Forecaster of fantasy hockey – April 18 to 24

The penultimate week is upon us and I feel it’s a good idea to modify the format of my forecaster this week in order to get as much information out as possible. This schedule is short and will make it difficult to see the full impact of each roster move that you make as you close your fantasy hockey campaign.

Let’s take a look at each team and their remaining games. Which players are likely to be strong in the final game? This will help you use your advantage.

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Anaheim Ducks (6 games left – Jackets Kings Kings Kings Kings Blues Sharks Sharks Sharks Stars): The Ducks schedule will be split into one game this week as well as three next week. Two are in the final week. Adam HenriqueAnd Troy TerryBoth have paired up extremely well in recent weeks. They both can be played next week as part of the three-game schedule. Since Ryan GetzlafIf he has been their linemate recently, you might also consider using him for deeper leagues. Maybe the Ducks captain will give us a strong finish in the last six games of his career.

Arizona Coyotes Eight games remaining – Flames Canes Hawks Caps Blues Wild Wild Stars Preds. Even though there are four games in a week, I don’t see much value. It doesn’t seem like it Jakob ChychrunWill make a comeback this season and without Clayton KellerNo one is doing more than you to be an offensive catalyst.

Boston Bruins (8 games remaining – Pens Blues Pens Pens Rangers Habs Panthers Sabres Leafs Rangers Pens Blues Pens Pens Rangers Pens Pens Blues Pens Rangers Pens Rangers Pens Pens Pens Pens Rangers Pens Pens Pens Pens Pens Rangers Pens Pens Pens Pens Pens Pens Pens Rangers Pens Pens Pens Pens Pens Pens Pens Rangers Pen Pens Pens Pens Pens Sabres, Sabres Sabres Sabres, Sabres, Sabres, Sabres Uncertain status of David PastrnakHe continues to lose time and has no plan for his return. Jesper Frodenhe was replaced on the second line by Taylor HallAnd Erik Haula. Super-deep leagues might find value if Pastrnak is not available for all four games next Wednesday.

Buffalo Sabres Six games remaining – Flyers and Flyers, Devils. Isles, Bruins, Hawks. This is about as good as an offense can get with a six-game schedule. Keep on going Jeff SkinnerAnd Tage ThompsonIt is worth considering if it makes sense in your league. However, this will depend on whether your team requires per-game statistics or more counting stats. Teams with nine games left will have players with lower per game totals. The Sabres schedule has two games this week and next week. They won’t be a good source of head to head formats.

Calgary Flames There are eight games left (Coyotes Hawks Preds Stars Canucks Preds Wild Jets): This is a small area with few Flames that have fantasy value. It is perhaps not surprising that Andrew MangiapaneThe top unit is getting some power play looks. The Flames are nearing a dangerous place in the standings. They can’t catch both the Avs and the Oilers for best record. It’s possible that the team can rest some stars with a relaxed lineup in the final week.

Carolina Hurricanes (Seven games left – Avs. Coyotes. Jets. Devils. Isles. Rangers. Devils. Devils. Devils. Devils. Devils. Devils. Devils. Devils. Devils. Jordan StaalLately, has been really into fantasy production. His line is with Nino NiederreiterAnd Jesper FastHe is dominating five-on-five opponents (second in the league for goals percentage lines with at least 400 minute each). The schedule is as follows: Frederik AndersenMight be the best fantasy finish of all goaltenders.

Chicago Blackhawks (8 games left – Preds. Flames. Coyotes. Kings. Sharks. Flyers. Knights. Sabres). The Blackhawks have just finished the season. However, the defense keeps putting up stellar numbers and blocking shots fantasy numbers. Calvin de HaanAnd Jake McCabeKeep your options open and consistent for your blue line, especially when you have a week of four games.

Colorado Avalanche Eight games remaining – Canes (Caps), Kraken, Oil (Blues), Preds (Wild): The Avs can’t rest on their laurels unless the Panthers fail (highly unlikely), because the President’s Trophy, which is still an effective end-game strategy for home-ice, will be needed. The goaltender rotation is complete. Darcy KuemperDo it twice. Pavel FrancouzThey might even keep playing the game. Francouz is the only one who has managed to get more than one fantasy start per week. Both Francouz and I have been fantastic for fantasy. It doesn’t seem like something we will see more of. Nazem KadriThis is his regular season, but it’s worth keeping him in the meantime just in case.

Columbus Blue Jackets Eight games remaining – Kings and Ducks, Sharks and Sens, Oil Bolts, Pens). Three more points from the Capitals will end any hope for the Jackets to reach the postseason. The story should end soon. Somehow, the combination Patrik Laine, Jack RoslovicAnd Gustav NyquistDespite being the Jackets’ most successful combination in goals per minute, it has been very rarely used this season. These two are finally getting together and the results have been excellent. Roslovic is a potential option for your group.

Dallas Stars Eight games remaining – Sharks and Canucks, Oil, Flames (Knights, Knights, Coyotes and Ducks),: The Stars will fight it out for a playoff spot. The Stars will also play half of their remaining games against teams that are out of contention. However, the roster is healthy so there’s no room for any fantasy plays. Scott Wedgewood(decent fantasy stats from trade) will be in crease

Detroit Red Wings There are eight games left: Rangers, Panthers Bolts Bolts Panthers, Bolts Panthers, Bolts Panthers, Pens Devils Leafs, Devils. I don’t know if there is much left of the Red Wings fantasy perspective. You’re just the beginning Dylan LarkinAnd Moritz SeiderAny league, any team. Tyler BertuzziAnd Jakub VranaIn deeper ones. That’s it. This is a tough competition, and Alex Nedeljkovic’s recent defeat to his old club is an aside. I expect more negative results than good.

Edmonton Oilers (seven games left – Knights, Stars, Avs, Jackets, Pens, Sharks, Canucks): Mike SmithIs creating some separation Mikko KoskinenSmith will be seen again as the Oilers continue to hunt the Flames and fight off other clubs lower than them in the standings. Only the last two games of the season will be back-to-back. Also, don’t forget Cody CeciHe continues to average more than 2.0 fantasy point per game, largely due to blocked shots and hits.

Florida Panthers (9 games remaining – Jets and Wings; Isles, Wings; Wings, Leafs. Bolts. Bruins. Sens. Habs): This is the main source of point shots. Aaron Ekblad out, Gustav ForslingIn the last seven games, he has had more goals than any other Panther. As the Panthers have a busy schedule, Ekblad does not appear to be making an immediate return before the playoffs. It won’t take the Panthers long to get off the gas. They will face the Sens and Habs in the final two games of the season. But, they must still push to beat the Avs for the Stanley Cup Final.

Los Angeles Kings (Six games left – Jackets, Ducks Hawks Ducks Ducks, Ducks Kraken, Canucks). Although six of the remaining games don’t contain any team in the playoff picture, that’s still six games. The Kings are the most likely team to be eliminated from the playoffs. However, it’s possible that the postseason will come down to the wire. If I use anyone unexpected, it’s Phillip DanaultAs his line with Trevor MooreAnd Viktor ArvidssonThe Kings lead in goals per sixty minutes easily, and Danault has scored at least once in each of the last 14 games.

Minnesota Wild (9 games remaining – Blues Sharks Sharks Habs Canucks Kraken Preds Coytes Flames Flames Avs): There is a four-game week with three teams that are not in the playoff picture. This is the current straight rotation. Cam TalbotYou will receive the Habs & Kraken while Marc-Andre FleuryWould get the Canucks or Preds. Talbot is the more optimistic, considering the matchups. However, both are still involved in fantasy conversation. Matt BoldyHe didn’t miss any beat after his injury.

Montreal Canadiens Eight games remaining – Isles Caps, Wilds, Flyers Sens, Bruins Rangers, Panthers, Sens, Flyers, Flyers, Flyers, Flyers, Sens and Flyers, Wilds, Flyers. Carey PriceThe season will be over. I’ll tell ya what: If he’s sharp against the Islanders, I’m willing to take a chance. Based on his back-to-back sets, he could be playing five more games Friday. While I wouldn’t suggest activating him and making him start Friday, if you are in need of goaltending and have the ability to tuck him onto your bench, then do so.

Nashville Predators There are eight games left – Hawks Blues Flames Bolts Wild Flames Avs Coyotes. Juuse SarosIt was more than usual. The Predators are still very much in the playoff hunt and have an extremely difficult schedule. They may be the ones that allow the Golden Knights into the playoffs.

New Jersey Devils (eight games left – Kraken, Knights, Sabres, Canes, Wings, Sens, Canes, Wings): Nico Hischieris doing his best and actually keeping Yegor SharangovichAnd himself floating as fantasy options, but without Jack HughesThere is no end to the fantasy conversation. Fabian ZetterlundHischier, Sharangovich and others have made a lot of noise since his debut. But I’m not counting on this success to continue in my fantasy season.

New York Islanders (9 games remaining – Habs Leafs, Panthers Rangers, Sabres Canes Caps Bolts), The Islanders are just two wins away from elimination. If they don’t win the Leafs and Habs this weekend, they will be almost eliminated. It would be exciting if the Islanders had back-toback games against Capitals, but that’s unlikely. It seems that everyone is but fantasy-wise. Jean-Gabriel PageauIt has cooled down of late.

New York Rangers (seven games left – Wings, Jets, Isles, Bruins, Canes, Habs, Caps): Kaapo KakkoAlthough he is not among the top six, he did score two goals in his first game back. Take what you want, but I’m not interested in a role as a scoring-line player.

Ottawa Senators (Eight games left – Leafs Krakens Canucks Jackets Jackets Habs Devils Panthers Flyers, Jackets) Tim StutzleHas joined Josh Norris, Brady TkachukAnd Drake BathersonThe Sens offense has a new list of must-starts. They are now combining them into two lines instead of one. Next week will see four games against other non-playoff squads. Be sure to be prepared.

Philadelphia Flyers (Eight games remaining – Sabres and Sabres Leafs, Habs Pens Hawks Jets, Sens),: There is not much to see, but the schedule is lighter than other non-playoff teams. Bobby BrinkAlthough he is getting an adequate amount of ice-time that he could make some noises, he hasn’t been able to do so through two games. Perhaps this set against Sabres is what makes it happen.

Pittsburgh Penguins (six games left – Bruins, Bruins, Wings, Flyers, Oil, Jackets): With Evgeni MalkinFor two more games, the suspension was extended Rickard RakellIt has been a great experience playing with Sidney CrosbyAnd Jake Guentzel. He could stay there for up to four more games, so it’s worth adding him to your lineup.

San Jose Sharks Nine games remain – Stars Wilde, Jackets Wilde, Blues Hawks Knights Ducks Oil Kraken, Knights Knights Hawks Knights Knights Hawks Knights Knights Ducks Knights Hawks Knights Hawks Knights Hawks Knights Hawks Knights Hawks Knights Ducks Knights Hawks Knights Hawks Knights Hawks Knights Hawks Knights and Knights. Jacob MiddletonJacob Megna, Erik Karlsson’s defense partnership, is part of the fantasy conversation. His peripheral stats have helped him score 2.0 fantasy points per match over the last seven games.

Seattle Kraken (9 games remaining – Devils and Sens), Avs. Wild, Stars Canucks Kings Sharks, Jets, Jets): Yes, if he continues to get 17-plus minutes of ice-time on the top line, and the top power play, then yes. Matty BeniersIt’s worth rostering for the remaining nine games.

St. Louis Blues Eight games remaining – Wilds, Preds and Bruins, Sharks. Coyotes. Ducks. Avs. Knights): The Blues are playing one less game as they battle the Wild for home-ice advantage. This will be the first series between the two teams to begin the playoffs. The best line in hockey could make up for the one game less. Vladimir Tarasenko, Robert ThomasAnd Pavel BuchnevichAre on fire. Thomas has been underutilized for many weeks. But it’s better later than never to add him to the 60 percent leagues (yep actually). Torey KrugHe is also healthy and back on point for the power play. You should have him back in your lineup.

Tampa Bay Lightning Eight games remaining – Jets Wings, Leafs Preds Panthers Jackets Jackets Isles: I don’t know, but I would be too tired if I hadn’t already spent almost 19,000 minutes on the crease in 2016-17, second only to Connor HellebuyckHowever, he played an additional 4,332 minutes in the playoffs. He is now leading all goaltenders. Hellebuyck is easily ahead for most minutes. This doesn’t excuse the disappointing season that we are seeing. Andrei VasilevskiyIt is, however, why it is so important to be on top of your goaltending regardless of who you are playing with.

Toronto Maple Leafs (8 games remaining – Sens. Isles. Flyers. Bolts. Bolts. Panthers. Caps. Wings. Bruins. William NylanderA shift to a third scoring score line was well received by the team. Ilya MikheyevIt seems that he is benefiting from his position on John Tavares’ wing. Although the Leafs will struggle to catch the Panthers, they will be caught by the Lightning who will try to take home ice.

Vancouver Canucks (Seven games remaining – Stars, Sens Wild, Flames. Kraken, Kings. Oil) The Canucks are still far from the playoffs but they seem to be on a roll. They have seven games on Mondays or later so it is possible to adjust and add players. Alex ChiassonHe’s in a good place, and he occasionally pops up as a fantasy character depending on his current job. He’s flying J.T. MillerGetting looks at the Canucks power play.

Vegas Golden Knights (7 games remaining – Oil and Sharks, Sharks Caps, Sharks Caps, Sharks Stars Hawks Blues): The Knights find themselves in a difficult spot as they try to figure out what to do at the crease. As they attempt to make it into the playoffs, they can’t afford losses. But Robin LehnerWhile upstart has looked great, she is not in peak condition. Logan ThompsonHe shines at every opportunity. Thompson is a great choice for fantasy creases. In fantasy as well as in the NHL, it is not uncommon to need desperate measures.

Washington Capitals Eight games remain – Habs and Avs Knights, Knights. Knights. Knights. Leafs. Isles. Isles. Rangers. Radko Gudas the last. Tanner JeannotHave thrown more body checks that Martin FehervaryIn the past 15 days, the Capitals defenseman managed 2.3 fantasy point per game. It seems that this is the case with John CarlsonAfter analyzing last season’s form, his defence partner has also increased the fantasy pace.

Winnipeg Jets (eight games remaining – Panthers Bolts Rangers Canes Canes Avs Flyers Flames Kraken): As if their playoff chances weren’t already slim, without taking into consideration the schedule, the opponents in play really push them to the brink of zero. Jets currently are without Mark ScheifeleTheir road trip. Although you can still use some assets for the stretch, I’m not as excited about the other periphery options offered by the team such as Paul Stastny.

Fantasy Forecaster: April 18-24

All teams, except the Buffalo Sabres, have at least three games in the penultimate week.