The NHL begins a bustling week on December 4, 2023, with a total of **53 games** scheduled. The week kicks off at **19:30 Eastern Time** with the Tampa Bay Lightning facing off against the Toronto Maple Leafs. As teams compete for vital points, fantasy hockey enthusiasts are eyeing emerging players, particularly **Sam Bennett** and **Jason Zucker**, who are heating up as they approach the holiday season.
The week promises a packed schedule, especially on **Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday**, when fantasy managers can maximize their lineups. With both the Seattle Kraken and Utah Mammoth featuring prominently, they stand out due to their favorable matchups. Each team plays four games throughout the week, while an average of just **7.5 other teams** will compete simultaneously. In contrast, teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes will contend with an average of **20 other teams** over the same period.
For fantasy hockey players, this is an excellent opportunity to strategize. Players can customize their leagues by selecting sizes, scoring systems, and rules that suit their preferences. This week’s lineups could benefit from picking up free agents from the Kraken or Mammoth, allowing for daily adjustments to maximize performance.
As the week unfolds, some teams, like the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals, face a significantly lighter schedule, potentially prompting managers to bench certain players in favor of those more active in the lineup. Each Monday, fantasy experts will evaluate the waiver wire, seeking lesser-rostered players who can contribute significantly, along with streaming candidates for the immediate week ahead.
Key Player Highlights
**Owen Tippett**, a right winger for the Philadelphia Flyers, is generating interest with **1.76 fantasy points per game (FPPG)** and **37.9% availability**. Tippett has found chemistry with teammates Trevor Zegras and Christian Dvorak, contributing to the Flyers’ offensive efforts. Over **180 minutes** of ice time together, the trio has outscored opponents **13-9** while maintaining an even chance distribution.
**Jared McCann** from the Seattle Kraken has made a notable return from injury, averaging **1.89 FPPG** with **39.8% availability**. Despite missing a significant portion of the season, McCann has quickly reestablished himself, sharing the team lead in goals with five at even strength.
For those looking for a forward with power-play potential, **Jason Zucker** of the Buffalo Sabres stands out. With **1.86 FPPG** and **82.6% availability**, Zucker has been a key player on the power play, scoring during three consecutive games since the return of teammate Josh Norris.
**Juraj Slafkovsky** of the Montreal Canadiens is also worth noting, with **1.91 FPPG** and **31.7% availability**. After a slow stretch earlier in the month, Slafkovsky has rebounded, making him a valuable pickup for fantasy managers.
Finally, **Sam Bennett**, center for the Florida Panthers, has surged to **1.50 FPPG**, with **41.4% availability**. After a sluggish start, Bennett has accumulated **12 points in his last 10 games**, showcasing a newfound synergy with linemates Brad Marchand and Carter Verhaeghe, despite the line being outscored **5-3**.
Defensive and Goaltending Options
On the defensive front, **Ben Chiarot** of the Detroit Red Wings is proving to be a solid choice with **1.92 FPPG** and **64.2% availability**. Chiarot has excelled in blocked shots and physical play, making him a reliable depth option for fantasy lineups.
**Filip Hronek** from the Vancouver Canucks, averaging **1.75 FPPG** with **47.8% availability**, has also been impressive. His performance has been beneficial both with and without defensive partner Quinn Hughes, contributing to a positive shot differential.
In goal, **Thatcher Demko** of the Canucks is anticipated to return mid-week, and at **1.75 FPP60** with **42.1% availability**, he could be a valuable asset against teams like the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, who rank high in fantasy points allowed to opposing goalies.
**Carter Hart** of the Vegas Golden Knights is another name to watch, boasting a **3.53 FPP60** with **84.4% availability**. Hart has secured two wins since joining the team, and with the absence of Adin Hill, he has the opportunity to solidify his position in the lineup.
For those looking for streaming options, **Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen** of the Buffalo Sabres is noteworthy with **1.14 FPP60** and **91.2% availability**. The Sabres face favorable matchups this week, enhancing Luukkonen’s potential appeal.
As the NHL season progresses, keeping an eye on these emerging players can be the key to success in fantasy leagues. With a busy week ahead, fantasy managers should act swiftly to seize opportunities for maximizing their rosters.
