Welcome to the ultimate guide to understanding “PIM” in fantasy hockey. If you are new to the game, you may be wondering what PIM means and how it impacts your team’s performance. PIM stands for penalty minutes, which are assessed to a player for breaking the rules of the game. While PIMs are often seen as a negative statistic, they can also be used to gain an edge in certain categories.
In this guide, we will dive into what PIMs are, why they are important, and how they are calculated in fantasy hockey. You will also learn what a good PIM average is and how you can increase your team’s PIMs to gain an advantage over your opponents. We will even take a look at some of the top PIM players in fantasy hockey and what makes them so valuable to their teams.
Whether you are a seasoned fantasy hockey veteran or just starting out, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to master the art of PIMs in fantasy hockey. So, grab a drink, sit back, and get ready to take your game to the next level!
Table of Contents
What are PIM in Fantasy Hockey?
PIM is a stat category in Fantasy Hockey that stands for Penalty Minutes. Whenever a player commits an infraction on the ice, such as tripping, hooking or roughing, he is sent to the penalty box for a certain amount of time. The time spent in the penalty box is counted as Penalty Minutes, and the more Penalty Minutes a player has, the higher his PIM score will be.
While PIM might seem like a negative statistic, it can actually be quite valuable in Fantasy Hockey. This is because players who accumulate a lot of Penalty Minutes often play a physical, aggressive style of hockey. They can contribute to your team’s overall toughness and intimidate opponents. In addition, PIM can be a tiebreaker in head-to-head matchups.
Enforcers are players who are known for their ability to rack up Penalty Minutes. They are often tough, physical players who will not hesitate to drop the gloves and fight to defend their teammates. While enforcers may not score a lot of goals or assists, they can be valuable in Fantasy Hockey for their PIM contributions.
Minor penalties are infractions that result in a player being sent to the penalty box for two minutes. Examples of minor penalties include tripping, hooking, and interference. Major penalties, on the other hand, result in a player being sent to the box for five minutes and typically involve more serious infractions, such as fighting or boarding.
In summary, PIM is a valuable stat category in Fantasy Hockey that can help boost your team’s toughness and physicality. Enforcers are players who specialize in accumulating Penalty Minutes, and minor and major penalties are the two types of infractions that can lead to PIM.
Definition of PIM in Fantasy Hockey
PIM stands for Penalty Infraction Minutes and is a standard statistic in Fantasy Hockey. This statistic records the total number of minutes a player has spent in the penalty box for various infractions, such as fighting or tripping an opponent. In Fantasy Hockey, PIM can have a positive or negative impact on a player’s overall score depending on the league’s scoring system.
| Positive Impact | Negative Impact |
|---|---|
| For leagues that award points for penalty minutes, players with high PIM can be valuable assets on fantasy teams. | For leagues that penalize points for penalty minutes, players with high PIM can have a negative impact on fantasy teams. |
| Players who excel in other categories but also have high PIM can provide a unique edge in Fantasy Hockey. | Players with low PIM may be more attractive in leagues that penalize points for penalty minutes, but may not offer as much upside in other categories. |
For Fantasy Hockey players, it is essential to understand how PIM works, as it can significantly impact their team’s performance. When drafting players, it’s crucial to consider their PIM history and how it will affect their overall value to your team. Additionally, tracking PIM throughout the season can help make informed decisions about when to start or bench a player.
While PIM may seem like a minor statistic, it can have a significant impact on Fantasy Hockey teams‘ success. Whether you’re in a league that rewards or penalizes PIM, understanding how this stat works is crucial to making informed decisions and gaining an edge over your competition.
How PIM are accumulated in Fantasy Hockey
PIM are accumulated in various ways during the course of a fantasy hockey season. Here are a few examples:
- Fighting: A player receives 5 minutes of PIM for fighting in a game.
- Misconduct penalties: A player can receive 10 minutes of PIM for a misconduct penalty, which includes actions such as abuse of an official, obscene gestures, or language.
- Major penalties: A player can receive 5 minutes of PIM for a major penalty, which includes actions such as boarding, checking from behind, and cross-checking.
- Minor penalties: A player can receive 2 minutes of PIM for a minor penalty, which includes actions such as hooking, slashing, and tripping.
- Game misconduct penalties: A player can receive 10 minutes of PIM for a game misconduct penalty, which includes actions such as abuse of officials, attempt to injure, and leaving the bench during an altercation.
- Gross misconduct penalties: A player can receive 10 minutes of PIM for a gross misconduct penalty, which includes actions such as spearing, butt-ending, and head-butting.
It is important to note that players can accumulate PIM not only during games but also during practices, pre-season games, and playoffs. Additionally, PIM can be assessed to both skaters and goaltenders. Therefore, it is crucial to keep track of your team’s PIM throughout the entire fantasy hockey season.
Difference between Major and Minor Penalties in Fantasy Hockey
In Fantasy Hockey, there are two types of penalties that can lead to PIM: minor and major penalties.
Minor penalties typically result in two minutes of being shorthanded, while major penalties can result in five minutes of being shorthanded. Additionally, major penalties often carry a game misconduct or match penalty, which can result in a player being ejected from the game.
A player can receive a minor penalty for a variety of infractions, such as tripping, hooking, or holding. Meanwhile, major penalties are typically reserved for more serious offenses, such as fighting or charging.
It’s important to note that while major penalties result in more PIM, they can also have a greater impact on a player’s overall fantasy value, as they can result in more time in the penalty box and potentially missed games due to suspension.
Why are PIM important in Fantasy Hockey?
Penalty minutes add a new dimension to Fantasy Hockey: Penalty minutes are a unique category that provides an added dimension to Fantasy Hockey. Including PIMs in your league settings will make the game more interesting and increase the challenge for fantasy managers.
PIMs affect game strategy: In addition to being an interesting stat, PIMs can have a real impact on game strategy. For example, some players may be known for taking a lot of penalties, which can affect how the opposing team plays against them. This can lead to tactical advantages for fantasy managers who can predict these trends.
PIMs can provide a boost to your fantasy team: Because PIMs are often overlooked by fantasy managers, they can be an opportunity to gain an edge in your league. Some players who rack up a lot of penalty minutes can also contribute in other categories such as goals or assists, making them a valuable asset to your team.
PIMs make the game more realistic: Including PIMs in your Fantasy Hockey league settings can make the game more realistic. In real-life hockey, penalty minutes are a critical part of the game and can have a significant impact on the outcome. By including PIMs, you are adding a more realistic element to your fantasy league.
PIM’s impact on Fantasy Hockey Scoring
Fantasy Hockey Penalty Minutes (PIM) impacts various scoring categories in a league. The primary category it impacts is the PIM category, which directly adds points to the team’s total. In many leagues, PIM is also factored into the plus/minus category, which determines a player’s overall effectiveness on the ice. For example, if a player takes a penalty and the opposing team scores a power-play goal, that player will receive a minus-one in the plus/minus category.
PIM can also affect other scoring categories indirectly. For example, PIM can cause a player to miss valuable ice time, which may decrease their chances of scoring goals, earning assists, or accruing other statistics. Additionally, PIM can affect a player’s role on the team, and a player who accumulates too many PIM may find themselves benched or traded to another team.
Finally, PIM can have a psychological impact on a team’s performance. Players who accumulate PIM can get frustrated or angry, leading to more penalties or mistakes on the ice. Conversely, players who avoid PIM may become more confident and focused, leading to better performance overall.
PIM’s impact on Fantasy Hockey Strategy
Knowing the impact of PIM in fantasy hockey can help you build a winning strategy. Here are some ways PIM can affect your strategy:
- Draft strategy: When drafting players, consider their average PIM from the previous season. If you’re in a league that values PIM highly, you may want to draft players who are known for taking penalties.
- Trade strategy: PIM can be a valuable bargaining chip in trades. If you have a surplus of players who accumulate PIM, you may be able to trade them for players who are strong in other categories.
- Weekly strategy: If you’re in a weekly league, pay attention to which teams have a heavy schedule in a given week. If a team has multiple games, you may want to consider adding a player who is likely to rack up PIM.
It’s important to remember that while PIM can be valuable in fantasy hockey, they are just one category. It’s always important to balance your roster and not focus solely on one statistic.
So, whether you’re looking to draft the perfect team or make a strategic trade, understanding the impact of PIM in fantasy hockey can give you the edge you need to win.
How are PIM calculated in Fantasy Hockey?
In fantasy hockey, PIM are calculated based on the total number of penalty minutes a player accumulates throughout a game, week, or season.
Each time a player is penalized for a minor or major infraction, their PIM count goes up accordingly.
The amount of time a player spends in the penalty box determines the number of PIM they receive. For example, a minor penalty results in two minutes of penalty time, while a major penalty results in five minutes.
In some fantasy hockey leagues, game misconducts and match penalties also contribute to a player’s PIM total.
It is important to note that PIM are a negative statistic in fantasy hockey, meaning that the more a player accumulates, the lower their overall score will be.
How to find PIM in Fantasy Hockey Stats
When looking for a player’s PIM stats in fantasy hockey, the easiest place to start is on the league’s official website or app.
Most fantasy hockey leagues will display the PIM stat under a player’s name along with other key stats such as goals, assists, and plus/minus.
You can also find PIM stats on various third-party fantasy hockey websites and apps that provide comprehensive player statistics and analysis.
It’s important to note that PIM stats may be listed differently depending on the fantasy league or website. Some may list PIM as a single category, while others may break it down further into minor penalties, major penalties, and misconducts.
Regardless of where you look for PIM stats, it’s important to keep track of this category in order to build a successful fantasy hockey team and compete for your league’s championship.
How PIM affect your Fantasy Hockey Team
Finesse vs. Aggressive Strategy: The impact of PIM on your fantasy hockey team depends on your team’s overall strategy. If you have a finesse team that relies on skill, then PIM may not be as crucial. However, if you have a more aggressive team, then PIM can be a valuable asset in accumulating points.
Potential Trade Value: Players with high PIM totals can have lower trade value in fantasy hockey, as many managers overlook their value. However, savvy managers can use this to their advantage by targeting these players at a lower cost and potentially reaping the rewards of their high PIM totals.
What is a good PIM average in Fantasy Hockey?
Fantasy Hockey is a game of statistics, and PIM is an essential category that can impact your team’s performance significantly. Knowing what a good PIM average is crucial for drafting players and building a competitive team.
Generally speaking, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to a good PIM average. It all depends on your league’s settings and your team’s overall strategy. However, as a rule of thumb, a good PIM average would be around 0.5-1 PIM per game. This range should help you accumulate enough PIM points without sacrificing other essential categories such as goals or assists.
It’s also important to note that some leagues might value PIM more than others, and some players might have a more significant impact on this category than others. For example, enforcers or players who have a reputation for fighting might have a higher PIM average than other players, and drafting them could help you gain an advantage in this category.
On the other hand, some leagues might penalize players more harshly for PIM, which could make it more challenging to maintain a high PIM average. In this case, you might want to focus on other categories or look for players who have a more well-rounded stat line.
In conclusion, a good PIM average is subjective and depends on various factors such as your league’s settings and your team’s overall strategy. However, aiming for a range of 0.5-1 PIM per game is a good starting point to accumulate enough PIM points without sacrificing other essential categories.
Typical PIM averages for Fantasy Hockey Teams
In Fantasy Hockey, the typical PIM average varies depending on the league and scoring system. In standard leagues, a good PIM average for a team is around 8-12 PIMs per week. However, in leagues that heavily value PIMs, teams may aim for a higher average of 15-20 PIMs per week.
It’s important to note that PIMs are not the only category in Fantasy Hockey and should not be the sole focus when drafting players. The ideal PIM average for a team ultimately depends on its overall strategy and the other categories it values.
How can you increase your team’s PIM in Fantasy Hockey?
Avoid players who have low PIM: In the draft, look for players who have a history of taking penalties. Avoid players who rarely go to the penalty box, as they are less likely to contribute to your team’s PIM.
Add enforcers to your roster: Enforcers are players who are known for their physical play and ability to fight. These players often have high PIM totals and can boost your team’s overall PIM.
Target teams with aggressive players: Look for teams that have a reputation for playing with an edge. These teams are more likely to take penalties, which can result in higher PIM totals for your fantasy team.
Take advantage of weekly matchups: Look at your weekly matchups and target teams that have weaker penalty kill units. This can give your team a better chance of drawing penalties and increasing your PIM total.
Stay active on the waiver wire: Keep an eye out for players who have been recently called up or are getting more ice time. These players may have an opportunity to contribute to your team’s PIM total.
Targeting PIM-heavy Fantasy Hockey Players
If you’re looking to boost your team’s PIM, one effective strategy is to target players who are known for racking up penalties. These players may not be the highest scorers, but their penalty minutes can make a big difference in your team’s overall PIM count.
When targeting PIM-heavy players, look for those who have a history of high penalty minutes over multiple seasons. Additionally, keep an eye on players who have a reputation for being “enforcers” or “agitators” on the ice, as they are more likely to get into confrontations and draw penalties.
Another strategy is to look for players who are playing against teams with high penalty kill rates. These teams may be more likely to take penalties, giving your players more opportunities to rack up PIM.
Strategies to increase your Fantasy Hockey Team’s PIM
To increase your team’s PIM in Fantasy Hockey, there are a few strategies you can employ:
- Draft PIM-heavy players: Look for players who are known for taking penalties. These players will accumulate PIMs more frequently, so drafting them will increase your team’s total PIM.
- Target teams with PIM-prone players: Look at which teams have players with high PIM totals and target those players in trades or on the waiver wire.
- Play physical: Encourage your players to be more aggressive and physical on the ice. This will lead to more penalty minutes, but also carries the risk of injuries or penalties that hurt your team’s performance.
It’s important to note that focusing too heavily on PIM can lead to neglecting other important stats in Fantasy Hockey, so balance is key. Nevertheless, by implementing these strategies, you can boost your team’s PIM and potentially gain an edge in your league.
Potential downsides of focusing on PIM in Fantasy Hockey
While having players with high PIM can be beneficial in Fantasy Hockey, there are potential downsides to focusing too much on this statistic.
- Penalties can hurt your team: Players with high PIM often spend more time in the penalty box, which can leave their team short-handed and more susceptible to giving up goals.
- Not all PIM are created equal: Some penalties, such as fighting majors, result in higher PIM totals but may not provide much value to your team in other categories.
- Players may lose ice time: If a player takes too many penalties, coaches may limit their ice time or even bench them, which can hurt their overall fantasy value.
- Overemphasizing PIM can lead to imbalanced teams: Focusing too heavily on PIM can cause you to overlook players who contribute more in other categories, such as points, shots, or plus/minus.
Ultimately, while having a few players with high PIM can be beneficial, it’s important to maintain balance and not overlook other important statistics when drafting or making roster decisions.
Who are the top PIM players in Fantasy Hockey?
Tom Wilson – Tom Wilson, a right-wing player for the Washington Capitals, is one of the top players in the league for Penalty Minutes (PIM). In the 2019-20 season, he had a total of 168 PIM.
Evander Kane – Evander Kane, a left-wing player for the San Jose Sharks, is another player who consistently racks up PIM. In the 2019-20 season, he had a total of 122 PIM.
Zack Kassian – Zack Kassian, a right-wing player for the Edmonton Oilers, is known for his physical play and aggressive style. In the 2019-20 season, he had a total of 69 PIM.
Nicolas Deslauriers – Nicolas Deslauriers, a left-wing player for the Anaheim Ducks, is another player who is known for his physicality and ability to draw penalties. In the 2019-20 season, he had a total of 95 PIM.
Kurtis Gabriel – Kurtis Gabriel, a right-wing player for the San Jose Sharks, is a newer player in the league but has already made a name for himself as a physical player. In the 2019-20 season, he had a total of 55 PIM.
Top Fantasy Hockey Players for Accumulating PIM
When it comes to Fantasy Hockey, some players are more likely to accumulate penalty minutes (PIM) than others. Here are some of the top players to target for PIM:
- Tom Wilson – The Washington Capitals winger is known for his physical play and can be relied upon for a high number of PIM.
- Evander Kane – The San Jose Sharks forward is another player who brings a physical presence to the ice and racks up PIM as a result.
- Zack Kassian – The Edmonton Oilers winger is a consistent producer of PIM and can also chip in offensively at times.
- Kurtis Gabriel – The Toronto Maple Leafs forward may not play as much as other players on this list, but he’s a reliable source of PIM when he does see the ice.
- Brendan Lemieux – The Los Angeles Kings forward has a reputation for being a tough player and can be counted on for a decent amount of PIM.
Keep in mind that players’ PIM totals can vary from season to season, and injuries or changes in their role on their team can also impact their ability to accumulate PIM. However, targeting these players can be a good starting point for building a Fantasy Hockey team that’s strong in the PIM category.