How-to guide
How to spot hot players for your hockey pool
In short
A hot player scores well above his usual pace over several games. Before you pick him or trade for him, check whether his ice time, power play role or line really changed. A rise backed by a bigger role usually lasts longer than a lucky streak.
Streaks get attention, but not all of them last. Here is how to tell a real rise from a lucky run, with the Hot and Slowing down lists of the Pooler’s Guide and WebPuck player pages, updated after every game.
Step by step
Compare form with his usual pace
Look at points per game over the last 5 to 10 games and compare them with his season and his projection. A clear gap over several games deserves a look, one big night does not.
Find the cause
More ice time, a spot on the first power play unit, a new line or a return from injury explain a real rise. Without a change of role, the streak often comes down to luck.
Look at the shots
A player who shoots more often than before creates his own chances. A player who scores on almost every shot is likely to slow down when the luck turns.
Check the schedule and health
A team with many games in the coming period gives more chances to score. Check the injuries too: a teammate’s return can cost a player his role.
Act according to your pool
If your pool lets you add players during the season, act fast. If it does not, form mostly helps you judge a trade. In a keeper pool, a young player earning a bigger role is worth more than a veteran’s streak.
Do not sell a slumping player too cheap
A good player going through a dry spell often keeps his value. Check his projection before trading him at a discount.
These steps work for every type of pool: points only, draft, salary cap, playoff, box, head-to-head or keeper. What changes is when you can act and how much each stat weighs in your scoring system.
Real rise or lucky streak?
| Clue | More likely a real rise | More likely a lucky streak |
|---|---|---|
| Ice time | Up for several games | Steady or down |
| Power play | New spot on the first unit | No change |
| Shots | More shots per game than before | Few shots, many goals |
| Line | Plays with better teammates | Same role as before |
| Length | Over 10 games or more | Over 2 or 3 games |
| Explanation | A clear reason, like a teammate’s injury | No visible reason |
Checklist
- His recent scoring is clearly above his season pace.
- The rise has lasted several games, not one.
- His ice time or power play role went up.
- He shoots more often than before.
- His team plays enough games in the coming period.
- No injury or rumor threatens his role.
- You know what you give up to get him.
Pages to check
Hot and cold playersAll playersGoalie rankingsNHL injuriesNHL newsNHL rumorsHow to run an NHL poolHow to pick goaliesResources for poolers
Frequently asked questions
What is a hot player in a hockey pool?
A player who scores well above his usual pace over the last few games, or who keeps getting points game after game. On WebPuck, the Hot list of the Pooler’s Guide shows them and follows each rebuild of the guide.
How many games should I look at?
Look at the last 5 games at least to see a trend, and the last 10 to confirm it. Always compare with the full season and the projection: a streak of 2 or 3 games says almost nothing.
Should I trade a hot player?
Sometimes. If his rise comes with no change of role, another pooler may pay more than his real value. If his role really grew, keep him.
Can a goalie be hot?
Yes. For a goalie, look at the save percentage and wins of his recent games, and above all whether he keeps his number one job. The Pooler’s Guide has a list of goalies on a roll.
Does this advice work for every type of pool?
Yes. Points only, draft, salary cap, playoff, box, head-to-head or keeper pools: a real rise is spotted the same way. Only when you can act and the weight of each stat change.