As the postseason approaches in the fantasy hockey realm, managers are quickly strategizing to secure their playoff positions. With only a few weeks left in most fantasy leagues, every day counts. Whether you’re at the top of the standings or struggling to make the cut, it’s crucial to maintain momentum rather than aiming for a modest fifth-place finish.
This week’s NHL schedule offers a more balanced lineup, with 11 games on the busiest nights and five on the lightest. Noteworthy teams include the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars, each playing four times. Particularly advantageous is the Detroit Red Wings’ schedule, featuring alternating matches from Monday to Sunday against teams like the Nashville Predators and New Jersey Devils. Key players like Dylan Larkin, Moritz Seider, and John Gibson could significantly boost your fantasy roster. Conversely, the Washington Capitals find themselves with only two games, which could limit their fantasy impact.
In line with the excitement of the upcoming playoff push, Friday marks the 3 p.m. ET trade deadline, a pivotal moment that could reshape team dynamics and player value across fantasy leagues. Keeping tabs on transactions and their implications could provide a competitive edge as the week unfolds. Notably, the Los Angeles Kings, undergoing a coaching change, will only play three times this week against the Avalanche, Islanders, and Canadiens. This creates hesitation for managers considering adding Kings players, although Quinton Byfield and Darcy Kuemper might be worth monitoring.
Weekly, fantasy enthusiasts should explore the waiver wire for under-rostered athletes poised to make an impact, along with promising streaming options for the immediate future.
In terms of forwards, Josh Norris of the Buffalo Sabres stands out as an attractive pick for his potential to score significantly when healthy. Evander Kane of the Vancouver Canucks is also on many radars as he faces potential trades, which could spark a performance increase. Meanwhile, Anthony Mantha of the Pittsburgh Penguins has been in fine form, contributing heavily in the absence of star player Sidney Crosby. Pavel Buchnevich of the St. Louis Blues is another option, showcasing a scoring streak following his return from injury.
On the defensive front, Brayden McNabb of the Vegas Golden Knights could excel due to his physical style of play against several lower-ranked teams. Additionally, Luke Hughes of the New Jersey Devils might benefit from increased power-play time if a trade involving Dougie Hamilton occurs.
In the net, Lukas Dostal of the Anaheim Ducks may be a strategic choice with his recent impressive record, while Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators has proven reliable since returning from injury, helping his team secure a playoff push.
As for short-term streaming candidates, Matt Duchene of the Dallas Stars, Taylor Hall of the Carolina Hurricanes, and Jakub Dobes of the Montreal Canadiens represent strong options based on their favorable upcoming matchups. The Stars’ schedule, in particular, positions them well to produce high fantasy scores in the coming week.
With the excitement building as teams gear up for playoffs, now is the time for fantasy managers to capitalize on favorable matchups and player performances to secure their place.