Fantasy hockey scoring can seem like a complex maze for newcomers, but fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the ins and outs of fantasy hockey scoring, helping you navigate your way to victory in your league.
First things first, let's understand the basics of fantasy hockey scoring. In most leagues, points are awarded based on the performance of individual players in real NHL games. These performances are converted into fantasy points using a predetermined scoring system.
The most common scoring categories include goals, assists, shots on goal, power play points, and plus/minus rating for skaters, while goaltenders earn points for wins, saves, shutouts, and goals against average. Many apps, like Yahoo Sports Fantasy Hockey, use the scoring abbreviations. Click here for an article explaining them.
Each hockey fantasy league may have its own unique scoring settings, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with your league's specific rules before drafting your team. Some leagues may emphasize certain categories more than others, so knowing the scoring settings will help you draft accordingly.
Now, let's dive deeper into some of the key scoring categories:
1. Goals: When a player scores a goal in a real NHL game, they earn fantasy points for your team. This is typically one of the most valuable scoring categories, as goals are crucial for a player's performance.
2. Assists: Assists are another important scoring category in fantasy hockey. Players earn points for each assist they accumulate during NHL games.
3. Shots on Goal: Shots on goal represent the number of times a player attempts to score during a game. While goals and assists directly contribute to fantasy points, shots on goal can also earn points in many scoring systems.
4. Power Play Points: Power play points are awarded when a player contributes to a goal scored by their team during a power play opportunity. These points can provide an extra boost to a player's fantasy score.
5. Plus/Minus Rating: Plus/minus rating reflects a player's on-ice impact by tracking the number of goals scored for and against their team while they are on the ice. Players earn points for a positive plus/minus rating and may lose points for a negative rating.
6. Goaltender Stats: Goaltenders earn points for wins, saves, shutouts, and goals against average (GAA). Wins are typically the most heavily weighted category for goaltenders, but saves and shutouts can also contribute significantly to a goalie's fantasy score.
Default scoring system on Yahoo Sports Fantasy Hockey:
Skaters:
- Goals: 6
- Assists: 4
- Plus-Minus: 2
- Power Play Points: 2
- Shots on Goal: 0.9
- Blocked Shots: 1
Goalies:
- Wins: 5
- Goals Against: -3
- Saves: 0.6
- Shutouts: 5
Understanding how each scoring category contributes to your team's overall performance is essential for fantasy hockey success. By strategically drafting players who excel in key categories and staying active on the waiver wire throughout the season, you can position yourself to claim your league's fantasy hockey trophy.
In conclusion, fantasy hockey scoring may seem daunting at first, but with a solid understanding of the scoring system and some strategic planning, you can build a championship-caliber team. So, study up, draft wisely, and may end up winning your league's hockey trophy!