Coming into the Fantasy Hockey playoffs, adding or dropping players can be a difficult task due to many contending teams not having space on their roster, or owning too many valuable performers. However, sometimes managers are better off picking up players on hot streaks rather than sticking with those who have been somewhat quiet since the Four Nations Face-Off break. Managers often prioritize those who accumulate goals and assists, as well as power play points, but for those who compete in leagues with hits and face-offs, there are certain players worth picking up going forward that target multiple categories on a weekly basis. In addition, picking up those who play three to four times a week is crucial to find success in the playoffs, and the players listed below should give managers extra games going forward.
Forward Pickups for the Fantasy Hockey Playoffs
Ryan McLeod – Buffalo Sabres
Ryan McLeod has quietly been one of the NHL’s best centermen over the month of March. The 25-year-old has 15 points in his last 15 games, which is largely due to Dylan Cozens being traded to the Ottawa Senators last month, as McLeod has found himself the most success playing second-line center. He’s also been red hot when it comes to face-offs, winning 129 draws in March and averaging close to 10 per game. Although he’s struggled to accumulate power-play points, McLeod continues to be featured on the Sabres’ second unit, and will likely stay there for the rest of the season. Most importantly, Buffalo plays seven games over the next two weeks, leaving McLeod to be an underrated option to go with for those looking to improve their numbers on the face-off dot, and increase their point production.
Sean Monahan – Columbus Blue Jackets
Sean Monahan just returned to the Columbus Blue Jackets lineup after being out of action with a wrist issue since last January. However, since returning to the ice, Monahan has already started to prove his fantasy worth. In three games, the 30-year-old has already accumulated three assists and posted a 20 face-off outing this past Friday. Monahan is one of the league’s best when it comes to winning draws, as he’s close to reaching 500 on the year despite being injured for nearly three months. Crucially, Monahan plays on the Blue Jackets’ first line and power play unit, and has already clocked in over 18 minutes a night each game that he’s played since coming back. In addition, Columbus plays four games this upcoming week, with a back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday for managers looking to prepare for the weekend. Overall, Monahan is similar to McLeod, but will likely play more minutes and gather more power-play points along the way.
Kiefer Sherwood – Vancouver Canucks
If Kiefer Sherwood is still unowned in your Fantasy Hockey league, it would be a mistake not to pick him up for the remainder of the playoffs. For those who play with hits as a category, there is no better player to roster than Sherwood, who just broke the all-time NHL record for most hits in a single season. Along with having 414 hits, The 29-year-old has had a breakout season playing for the Canucks. He’s quickly approaching 17 goals on the year and is nearing 40 points, while also being a forward who often elects to shoot the puck. Sherwood has become the Swiss army knife of fantasy hockey, turning into a productive player who can be utilized in many categories, and he isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. In March, Sherwood has 12 points and has posted almost 100 hits. For managers looking for more offensive output and someone who is physical on a game-to-game basis, Sherwood is the perfect player to pick up down the stretch.
It’s difficult for managers not to get married to certain players who they’ve had rostered all year long, but in the playoffs, sometimes riding with the hot hand is the best option to move forward with. McLeod, Monahan, and Sherwood are looking to finish off the year strong and provide value in several areas of the ice, where some forwards still remain one-dimensional. Especially with many leagues about to enter semi-finals or compete for the grand prize this upcoming week, picking up the right players can be the main contributor to championship success.
