Who to start · 2025-26
Anders Lee vs Mathew Barzal
Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Mathew Barzal projects to 1.82 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Anders Lee's 1.47.
Lee had 42 points in 82 games; Barzal had 72 in 81 games.
This week Lee has 2 games left; Barzal has 1 left. We project Lee for 2.7 ESPN points to Barzal's 1.8.
Mathew Barzal has the better number in 24 of the 35 stats both are ranked on.
Lee's biggest edges: Faceoff win % 53.7%, Draw Equity /100 +0.040, Hits 91.
Barzal's biggest edges: 20+ mph bursts 313, Forecheck xG /60 0.36, Ice-time share 34.0%.
- • 2026-27 so far: 1 GP, 1 G, 0 A, 0 PPP, 4 SOG.
Fantasy value: your scoring
Anders Lee
1.37
fantasy points per game
Mathew Barzal
1.82
fantasy points per game
Under ESPN default points, Mathew Barzal has the edge.
| Points per game from | Lee | Barzal |
|---|---|---|
| Goals (+2) | 0.46 | 0.47 |
| Assists (+1) | 0.28 | 0.65 |
| Power-play points (+0.5) | 0.05 | 0.12 |
| Shorthanded points (+0.5) | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Shots on goal (+0.1) | 0.24 | 0.23 |
| Hits (+0.1) | 0.11 | 0.04 |
| Blocks (+0.5) | 0.23 | 0.31 |
Per-game rates from the selected sample; blended mixes last season with this season, weighting this season more as games are played. Categories are scored as z-scores against qualified players at the same position. Your custom weights are saved in this browser only.
Head-to-head: Lee vs Barzal
Every event between them in NHL play-by-play, 2017-18 to 2025-26: games against each other, faceoffs, shots on goal, hits and penalties. Regular season and playoffs.
Lee blocked 7 of Barzal's shots; Barzal blocked 4 of Lee's.
Goals each scored with the other picking up an assist (as teammates).
On the ice together
375:09 at 5-on-5 over 51 games, 2025-26
- Shot attempts
- 440–373
- 54.1%
- Expected goals
- 20.7–18.8
- 52.4%
- Goals
- 19–16
Every stat, side by side
Season values; bars are percentiles at each player's position (longer is better). Click a stat for its explainer.
Fantasy box score
Possession & shot quality (5-on-5 on-ice)
Transition, turnovers & faceoffs
Usage
Special teams & discipline
This week's schedule
Sep 28 to Oct 4. More games usually wins a weekly start/sit. Chips show how many fantasy points the opponent allows to the player's position (soft or tough), the Schedule Edge from rest and travel, and the likely opposing goalie with his save percentage. Projections use ESPN default points for the games left.
Anders Lee
3games (2 left)
2.7proj. ESPN pts (season rate)
- Thu, Oct 1 vs CHI
- Sat, Oct 3 @ CBJ1.4 pts
- Sun, Oct 4 @ NYRB2B1.4 pts
Mathew Barzal
2games (1 left)
1.8proj. ESPN pts (season rate)
- Wed, Sep 30 @ TOR
- Sat, Oct 3 vs NJD1.8 pts
Similar matchups
FAQ
- Should I start Anders Lee or Mathew Barzal in fantasy hockey?
- Blending 2025-26 with 2026-27 so far, Mathew Barzal projects to 1.82 fantasy points per game under ESPN default scoring to Anders Lee's 1.47. Lee had 42 points in 82 games; Barzal had 72 in 81 games. Check this week's games and your league's scoring in the fantasy panel above, since more games usually decide a weekly start.
- Who is better, Anders Lee or Mathew Barzal?
- On 2025-26 numbers, Mathew Barzal leads in 24 of 35 stats where both qualify, from scoring and power-play production to on-ice shot share and NHL EDGE tracking.
2025-26 regular season from NHL play-by-play, shift charts and NHL EDGE, processed by Edgehalla. Head-to-head covers every loaded season (play-by-play from 2019-20; on-ice matchups from 2025-26).Compare other players →