Welcome to Week 25 in fantasy hockey! We have finally reached April in the NHL, and the playoff picture is beginning to take form for the real-life league. However, in fantasy hockey, chances are good you have reached the playoffs (or the consolation bracket) portion of the year. As long as there are goalies to stream and matchups to win, I am here to help you out.
The playoffs are about capitalizing on the points/categories you have excelled in thus far while finding little nooks and crannies to pick up points here and there. Just as in the real thing, fantasy hockey wins don’t have to be pretty – they just have to happen.
Here are three suggestions that definitely fit into the “not pretty” group but can still get the job done and get you to Round 2.
3 Goalie Grabs for Week 25
Carter Hart (PHI): CLS, @CLS, ANH
Hart lands in the grab bag for this week specifically for his two matchups with Columbus, although the one against Anaheim looks enticing. In his previous game against the Blue Jackets, Hart saved 27 of 29 shots and took the hard-luck loss. Surprisingly, 50 percent of the 23-year-old’s games this season have been quality starts, with only five qualifying as really bad starts (RBS). I’m not suggesting you drop anyone for the Philly netminder, but if he’s on your waiver wire, he would be a good source of points at least twice this week.
Scott Wedgewood (DAL): NYI, TOR, NJ, @CHI
Well, Wedgewood has adjusted nicely to his change of environment. The former Coyote is enjoying the upgraded defense in front of him in Dallas. The Stars allow the eighth-fewest shots per game in the league, and he has collected two wins in two starts there. He and Jake Oettinger are splitting time, but he should still see two this week, and, aside from the Maple Leafs, they look like primo week 25 matchups to stream. Since January, the 29-year-old has had a winning record and appears to be heating up at the right time for his team and fantasy managers alike.
Nico Daws (NJ): NYR, MON, @DAL
I can make this one very simple: For daily leagues, feel free to stream the 21-year-old on Thursday against Montreal. Think of it as bonus points, and then dump him before he goes to Dallas on Friday. He faced the Canadiens at home on March 27, saving 31 of 33 goals and earning the win while looking dominant. That’s the only one I want him for, but I feel like it’s a perfect streaming opportunity for fantasy hockey managers.
Due to my aforementioned weekend Draftmageddon, I’m short on time to give you goalies to avoid. I’ll only say to stay away from significant risks unless you need a desperate play this weekend. And then, that desperate play should come from Ottawa. As always, good luck!