Fantasy Hockey: 5 players to watch this week

Now that the NHL schedule has passed the quarter-pole, it's likely that many of the hidden gems in your fantasy hockey pool have been plucked from free agency. But even as we head into week eight, there are several viable and potentially valuable options still waiting to be scooped up.

First, it should be noted that Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward was activated off injured reserve on Nov. 18. He has made three starts in his return, and sparkled on Sunday in a 4-1 over the Ottawa Senators, including this acrobatic stick save. 

Owned in only 69% of Yahoo Leagues, Ward and the Hurricanes play two games this week, both against the New Jersey Devils and their 27th ranked offense, so it's definitely worth exploring if he's available in your league.

Scoring Leaders

Here are five players to watch this week.

David Perron (EDM): 8 goals, 10 assists, -2, 80 SOG

Owned in 46% of Yahoo Leagues

Currently on a three-game point scoring streak, Perron scored four goals and two assists last week, including three power-play points and 19 shots on goal. 

At 25 years of age, he's considered one of the elder statesmen among the Oilers' young forward core, and sits second in team scoring with 18 points. 

Various injuries have hampered his production in recent years, but Perron is on pace to set career highs in goals and assists, and is being utilized in Edmonton's five-forward power-play scheme.

Dustin Penner (ANH): 6 goals, 11 assists, +18, 43 SOG

Owned in 33% of Yahoo Leagues

Dustin Penner has found a home on a line with 2007 running mates Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, and is making the Anaheim Ducks and fantasy owners who jumped on him early very happy in the process.

Penner scored two goals in the Ducks' last game in Phoenix, and has also displayed a play-making touch this season as well.

Don't sleep on Penner, or your fantasy season may flatten like a pancake.

Clarke MacArthur (OTT): 6 goals, 11 assists, +12, 51 SOG

Owned in 31% of Yahoo Leagues

After making the move East from Toronto to Ottawa, MacArthur has developed nice chemistry with Senators centre Kyle Turris, as evidenced on this highlight of the year candidate from Nov. 20.

[Courtesy Fox Sports]

MacArthur has also scored three goals in his last four games, and in on pace to match the 21 goals and 41 assists (both career highs) he registered in 2010-11.

Eric Gelinas (NJD): 2 goals, 6 assists, even, 33 SOG

Owned in 4% of Yahoo Leagues

For those looking for defensive help in deeper leagues, look no further than Eric Gelinas. 

The 22-year old led the AHL's Albany Devils in defensive scoring over the past two seasons (55 and 46 points respectively), and has slowly but surely been receiving high-pairing / power-play minutes in New Jersey.

Based on Yahoo average rankings, Gelinas sits 14th overall among all available defenseman, and fourth in terms of average power-play points (0.5 PPG per game). 

Gelinas has recorded three points in the Devils' past four games, all on the power-play.

Ben Scrivens (LAK): 5 wins, 1.37 GAA, .946 Sv%, 3 shutouts

Owned in 61% of Yahoo Leagues

With Jonathan Quick on the shelf with a groin injury, Ben Scrivens is proving to be a viable starting option for fantasy owners. Since taking over the starting gig on Nov. 12, Scrivens has posted a record of 4-0-1 with two shutouts, and has not allowed more than two goals in a game. 

The Kings are one of the best teams in the NHL and roll out a system that should allow for continued success for Scrivens in Quick's absence. Head to the FA list to see of he's available before it's too late.

Top 5 Adds on Yahoo:

1. Frederik Andersen (ANH) - 3430

2. Clarke MacArthur (OTT) - 2077

3. Matt Read (PHI) - 1380

4. David Perron (EDM) - 1357

5. Steve Downie (PHI) - 1313

Top 5 Drops on Yahoo:

1. Viktor Fasth (ANH) - 1928

2. Marc-Edouard Vlasic (SJS) - 1350

3. Francois Beauchemin (ANH) - 1281

4. Brandon Dubinsky (CBJ) - 1225

5. Patric Hornqvist (NSH) - 1004