retained 18 of the 22 players I drafted and haven't been involved in any trades. The result? I'm hovering around first place. My high standing isn't so much the result of sitting around as it is being fortunate by avoiding any long-term injuries or prolonged slumps.
When there is no need to make moves, you shouldn't force them. The impetus to change should come as a natural reaction to the schedule or player status updates.
Here are five clubs who appear idle. Some are thriving from this inactivity, while others are struggling:
New York Islanders
The Islanders may be shaky lately, but they're standing steady atop the Metropolitan. With no Kyle Okposo (detached retina), others have been asked to step up. Josh Bailey (two points in seven games) is filling in on regular duty, but Anders Lee (three goals in four, including
In fantasy, you could do extensive research and make a whole bunch of transactions but your team may go nowhere. And then, there are times when you barely need to lift a finger and everything just falls into place.
Throughout the years, I've been involved in both types of situations. While the former can be frustrating, one should not be discouraged by the results. Some circumstances -- like injuries or real-life trades -- cannot be controlled. Alternatively, success after little activity will boost confidence but can also lead to laziness. And that usually doesn't turn out well.
In one of my leagues, a 13-team cumulative rotisserie format, I've retained 18 of the 22 players I drafted and haven't been involved in any trades. The result? I'm hovering around first place. My high standing isn't so much the result of sitting around as it is being fortunate by avoiding any long-term injuries or prolonged slumps.
When there is no need to make moves, you shouldn't force them. The impetus to change should come as a natural reaction to the schedule or player status updates.
Here are five clubs who appear idle. Some are thriving from this inactivity, while others are struggling:
New York Islanders
The Islanders may be shaky lately, but they're standing steady atop the Metropolitan. With no Kyle Okposo (detached retina), others have been asked to step up. Josh Bailey (two points in seven games) is filling in on regular duty, but Anders Lee (three goals in four, including two on the power play) is clearly the main beneficiary. But neither former Leafs Mikhail Grabovski (two in six) nor Nikolay Kulemin (nothing in seven) has stayed consistent. While Lubomir Visnovsky has bounced in, out and around the lineup (three weeks injured, then a healthy scratch), fifth-year stalwart Travis Hamonic (six assists in seven, including four PPAs) is building his offensive resume.
Montreal Canadiens
Even if you're not a Montreal fan, you still have to be impressed with their play. It's tough to endorse someone like Dale Weise (five in three), unless you realize he's skating with Max Pacioretty and David Desharnais. The points are steady for Brendan Gallagher (11 in 19 with 53 shots on goal) but the lack of PIM (14 in 52 compared to 73 in 81 in 2013-14) is a bit worrisome. Jiri Sekac (one in 13) isn't receiving enough ice time (averaging 13) to match his effort. Brandon Prust (two in 16) has fallen out of favor. And at 19, Jacob De La Rose (scoreless in three after 11 in 37 with Hamilton) is starting to learn the ropes. Without any momentum, Nathan Beaulieu (one in 14) may be better served in the AHL.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks are riding the Pacific wave, and they're back to full strength. Matt Beleskey (six in 10) is carrying on his scoring ways. Those who held on to Jakob Silfverberg (four in four) may finally be reaping the rewards. Another Swedish youngster, Rickard Rakell (six in seven, jumping between PP groups), is benefiting from additional minutes. Kyle Palmieri (four in seven around a scratch) is getting his taste on the top line. Andrew Cogliano (three in nine) isn't doing enough to justify his second-unit status. Francois Beauchemin (two in nine, but pushing 23 minutes a night) may be nearing 35, but he's continuing to earn a significant role.
Winnipeg Jets
Winnipeg must ignore the Evander Kane saga and focus on holding down a playoff position. You won't usually find Chris Thorburn leading a team review, but his grit (23 PIM in seven) has recently been supplemented with extra work (just promoted to the second PP). With Dustin Byfuglien back in the forward corps, Michael Frolik's numbers (one in eight, minus-4) have plummeted. And with Big Buff out of the blueline mix, guys like Toby Enstrom (one goal in 11) and Zach Bogosian (zero in nine) need to shake off their slumps. Now that Michael Hutchinson (winless in four, 15 goals allowed) has fallen back to earth, expect the Jets to ride Ondrej Pavelec (victorious Sunday, sporting a decent 2.54 GAA and .911 SV%) until he falters.
Colorado Avalanche
Last year's Western juggernaut is still buried under a mountain of snow and woe. Colorado would like more PPP from Ryan O'Reilly (hasn't done so since 2014), but it will take what he has delivered (six in 10). Father Time has been very kind to Alex Tanguay (five in seven). After a slight surge (seven in 10), John Mitchell has reverted to a more natural form (nothing in five). With Erik Johnson (knee surgery) on the sidelines, Nick Holden (three in seven) is working on improving his man-advantage skills, but Stefan Elliott (26 in 40 in the minors) or Zach Redmond (one in seven) could easily surpass him.
