If you’re new to fantasy hockey, understanding the scoring settings is essential to building a competitive team. Yahoo Fantasy Hockey, one of the most popular platforms, uses a set of default scoring settings that impact how your players earn points. This guide will break down these settings and help you identify the types of players who are most valuable under this system.
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Understanding Fantasy Hockey Scoring Categories
In Yahoo Fantasy Hockey, the default scoring system is typically based on Head-to-Head (H2H) leagues, where teams compete against each other in various statistical categories each week. The categories are divided into two main groups: Skater Stats and Goalie Stats.
Skater Stats
Goals (G)
Every time a player scores a goal, your team earns a point in this category. This includes even-strength, power-play, and shorthanded goals.
Assists (A)
An assist is awarded to a player or two players who help set up a goal. Primary and secondary assists count, so players who frequently set up scoring opportunities are valuable here.
Plus/Minus (+/-)
This stat reflects the difference between a player’s goals for and goals against while they are on the ice at even strength or shorthanded. A positive plus/minus means the player is often on the ice when goals are scored, while a negative plus/minus can hurt your team.
Penalty Minutes (PIM)
While racking up penalty minutes might seem like a bad thing in real hockey, in fantasy, they contribute to your team’s total in this category. Enforcers and physical players tend to excel here.
Power-Play Points (PPP)
Power-play points include goals and assists that occur while a team has a man advantage. Players who see significant time on the power play are key contributors in this category.
Shots on Goal (SOG)
Every time a player takes a shot that is either saved by the goalie or results in a goal, your team earns a point in this category. High-volume shooters are especially valuable.
Hits (HIT)
Hits are recorded when a player uses their body to separate an opponent from the puck. Physical players who play a heavy game typically excel here.
Blocks (BLK)
Blocks are credited to players who stop an opponent’s shot attempt from reaching the net. Defensemen often lead in this category.
Goalie Stats
Wins (W)
Your goalie earns a point in this category every time their team wins a game, regardless of whether the win comes in regulation, overtime, or a shootout.
Goals Against Average (GAA)
This stat represents the average number of goals allowed by your goalie per game. A lower GAA is better, as it indicates your goalie is more effective at preventing goals.
Save Percentage (SV%)
Save percentage measures the ratio of shots saved by your goalie compared to the total shots faced. A higher save percentage means your goalie stops a higher percentage of shots.
Shutouts (SHO)
If your goalie does not allow any goals in a game, they earn a shutout. This is a rare but valuable stat that can swing a matchup in your favor.
Key Player Types
Understanding which players excel in these categories will help you draft and manage your team effectively.
Goal-Scorers
Players like Auston Matthews or David Pastrnak are highly valuable due to their ability to score goals in bunches, contributing to both the Goals and Shots on Goal categories.
Playmakers
Connor McDavid and Artemi Panarin are examples of elite playmakers who rack up assists and often contribute to power-play points.
Power-Play Specialists
Players like Nikita Kucherov or Nathan MacKinnon spend significant time on the power play and are known for their ability to generate power-play points.
Two-Way Players
These players, such as Gustav Forsling, are strong in both offensive and defensive situations, often leading to positive plus/minus ratings while also contributing to goals, assists, and hits.
Enforcers/Physical Players
Players who accumulate high PIMs and Hits, like Brady Tkachuk and Tom Wilson, might not contribute much in terms of goals or assists, but they can dominate these peripheral categories.
Shot Blockers
Defensemen like Colton Parayko or Moritz Seider are invaluable for their shot-blocking abilities, often leading their teams in Blocks.
Elite Goaltenders
Top-tier goalies like Thatcher Demko or Connor Hellebuyck are essential for their ability to consistently win games, maintain low GAAs, and post high save percentages, with the occasional shutout adding extra value.
In fantasy hockey, understanding the scoring settings is crucial to building a well-rounded team. By focusing on players who excel in the key categories, you can maximize your chances of winning each weekly matchup. Remember, a balanced approach—where you target goal-scorers, playmakers, physical players, and elite goaltenders—will give you the best shot at success in your fantasy hockey league.