Fantasy Pool Look: Kings of consistency

With 16 goals, Steven Stamkos is tied with Milan Michalek and Phil Kessel for tops in the NHL. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

Darryl Dobbs
2011-12-05 16:13:00

Toronto teammates (and linemates) Phil Kessel and Joffrey Lupul are first and third in the scoring parade for good reason. It’s hard not to be among the best when you hit the scoresheet in 20 of 26 contests – a feat they’ve both accomplished. Fantasy owners of these two are resting easy. They can focus on other areas of their roster because they know they can set their watch to Kessel and Lupul and be certain it will tell the correct time day in and day out.

The two have posted points in 76.9 percent of their games. In 2010-11, Kessel produced in 46 of 82 (56.1 percent), while Lupul had points in 26 of 54 (48.1 percent), so they’ve both improved significantly over the past year. Is there anything more relaxing for a fantasy owner than consistency?

Using my favorite tool again, Frozen Pool, I have investigated the most consistent point-producers in the league (to date) to present some thoughts.

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay: points in 19 of 25 games

You know what you’re getting here. All this, plus he’s an iron man, too. He has yet to miss a game due to injury in his NHL career.

Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh: points in 15 of 20 games

Despite missing seven games – and he’ll probably miss a few more before it’s all said and done – I still think he’ll get to 90 points.

Tomas Fleischmann, Florida: points in 19 of 26 games

‘Flash’ has 48 points in his past 48 games. Still don’t think he’s worth the $4.5 million per season?

Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek, Buffalo: points in 19 of 26 games

I don’t believe either one of them will reach the 85 points they are currently on pace for, but finishing in that 70-to-80 range is doable.

Claude Giroux, Philadelphia: points in 18 of 25 games

On many ballots, Giroux would be the MVP of the league so far. His fantasy owners smiled as they watched his 27-point rookie season jump to 47 and then 76. Now he’s on pace for 104 points.

Patrik Elias, New Jersey: points in 18 of 25 games

It’s amazing he still makes this list, given he has been shut out in four of his past five games. That speaks to the fantastic opening quarter of the season he had.

James Neal, Pittsburgh: points in 19 of 27 games

Ironically, since Sidney Crosby’s return, all of Neal’s numbers have fallen off. Despite the impressive shot total (he leads the league with 108) and his goal and point totals, he’s been held off the scoresheet five times in his past nine games. The consistency has probably gone bye-bye now.

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa: points in 18 of 26 games

Win or lose, if the Sens score a goal it’s a good bet Karlsson was in on it. His 21 assists tie him for the league lead.

Kris Letang, Pittsburgh: points in 15 of 22 games

If and when he returns to health, this consistency will continue. Letang was nearly a point-per-game player last year before Crosby suffered a concussion.

Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Vancouver: points in 18 of 26 games

You know what you’re getting with the twins. You can set your watch to their production.

Corey Perry, Anaheim: points in 18 of 26 games

The point totals are lower than expected, but it’s a great sign the consistency is still there. We’re just not seeing the three- and four-point games. Yet.

Jaromir Jagr, Philadelphia: points in 14 of 21 games

As long as he keeps playing with Giroux, which I don’t see changing, he’ll be on most scoresheets.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Edmonton: points in 18 of 27 games

The 18-year-old is picking up steam as the season progresses. He has been shut out just once in his past nine games. Just how great is he?

Darryl Dobbs’ Fantasy Pool Look is an in-depth presentation of player trends, injuries and much more as it pertains to rotisserie pool leagues. Also, get the top 300 roto-player rankings on the first of every month in THN’s Fantasy section. Do you have a question about fantasy hockey? Send it to the Fantasy Mailbag.

Want more fantasy insider information or to contact The Dobber? Check out dobberhockey.com or follow him on Twitter at @DobberHockey.