The regular season in fantasy hockey is winding down and the playoff race is on. With only a few weeks left, one streamer could make a huge difference. Some players get passed over and certain players who are greatly improved recently haven’t been taken advantage of yet. So let’s look at three of the top forward streams for Week 20.
Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire: Forwards to Consider for Week 20
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are not good and it’s evident that the team either needs to break it down or add pieces in order to surround their veteran stars. It seems more likely the latter will happen, but not this season. Regardless, whichever linemates Evgeni Malkin plays with, he elevates. This has especially been the case since he has returned from missing some time.
Malkin has three goals and seven points in six games since getting back in the lineup. He also regularly takes penalties and adds shots, hits, and blocked shots to the mix. The center has 41 points in 53 games this season, but with the big performances since returning to the lineup, he is worth streaming right now. The Penguins play the Colorado Avalanche, Vegas Golden Knights, and Minnesota Wild, three teams who I anticipate adding more. Right now, I think Malkin can take advantage of the matchups against him.
Patrik Laine, Montreal Canadiens
Patrik Laine has been a great addition to the Montreal Canadiens this season, even if he did go cold not too long ago. That is what is expected of a player like him. When he’s hot, he’s scorching, but when he’s cold, he’s invisible. At this time, he is hot with two goals and six points in his last four games. To make things more attractive, four of those points have come on the power play which usually funnels to Laine on the left circle for shots.
Laine is on the second line and first power-play unit, so he gets ample opportunities offensively. His hot stretches usually last much longer than just four games, so this is the perfect time to add him, especially against the Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending and then against the Calgary Flames this weekend. Laine has 14 goals and 24 points in 32 games, and if you happen to want to hold onto him for a little longer, the Canadiens have a back-to-back early next week as well.
Ryan Donato, Chicago Blackhawks
Ryan Donato’s tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks is all but over with the trade deadline coming this week. There are a lot of teams interested and he has gone above and beyond for the Blackhawks this season with 21 goals and 43 points in 58 games. 18 of his goals have also come at even strength. His role is likely to be bigger on the Blackhawks than any team he is traded to, but that doesn’t mean he is going to produce less as he’s scored everywhere he’s played this season on one of the worst teams.
Moving to a team that has better depth and strong linemates for him could just as easily be very good for him in fantasy. It might even ignite a fire under him to compete harder despite teams already recognizing his high compete level. Donato has two goals and six points in his last four games and six goals and 14 points in his last nine games. He produces on the power play, shoots, and hits. The Blackhawks play the Ottawa Senators, Utah Hockey Club, and Nashville Predators, but as the last two games are on Friday and Saturday, they are placeholders for two possible games Donato will play for his new team.
Related: Week 20 Fantasy Hockey Goalie Streams
There are going to be some sneaky additions depending on how the trade deadline plays out this week. Keep an eye out for that as well. But for right now, these players should do you well in fantasy hockey. Be sure to come back next week for some more of the best choices and the aftermath of the trade deadline.
