This article is part of our Left, Right & Center series.
March Madness isn't only reserved for college basketball. In many fantasy hockey leagues, playoffs have either arrived or loom on the horizon. And whether you're firmly in contention or in the heat of a close battle for one of the final berths, this is the time where panic could set in.
But never fear, because RotoWire is here. If you're looking for a broader outlook, check our cheat sheets to find the latest rankings. As for something more specific, this column provides forward essentials in an easy-to-follow format to prepare you for each week.
With that last point in mind, here are our latest recommendations up front:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Sebastian Aho, Carolina
The flashy Finn (not to be confused with the Finnish Flash) has built off a strong start (nine points in his first 14 NHL games) to become arguably the Canes' most exciting forward. Enough was expected from Aho coming into to the season, considering he's been playing pro hockey from the age of 16. Not only has he exceeded projections (20 goals, 18 assists) but remains a menace to opposing defenders with his speed and skill. Combine that with a spot on the top power play (11 points there), and Aho should finish the season on a high note.
Broken Wing: Jiri Hudler, Dallas
After a solid year split between Calgary and Florida (46 combined points), Hudler arrived in Dallas late last summer facing moderate expectations. His time in Texas began horribly, as
March Madness isn't only reserved for college basketball. In many fantasy hockey leagues, playoffs have either arrived or loom on the horizon. And whether you're firmly in contention or in the heat of a close battle for one of the final berths, this is the time where panic could set in.
But never fear, because RotoWire is here. If you're looking for a broader outlook, check our cheat sheets to find the latest rankings. As for something more specific, this column provides forward essentials in an easy-to-follow format to prepare you for each week.
With that last point in mind, here are our latest recommendations up front:
Left Wing
Two Steps Forward: Sebastian Aho, Carolina
The flashy Finn (not to be confused with the Finnish Flash) has built off a strong start (nine points in his first 14 NHL games) to become arguably the Canes' most exciting forward. Enough was expected from Aho coming into to the season, considering he's been playing pro hockey from the age of 16. Not only has he exceeded projections (20 goals, 18 assists) but remains a menace to opposing defenders with his speed and skill. Combine that with a spot on the top power play (11 points there), and Aho should finish the season on a high note.
Broken Wing: Jiri Hudler, Dallas
After a solid year split between Calgary and Florida (46 combined points), Hudler arrived in Dallas late last summer facing moderate expectations. His time in Texas began horribly, as he missed 25 of the first 29 games with a serious illness. As they tried to ease the veteran back into the lineup, he showed signs of improvement but then quickly regressed (10 points in 29 contests overall). 14 healthy scratches in the last 21 pretty much says all you need to know about Hudler's current status. If nothing else, he's got one heckuva drop pass.
Between the Lines: Viktor Stalberg, Ottawa
Ever since Stalberg left Chicago, his career has gone downhill. Subsequent stops with the Preds (28 points in 103 outings) and Rangers (20 in 75) never amounted to much. This season, the big Swede had been mired in Carolina (12 in 57) before the Sens rescued him at the trade deadline. When a player moves from a struggling squad to a contender, it's often into a lesser role. However, for Stalberg, his standing has improved in Ottawa. It's only six games in, but the results show him fitting in on the second power play (two of his three points on the man advantage) and earning a significant increase in ice time (over three minutes worth) from the previous two months.
Right Wing
Two Steps Forward: Michael Frolik, Calgary
Once a highly touted prospect (tenth-overall pick in 2006), Frolik has flown under the radar in recent years. After two bounce-back campaigns in Winnipeg (84 combined points while avoiding injury) and a decent initial showing in Cowtown (32 points in 64 games), he has discovered another gear. In fact, the trio of Frolik (41) with Mikael Backlund (48) and Matthew Tkachuk (44) has often outshone the likes of Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan to emerge as the de facto top unit. The Czech winger is also racking up a decent amount of shots (164 on the season) and has already reached his highest man-advantage total (eight PPPs) since 2009-10 (10).
Broken Wing: Craig Smith, Nashville
This space had faith in Smith back in December, but his totals never took off. Since 2017 began, there hasn't been much to report (five points in 32 appearances) unless you factor in his consistent ability to hit the net (72 shots during that span). Smith's power-play minutes vanished as the slump worsened, leaving him with fewer scoring opportunities. With the club fighting within the Central Division and other lines working well, it's unlikely the University of Wisconsin product will find himself in a better position for the stretch drive.
Between the Lines: Justin Bailey, Buffalo
Despite low returns (four points in 28 matches) and being bounced all over the lineup, Bailey has shown promise with quick skating and a strong work ethic. Since being drafted 52nd in 2013, the power forward has begun to fill out his 6-foot-4 frame. He's performed quite well in the AHL (74 in 110), earning an extended stint in the bigs. And in January, Bailey scored quite the impressive first NHL goal. With Buffalo set to miss another postseason, expect the coaching staff to take a longer look at the younger recruits.
Center
Two Steps Forward: Tyler Bozak, Toronto
From undrafted to signing with the Leafs and opening with this beauty, Bozak has led a charmed life. His professional experience may never be described as easy, but the 30-year old has grown comfortable as the years have progressed. With most of the focus directed toward Toronto's freshmen, it's easy to forget about their other forwards. With the team in strong playoff contention and boasting a balanced attack, this season is set to be Bozak's best (at 46 points, only three shy of his peak). His minutes may have decreased in recent years (down to a 16-plus minute average from 20 in 2012-13 and 2013-14), but the points (including 15 on the power play) and other numbers (like 125 shots) remain steady.
Broken Wing: Brandon Sutter, Vancouver
Sutter racks up sufficient ice time (averaging just under 19 minutes, including 2:44 with the extra man) but the resulting production has proven to be meager (29 points in 68 games, including six in his last 24). Currently in the second year of a five-year, $22 million deal, the son of Brent has struggled to find a foothold since moving out West. With the Canucks' downturn and the emergence of Bo Horvat (46 points) down the middle, Sutter will find it difficult to improve in the next couple months.
Between the Lines: Patrik Berglund, St. Louis
A much-maligned character throughout his career and recently the center of a controversial contract extension (five years, $19.25 million signed in February), Berglund is finally looking to right the ship and become a consistent contributor. His recent play (eight goals in 17 outings, including a hat trick on Feb. 11) has been boosted by injuries to Paul Stastny and Jori Lehtera. Even with the former having returned, the Swede remains in the top six and a candidate to remain on one of the power-play units (four of his six PPPs have come in the last 15 contests). Whether he can keep the good times rolling is another matter, but at least the opportunities are being provided.
