Is there any stopping the U.S. from taking back the Ryder Cup?

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4 years ago

September 26, 2021

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10:42 PM ET

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — After taking it on the chin from the Europeans in the Ryder Cup for much of the past two decades, the stage is set for the U.S.

With an 11-5 lead heading into Sunday, the U.S. team needs only 3.5 points in 12 singles matches to reclaim the Ryder Cup. It’s the largest lead heading into singles play since Europe had the same advantage in 2004 and the biggest for the Americans since a nine-point lead in 1975. No team has ever come back from more than four points down on the final day.

The Americans are seeking back-to-back Ryder Cup wins on American soil for the first time since winning at The Greenbrier in 1979 and PGA National Golf Club in 1983.

Here is a look at the singles matches and the big climb ahead for Europe:

SCORE: UNITED STATES 11, EUROPE 5

Schauffele, a two-time runner-up in major championships and an Olympic gold medalist, has performed exceptionally well on another big stage with a 3-0 record as a Ryder Cup rookie. According to research from ESPN Stats & Information, his three victories are the most by a captain’s choice since they were introduced in 1989. If Schauffele beats McIlroy, his four points would be the most by a U.S. captain’s choice.

It has been a forgettable Ryder Cup for McIlroy, to say the least. He was expected to be one of the stars of the European team, but instead has gone 0-3 and was held out of a session for the first time in his career. He lost two matches on the same day for the first time on Friday.

Odds: Schauffele -120; McIlroy +150; Tie +550

Prediction: Schauffele 4 and 3

Cantlay, the reigning FedEx Cup champion and PGA Tour Player of the Year, is 2-0-1 in his Ryder Cup debut. His game has grown tremendously over the past 18 months. Look for the former UCLA star to be a major champion soon.

He’ll face a fierce competitor in Lowry, who won The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019. He is one of the best European players in windy conditions. Why European captain Padraig Harrington didn’t play him in more than two matches might be questioned when it’s over. Lowry drained an 11-foot par putt on the 18th hole of Saturday’s four-ball match to hold off Harris English and Tony Finau.

Odds: Cantlay -125; Lowry +163; Tie +550

Prediction: Tie

Rahm is the No. 1-ranked player in the world and has certainly played like it at Whistling Straits. If not for the steady play of Rahm and fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia, the Europeans’ six-point deficit would be even larger. Rahm is 3-0-1 and his 3.5 points are the most by a reigning world No. 1 at a single Ryder Cup. He has accounted for 70% of Europe’s points — the highest percentage by any player entering the singles session since 1979. Rahm took down Tiger Woods 2 and 1 in his first singles match in Paris in 2018.

Scheffler, 25, doesn’t yet have a PGA Tour victory, but he’s one of the game’s rising stars. He’ll need everything he has to defeat Rahm, who has been better than everyone in the world for the past year. Somebody had to play him, and Scheffler apparently drew the short straw.

Odds: Scheffler +210; Rahm -162; Tie +550

Prediction: Rahm 3 and 2

DeChambeau was the longest hitter off the tee on the PGA Tour last season, but Garcia is also sneaky long, even at 41. Garcia ranked tied for 16th in driving distance with a 309.4-yard average and he has a large advantage in Ryder Cup experience.

Garcia has won 25 career matches, the most in Ryder Cup history — two more than Nick Faldo and three more than Arnold Palmer. His 28.5 points are also the most in the event’s history. DeChambeau earned his first full point in Saturday’s four-ball matches. Garcia is 4-4-1 in singles matches, but he is 3-0-1 in his past four.

Odds: DeChambeau +100; Garcia +125; Tie +550

Prediction: Garcia 1 up

Morikawa, 24, won on tour for the first time in his eighth start, then won his first major in his PGA Championship debut. He won his second major — The Open — in his eighth start in one. It’s no surprise that he’s 3-0 in his first Ryder Cup.

The first Norwegian to compete in the Ryder Cup, Hovland is probably going to be one of the stars of the European team for years to come. He is one of the most talented young players in the world, even if his 0-3-1 record this week might not reflect it. He is one of the best ball strikers in the world and will win big in the not-too-distant future. His putter let him down at times over the first two days here.

Odds: Morikawa -110; Hovland +138; Tie +550

Prediction: Morikawa 1 up

Johnson, the No. 2 player in the world, has rediscovered his form in a big way after a not-so-great 2021 season. He is the first American to enter singles with a perfect 4-0-0 record since 1979, when both Larry Nelson and Lanny Wadkins did it. He is firing on all cylinders and will be difficult to beat.

It has been a very disappointing performance for Casey, whom the Europeans could historically count on to earn at least a half-point in his matches. He is 0-3 so far this week. Casey is 1-1-2 in singles matches at the Ryder Cup; his last victory came against Jim Furyk at The K Club in 2006.

Odds: Johnson -162; Casey +210; Tie +550

Prediction: Johnson 3 and 2

There were questions about whether Koepka wanted to be here — he blamed the media for putting a negative spin on his comments about Ryder Cup week being hectic — but he has been thoroughly engaged. He probably isn’t thrilled about his 1-2 record and might be looking to take out his frustration on Wiesberger, the first Austrian to compete in the Ryder Cup and the lowest-ranked player in the Official World Ranking on either team. Koepka is 1-0-1 in singles at the Ryder Cup.

Odds: Koepka -175; Wiesberger +225; Tie +550

Prediction: Koepka 3 and 2

Finau, a captain’s choice, really seems as excited to be here as any player in the field. He played better on Friday than he did on Saturday. He’ll try to hand Poulter his first singles loss at the Ryder Cup. It might be Poulter’s last appearance as a player in the event. Since 2004, Poulter, 45, has defeated Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson (also tied him), Matt Kuchar and current U.S. captain Steve Stricker. The heart and soul of the European team, Poulter might be an assistant captain in Rome in 2023 and captain at Bethpage Black in 2025.

Odds: Finau -125; Poulter +163; Tie +550

Prediction: Tie

Thomas cares about the Ryder Cup as much as any other player. He’s probably not satisfied with his 1-1-1 record this weekend. He went 4-1 in Paris in his debut and beat McIlroy 1 up in singles. Hatton, a fiery Englishman, has fared better than most of his teammates with a 1-1-1 record this week. He sank a putt on the 18th hole to tie a four-ball match on Friday and then teamed with Shane Lowry to win a four-ball match on Saturday. Hatton lost to Patrick Reed 3 and 2 in his singles match in Paris. Thomas’ putting will have to improve for him to take down Hatton.

Odds: Thomas -137; Hatton +175; Tie +550

Prediction: Hatton 1 up

It’s English against an Englishman. English, a U.S. rookie, was 1-1-0 in foursomes and four-ball matches. Westwood, 48, is the oldest player on Europe’s team and this will likely be his last Ryder Cup match. His 11 appearances at the Ryder Cup are tied with Nick Faldo for the most by a European player. Westwood has won 23 points in his career, but not much of his damage has come in singles, where his record is 3-7. He’s 0-2 this week and another loss would give him 21 in his career, which would tie Neil Coles (1961-77) and Christy O’Connor (1955-73) for most by a European player. That’s what happens when you play in the Ryder Cup so often.

Odds: English -110; Westwood +138; Tie +550

Prediction: Tie

Spieth’s putter has let him down for much of the weekend, which is why he has a 1-2 record going into singles. He has never won a singles match in the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup. He’s a combined 0-6. One of the heroes of the European team’s 17.5-10.5 victory in 2018, Fleetwood has failed to earn a full point this year. He is 0-1-1. In Paris, he earned four points by going 4-1. After winning each of his four matches in foursomes and four-balls with Italy’s Francesco Molinari, Fleetwood lost to Tony Finau 6 and 4 in singles three years ago.

Odds: Spieth -110; Fleetwood +138; Tie +550

Prediction: Half

Berger, one of the best ball strikers in the game, is 1-1 in his first Ryder Cup. Fitzpatrick is still searching for the first point in his career. The Englishman went 0-2 in his Ryder Cup debut at Hazeltine in 2016 and he’s 0-2 this week. He’ll attempt to avoid going 0-5 on Sunday in singles play. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, only four players have ever played in multiple Ryder Cups and not earned at least a half-point. Each of them represented Great Britain and Ireland before European countries were added in 1979: Tom Haliburton (1961-63), John Panton (1951-53, 1961), Alfred Padgham (1933-37) and Arthur Lacey (1933 and 1937).

Odds: Berger -110; Fitzpatrick +138; Tie +550

Prediction: Berger 3 and 2

Predicted final score: United States 18, Europe 10

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Leafs’ Matthews (lower-body) could miss week

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4 hours ago

November 14, 2025

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Leafs' Matthews (lower-body) could miss week

Kristen ShiltonNov 13, 2025, 11:55 AM ET
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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews could miss up to a week of action with a lower-body injury, coach Craig Berube confirmed on Thursday.

The forward’s status was up in the air after he exited in the second period of Tuesday’s game against Boston following a hit from behind by Bruins’ defenseman Nikita Zadorov. Toronto hosts the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.

“[Matthews] may be back sooner [than a week],” said Berube. “One of those things [where] he could come in a couple days from now feeling a lot better and [we’re] hopefully he’s good to go. But we’ll see. Could be as long as a week.”

It was midway through the second period on Tuesday when Matthews was knocked into the boards, and he immediately sought to retaliate on Zadorov with a hit of his own against the blue liner. Matthews didn’t take another shift and left the Leafs’ bench at the next TV timeout. He did not return for the third period.

There was no penalty called on the play, something Berube didn’t agree with.

“I think it’s a penalty, personally,” he said on Tuesday. “I don’t like it; I don’t like the hit [from Zadorov]. [Matthews] was in a vulnerable position.”

This will be Matthews’ first injury-related absence of the season after he was sidelined for 15 games last year. The three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has nine goals and 14 points in 17 games this season.

“We played last year without [Matthews] for a while, and it’s just next-man-up mentality [again],” said Berube. “Guys get a bigger bite here, a bigger role. We need a better team game.”

Matthews wasn’t the only one who was forced out of Tuesday’s contest. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz also left after the first period, during which he allowed three goals on 10 shots. Berube said on Tuesday he didn’t think Stolarz’s issue was serious and declared on Thursday he was day-to-day. The netminder is 6-5-1 this season with an .884 SV% and 3.51 GAA.

Dennis Hildeby is expected to start for Toronto against the Kings. The Leafs recalled goaltender Artur Akhtyamov from the American Hockey League on Thursday to back up Hildeby. They also placed forward Scott Laughton on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

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Marchand reaches 1,000-point milestone in win

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4 hours ago

November 14, 2025

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Marchand reaches 1,000-point milestone in win

Associated Press

Nov 13, 2025, 10:05 PM ET

SUNRISE, Fla. — Brad Marchand remembers a conversation he had with the Boston Bruins early in his days as a pro, and how some scouts there told him that getting to 400 games would signify having a pretty good career.

He’s done far better than that.

Marchand became the 102nd player in NHL history to reach 1,000 career points, reaching that milestone on Thursday night with a pair of assists in the Florida Panthers‘ 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals.

“It’s something I’m definitely proud of,” Marchand said. “And I hope there’s many more.”

Marchand came into the game with 998 points. Point No. 999 was an assist on a goal by Seth Jones midway through the third period, and the 1,000th came on an empty-netter by Eetu Luostarinen with 1:30 left.

The Panthers swarmed the ice after the milestone, surrounding Marchand in celebration.

“It was awesome. It was special,” Jones said. “You know, we’re a tight group in here, and he’s had an amazing career so far – and it feels like he’s got a lot left in the tank the way he’s playing for us this year, so that was pretty cool.”

Marchand got the first 976 points of his career with the Boston Bruins. He joined Florida in a trade that shocked many – especially given how the Bruins and Panthers had developed a playoff rivalry in recent years – late last season. The Panthers went on to win their second consecutive Stanley Cup, which was the second Cup of Marchand’s career as well.

“He’s unstoppable,” Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe said earlier Thursday. “I mean, I don’t know how he does it. Every game, he’s to have that kind of motor and be going every night. I mean, it seems like everything he shoots, it’s amazing. He’s such a great player and you can the energy he brings every night to us. He’s a huge reason why we are where we are.”

Marchand was the 71st pick in the 2006 draft, taken by Boston. A total of 29 teams all passed on drafting Marchand at least once that year – and in a bit of irony, Washington, the Panthers’ opponent for the milestone game, passed on drafting him five times that year. The Capitals had five picks in the top 70 of that draft.

Marchand becomes the third player from that class to reach 1,000 points, joining Claude Giroux (taken by Philadelphia at No. 22) and Nicklas Backstrom (taken by Washington at No. 4). And no player in that draft class has more goals than Marchand’s 435; Phil Kessel, who was taken at No. 5 by Boston that year, is second on that list with 413 goals.

“He’s been so prolific over his career,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “And it’s good for him to kind of have an experience at home. I think that’s really nice that he gets to have the fans appreciate it, celebrate it with him. It’s great.”

The Panthers will further commemorate it at a pregame ceremony that has yet to be scheduled.

This season, at 37, Marchand has been the leading scorer so far for a Florida team that is playing without captain Aleksander Barkov and star forward Matthew Tkachuk, among others. But the Panthers clearly believe Marchand still has plenty left to contribute, as evidenced by them giving him a six-year contract this past summer.

“I’ve always loved hockey,” Marchand said recently during an in-game interview with Scripps Sports, the team’s broadcast partner. “It’s been my biggest passion. And when you’re at the rink, when you play this game, you just feel like a kid.”

His leadership has been valued as well – maybe as much as the scoring.

Panthers defenseman Donovan Sebrango – basically a rookie, since he appeared in only two NHL games before this season – told a story of how Marchand took him out for dinner on a recent road trip. Sebrango has been one of Florida’s most consistent players since.

“I believe that’s where the mentorship is so important,” Maurice said. “Donovan’s going to take somebody out for dinner 15, 20 years from now, right? And that’s how it gets paid forward. He’ll do something nice for a kid because it was done so well for him.”

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NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, one fantasy add for each team

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4 hours ago

November 14, 2025

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NHL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, one fantasy add for each team

Sean Allen
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Sean Allen

Special to ESPN.com
Victoria Matiash
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Victoria Matiash

Special to ESPN.com

Nov 14, 2025, 07:00 AM ET

Another week of the 2025-26 NHL season, another Power Rankings top spot for the Colorado Avalanche according to ESPN’s panel of voters.

But beyond sorting out which are the best (and worst) teams in the league, let’s help out all of the fantasy hockey managers out there. This week, in addition to our 1-32 ranking, we’ve enlisted ESPN fantasy analysts Victoria Matiash (Western Conference) and Sean Allen (Eastern) to identify one player from each team that managers should consider adding to their roster.

Don’t worry if you haven’t signed up yet; it’s not too late to play ESPN Fantasy Hockey. Sign up and play for free today.

How we rank: A panel of ESPN hockey commentators, analysts, reporters and editors sends in a 1-32 poll based on the games through Wednesday.

Note: Previous ranking for each team refers to the previous edition, published Nov. 7. Points percentages are through Thursday’s games.

Previous ranking: 1
Points percentage: 80.6%

At minimum, Victor Olofsson serves as a viable streaming option if selected to jostle in for Valeri Nichushkin (injured) on an Avalanche scoring line, in addition to his spot on Colorado’s top power play. As it stands, while inconsistent, the 30-year-old is producing enough with the extra skater to make up for his fantasy-related shortcomings otherwise.

Next seven days: vs. NYI (Nov. 16), vs. NYR (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 4
Points percentage: 73.5%

Dawson Mercer has gone from third-line depth to top-six mainstay. He is pushing for the team lead in goals and delivering more across-the-board stats than most mid-tier forwards. Mercer grades as a top-50 fantasy skater this season.

Next seven days: @ WSH (Nov. 15), @ TB (Nov. 18), @ FLA (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 8
Points percentage: 67.6%

The Ducks are having fun. None more so than Beckett Sennecke, competing on a scoring line with Cutter Gauthier and Mason McTavish. Best suited to deep-league managers with a bit of patience, the 19-year-old tends to score sporadically. But it all works out in the long run.

Next seven days: @ MIN (Nov. 15), vs. UTA (Nov. 17), vs. BOS (Nov. 19), vs. OTT (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 7
Points percentage: 68.8%

Many managers bailed on Nikolaj Ehlers early. Don’t be one of them. After a slow start, he has posted points in five straight games. He didn’t score a goal in October, but he’s producing now and remains available in far too many leagues.

Next seven days: vs. VAN (Nov. 14), vs. EDM (Nov. 15), @ BOS (Nov. 17), @ MIN (Nov. 19)

Previous ranking: 11
Points percentage: 69.4%

This unproductive start is out of character for Tyler Seguin. It was only last season the experienced center scored 21 points in an injury-shortened 20-game campaign. At least keep Seguin on your fantasy radar in anticipation of more productive days ahead.

Next seven days: vs. PHI (Nov. 15), vs. NYI (Nov. 18), @ VAN (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 2
Points percentage: 64.7%

Rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes is still on the waiver wire in a third of leagues, which seems like a mistake. He has been a force in limited starts and is clearly separating from Sam Montembeault in fantasy value. Even if playing time isn’t steady yet, stash him now before it is.

Next seven days: vs. BOS (Nov. 15), @ CBJ (Nov. 17), vs. WSH (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 3
Points percentage: 58.8%

Recovered from his ankle injury, Cole Perfetti is finally settling in on the second scoring line and No. 1 power play in Winnipeg. The perceived lineup replacement for a departed Nikolaj Ehlers will have his name on the scoresheet soon enough.

Next seven days: @ CGY (Nov. 15), vs. CBJ (Nov. 18)

Previous ranking: 20
Points percentage: 57.9%

Morgan Geekie deserves the spotlight, but a recovering Elias Lindholm has been just as impactful when healthy. Still week-to-week, he should soon rejoin Geekie and David Pastrnak at even strength and on the power play. Lindholm’s early-season production hinted at a bounce-back season.

Next seven days: @ MTL (Nov. 15), vs. CAR (Nov. 17), @ ANA (Nov. 19)

Previous ranking: 10
Points percentage: 61.8%

Anthony Mantha‘s resurgence predates the team’s rash of injuries. He has scored eight goals and looks like the early-career version who flirted with 30. Injuries have shuffled roles, but Mantha’s form should keep him fantasy relevant even when the lineup stabilizes.

Next seven days: vs. NSH (Nov. 14), vs. NSH (Nov. 16)

Previous ranking: 5
Points percentage: 59.4%

Riding shotgun to Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner, winger Ivan Barbashev is putting up even-strength points with aplomb. And unlike his prodigious linemates, Barbashev is largely available in ESPN fantasy competition. Grab him before competing managers become the wiser.

Next seven days: @ STL (Nov. 15), @ MIN (Nov. 16), vs. NYR (Nov. 18), @ UTA (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 16
Points percentage: 61.1%

Turning back the clock in southern California, Corey Perry is clearly in a scoring mood. While the 40-year-old is unlikely to maintain a point-per-game pace all season, he certainly deserves a spot on your deeper fantasy roster at the moment.

Next seven days: @ OTT (Nov. 15), @ WSH (Nov. 17), @ SJ (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 17
Points percentage: 56.3%

Trade target alert: Brayden Point. His scoring has been oddly cold, but the long-term numbers say it’s just variance. He ranks 19th among skaters in total fantasy production over the past seven seasons and 11th over the past three — this ideal trade window won’t last.

Next seven days: @ FLA (Nov. 15), vs. VAN (Nov. 16), vs. NJ (Nov. 18), vs. EDM (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 6
Points percentage: 58.8%

Slump over! After a dry start to November, JJ Peterka is back to producing with his new squad in Utah. The second-line winger remains available in around third of ESPN fantasy leagues.

Next seven days: vs. NYI (Nov. 14), @ ANA (Nov. 17), @ SJ (Nov. 18), vs. VGK (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 21
Points percentage: 58.8%

Playing with Connor Bedard provides its perks. Just ask forward Andre Burakovsky, who has 14 points in 15 games, including five with the extra skater. Yet, he somehow remains available in nearly three-quarters of ESPN fantasy leagues.

Next seven days: vs. TOR (Nov. 15), vs. CGY (Nov. 18), vs. SEA (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 22
Points percentage: 61.1%

Shane Pinto hasn’t cooled off — he has just shifted from goals to assists. His line with Michael Amadio and Claude Giroux is driving play, outscoring opponents 9-3 so far. Pinto remains a steady fantasy contributor, even if the production looks a little different.

Next seven days: vs. LA (Nov. 15), @ ANA (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 15
Points percentage: 59.4%

Dan Vladar has earned matchup-stream consideration after winning six of nine starts. The pace might slow, but he has been steady behind a more competitive Flyers squad. He’s not a set-and-forget starter, but he’s a worthwhile spot play in daily formats.

Next seven days: @ STL (Nov. 14), @ DAL (Nov. 15), vs. STL (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 14
Points percentage: 61.8%

In one of this season’s feel-good stories, Matt Murray is proving he can still perform, with three solid-to-great starts for the Kraken. The veteran could be a viable streaming option if he is able to muscle appearances away from Philipp Grubauer, even once starter Joey Daccord is healed up.

Next seven days: vs. SJ (Nov. 15), @ DET (Nov. 18), @ CHI (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 9
Points percentage: 58.8%

Simon Edvinsson is a quietly useful depth defenseman. His mix of blocks, hits and modest offense keeps him fantasy relevant, and his pairing with Moritz Seider owns the NHL’s best shot-attempts percentage. He’s a sleeper pick for deeper formats.

Next seven days: vs. BUF (Nov. 15), @ NYR (Nov. 16), vs. SEA (Nov. 18), vs. NYI (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 13
Points percentage: 50%

This is when Ovechkin heats up; he had seven goals in five games around this time last season. If history repeats, his slow start makes him a trade target. He’s 40, but the motor still revs.

Next seven days: vs. NJ (Nov. 15), vs. LA (Nov. 17), vs. EDM (Nov. 19), @ MTL (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 18
Points percentage: 52.6%

Forward Zach Hyman is back this week. Scoop him up before he starts scoring as a member of the Oilers’ top six and No. 1 power play. The 33-year-old winger won’t be available in more than half of ESPN leagues for long.

Next seven days: @ CAR (Nov. 15), @ BUF (Nov. 17), @ WSH (Nov. 19), @ TB (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 26
Points percentage: 55.6%

Gabe Perreault debuted Monday on a scoring line and tallied an assist. After 10 points in nine AHL games, he could be the offensive spark New York needs. In deeper formats, he’s a solid speculative add while the Rangers search for secondary — or maybe just primary — scoring.

Next seven days: @ CBJ (Nov. 15), vs. DET (Nov. 16), @ VGK (Nov. 18), @ COL (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 23
Points percentage: 58.8%

Mathew Barzal, Kyle Palmieri and Emil Heineman are all viable adds from an offense that has been quietly consistent. Barzal is available in fewer than half of leagues, Palmieri in just more than and Heineman almost everywhere — all three offer scoring depth if you need it.

Next seven days: @ UTA (Nov. 14), @ COL (Nov. 16), @ DAL (Nov. 18), @ DET (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 30
Points percentage: 52.8%

While we all “oooh” and “ahhh” (justly so) over what Macklin Celebrini is accomplishing in his second NHL season, know that a healthy-again William Eklund is also pitching in at a valuable pace. And, unlike with Celebrini, you might be able to snag Eklund off the waiver wire in your league.

Next seven days: @ SEA (Nov. 15), vs. UTA (Nov. 18), vs. LA (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 24
Points percentage: 55.9%

The Stanley Cup-winning line is back together, and that’s great news for Eetu Luostarinen. He’s widely available, produces when flanking Brad Marchand and Anton Lundell, and adds extra value in hits.

Next seven days: vs. TB (Nov. 15), vs. VAN (Nov. 17), vs. NJ (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 12
Points percentage: 50%

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is getting an extended look on the top power play. With the first unit still underperforming, he’s worth streaming in hopes that opportunity converts to points. Ride the role while it lasts.

Next seven days: @ CHI (Nov. 15), vs. STL (Nov. 18), vs. CBJ (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 19
Points percentage: 55.9%

Adam Fantilli is an ideal trade target. His slow start hid his upside, but he’s heating up after moving alongside Kirill Marchenko. While the line with Sean Monahan had strong numbers and might tempt another shuffle, Fantilli is currently the top dog and trending up.

Next seven days: vs. NYR (Nov. 15), vs. MTL (Nov. 17), @ WPG (Nov. 18), @ TOR (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 29
Points percentage: 50%

Back on Minnesota’s top line and power play after missing the start of 2025-26, Mats Zuccarello is already back to the business of regularly registering points. While the diminutive veteran isn’t all that flashy in the shallow-league fantasy sphere, he gets the job done in deeper leagues. Skating alongside Kirill Kaprizov helps.

Next seven days: vs. ANA (Nov. 15), vs. VGK (Nov. 16), vs. CAR (Nov. 19)

Previous ranking: 27
Points percentage: 47.2%

All Kiefer Sherwood does is score goals, ranking among the league leaders thus far. The Canucks’ secret net-finding playmaker is also the league leader in hits, making the left wing a must-start in leagues that reward both categories.

Next seven days: @ CAR (Nov. 14), @ TB (Nov. 16), @ FLA (Nov. 17), vs. DAL (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 31
Points percentage: 44.1%

The Blues don’t have to win another game for Justin Faulk to remain useful in fantasy competition that rewards production and defensive play; the veteran defender ranks second in St. Louis in points and blocked shots. That might partly explain why the Blues are ranked where they are.

Next seven days: vs. PHI (Nov. 14), vs. VGK (Nov. 15), @ TOR (Nov. 18), @ PHI (Nov. 20)

Previous ranking: 25
Points percentage: 41.2%

Don’t overlook Mattias Samuelsson‘s value. He has only six points, but his blocked shots and peripheral stats make him worth rostering. That kind of depth allows you to explore D-for-D trades knowing you have reliable replacement value sitting on your bench.

Next seven days: @ DET (Nov. 15), vs. EDM (Nov. 17), vs. CGY (Nov. 19)

Previous ranking: 28
Points percentage: 38.9%

Even before earning his first NHL hat trick, forward Matthew Wood was on a roll with three goals and three assists in six games. Considering how the season is unfolding (again) in Tennessee, it’s only a matter of time before the rookie earns more quality minutes. Add him before the next multigoal contest.

Next seven days: vs. PIT (Nov. 14), vs. PIT (Nov. 16)

Previous ranking: 32
Points percentage: 31.6%

It was only a few days ago that Jonathan Huberdeau was enjoying a six-game point streak prior to his current three-game pointless one. On the bright side, he’s still steadily shooting on net. If another productive run is just around the corner, the top-line winger might be worth a gamble in extra-deep fantasy leagues.

Next seven days: vs. WPG (Nov. 15), @ CHI (Nov. 18), @ BUF (Nov. 19)