This article is part of our Neutral Zone Wrap series.
It doesn't matter if it's head-to-head or rotisserie, standalone or carryover, expert or mixed, there's a time to consider the remainder of the fantasy season. And that time should have already come, unless you've already given up and started a new hobby.
If you're gunning for the title and locked into a one-year format, then the plan is simple: be aggressive. Complete whatever transactions are necessary to strengthen your squad. However, the situation becomes less straightforward for those contending in keeper leagues. Of course, you want to improve your lineup. But is there a limit to how much? And how do you decide when to relinquish future assets to acquire upgrades?
The answers to both questions depend on how much help you require. If your needs are few, then you probably won't have to shell out your top prospects and/or firstborn. It may be tempting to give up promising talent to plug several holes, but you don't have to exhaust your supply. At the same time, it's important to take a few chances if you intend to go for it now – if you don't take advantage of the available talent, other owners will.
Here are five diverse teams with five unique stories. All have playoff aspirations, some considerably closer than others. What can they do to improve their chances?
It's time for Calgary to wake up and smell the seriousness. Jiri Hudler (six points in six games) is scoring again, thanks to a reunion on the top line. Mikael
It doesn't matter if it's head-to-head or rotisserie, standalone or carryover, expert or mixed, there's a time to consider the remainder of the fantasy season. And that time should have already come, unless you've already given up and started a new hobby.
If you're gunning for the title and locked into a one-year format, then the plan is simple: be aggressive. Complete whatever transactions are necessary to strengthen your squad. However, the situation becomes less straightforward for those contending in keeper leagues. Of course, you want to improve your lineup. But is there a limit to how much? And how do you decide when to relinquish future assets to acquire upgrades?
The answers to both questions depend on how much help you require. If your needs are few, then you probably won't have to shell out your top prospects and/or firstborn. It may be tempting to give up promising talent to plug several holes, but you don't have to exhaust your supply. At the same time, it's important to take a few chances if you intend to go for it now – if you don't take advantage of the available talent, other owners will.
Here are five diverse teams with five unique stories. All have playoff aspirations, some considerably closer than others. What can they do to improve their chances?
It's time for Calgary to wake up and smell the seriousness. Jiri Hudler (six points in six games) is scoring again, thanks to a reunion on the top line. Mikael Backlund (two points Saturday, but scoreless in the previous five) continues to have a problem with consistency. Ditto for Sam Bennett (same numbers as Backlund), although he can still use the 'I'm only 19' excuse. No more worrying about Mark Giordano (21 in 20, plus-8). The suspension of a certain blueliner whose surname rhymes with Schmideman has opened a temporary upgrade for Kris Russell (two in 12). Even though Karri Ramo (2.10 GAA, .923 save percentage since mid-December) serves as the prevailing goalie of favor, Jonas Hiller (winner Saturday, scheduled to start Tuesday) has begun to earn the coach's confidence.
If events happen as projected, the Caps could cap their campaign with a Cup. All hail Evgeny Kuznetsov and his mighty reign (leads club with 53 points, plus-25). Andre Burakovsky (13 in 10) has finally been able to transfer his skills to the stat sheet. The goal tally may be impressive for Jason Chimera (13), but the returns have dwindled (one in 11). Despite his bump up the roster, Mike Richards (nothing in eight, averaging under 13 minutes) remains someone to avoid. Would more responsibility (like, say, some man-advantage duty) mean more points for Dmitry Orlov (five in 10)? Karl Alzner (17) appears to be on pace to destroy his career high in points (21), but that's not overly impressive when you consider the standard.
Once considered the class of the West, the Stars can't decide whether to shine or explode. An abbreviated slump has separated Patrick Sharp (one in five, minus-6) from the dynamic duo. In steps Patrick Eaves (assists in consecutive outings), who has also been handed a spot on the coveted first power-play (averaging three minutes the last five). No major minutes (around 14:30 since returning), yet Ales Hemsky (five in eight, with 23 shots in that span) can adequately produce. We're still expecting 2013 first-rounder Valeri Nichushkin (three in 12) to wow us. The AHL couldn't contain Radek Faksa (26 in 28), so he's skating with the parent club. He may have broken free from the platoon, but Antti Niemi (3.23, .878 in 2016) isn't doing anything to prove he's a top fantasy netminder.
Speaking of disasters, the Habs continue to fall on hard times without their MVP. Max Pacioretty (one goal, one assist, minus-9 in eight) hasn't been able to get much going lately. Once the toast of the waiver wire, Dale Weise (two in 10) has returned to the realm of irrelevance. Due to the Habs' scoring problems (28 goals the last 13), Sven Andrighetto (23 in 26 with the AHL affiliate) has been summoned. Father Time is slowly catching up to Andrei Markov (five in 16 with only 18 shots while skating more than 22 minutes a night). A couple healthy scratches will hopefully spur Nathan Beaulieu (four assists in eight) to improve. It was foolish to think Mike Condon (2.78, .894 in his last 20) and Ben Scrivens (2.84, .904 in six) could handle the workload (and pressure) in net.
And finally, the Wild look awfully tame when they're not winning. Maybe we shouldn't hope for so much from Mikko Koivu (three in 14 after starting the season 20 in 20). At least a whippersnapper like Mikael Granlund (two in 13, minus-12) is fully expected to get back on track. Once a solid producer, Jason Pominville (two in 19) is left grasping for chances. A few goals (four in the last six) can be a positive start for Charlie Coyle (14 overall). Desperate times call for Justin Fontaine to help out on the power play, which is operating at 15 percent over the last month) A slump (three in 15) and a new injury (undetermined body bruise) have hurt Jared Spurgeon, leaving hotshot Mike Reilly (21 in 40 with Iowa, zero in four with Minnesota) another brief window to display his wares.
Key Matchups
After moderate success last week, let's continue to keep you informed about a few intriguing battles over the next seven days:
Wednesday: Rangers at Penguins. First of four meetings on the schedule. Based on their mutual respect, this should be a family-friendly affair.
Friday/Saturday: Predators at Lightning/Panthers. The Preds will have their defensive system tested in the Sunshine State versus two dynamic attacks. Hope for a split?
Saturday: Islanders at Hurricanes. Not many would've believed the 'Canes would still be playoff-worthy in February. Let's see what they can do against an inconsistent Isles squad that just had an offensive breakout Sunday (albeit against Edmonton).
Sunday: Bruins at Red Wings. Streaking Original Six rivals meet in Motown. Bring the kids! And pray you still have feeling in your legs after sitting in those cramped Joe Louis Arena seats.
