This article is part of our NHL Waiver Wire series.
Drop the Ducks
If you're a schedule analyzer like we are, this probably doesn't need to be said again, but we'll say it for the sake of the masses who are not: drop Anaheim players as of March 30. Depending on the depth of your league, the settings as implemented by the commissioner and the quality of the players in the free-agent pool, you may want to go so far as to drop players like Ryan Getzlaf or Corey Perry (unless you're in a keeper league, or couse).
As of Monday, Anaheim will have played 78 games, leaving two games this week, and two games next week. Granted, the teams they play -- Edmonton, Colorado, Dallas and Arizona -- are weak teams, the statistics make a compelling case. Given few restrictions on how many adds you can make, you can turn a spot vacated by Corey Perry into almost a dozen games played by inferior players over the last two weeks -- a net of almost three times. Even if you're picking up a player ranked 200 spots behind Perry, the sheer volume of games played will make him a better fantasy asset than any Duck.
Players Who Can Help You Win
Start of the Week
Alexander Edler D, VAN - Not only has the venerable Swede had a great run in the last little bit -- two goals and four assists, a plus-three and four PIM in his last six games -- but he's also got a fantastic schedule
Drop the Ducks
If you're a schedule analyzer like we are, this probably doesn't need to be said again, but we'll say it for the sake of the masses who are not: drop Anaheim players as of March 30. Depending on the depth of your league, the settings as implemented by the commissioner and the quality of the players in the free-agent pool, you may want to go so far as to drop players like Ryan Getzlaf or Corey Perry (unless you're in a keeper league, or couse).
As of Monday, Anaheim will have played 78 games, leaving two games this week, and two games next week. Granted, the teams they play -- Edmonton, Colorado, Dallas and Arizona -- are weak teams, the statistics make a compelling case. Given few restrictions on how many adds you can make, you can turn a spot vacated by Corey Perry into almost a dozen games played by inferior players over the last two weeks -- a net of almost three times. Even if you're picking up a player ranked 200 spots behind Perry, the sheer volume of games played will make him a better fantasy asset than any Duck.
Players Who Can Help You Win
Start of the Week
Alexander Edler D, VAN - Not only has the venerable Swede had a great run in the last little bit -- two goals and four assists, a plus-three and four PIM in his last six games -- but he's also got a fantastic schedule to start the week. Vancouver has three games in four nights to start the week, and while it's against some pretty decent competition, the number of games he plays should easily make up for the difficulty of schedule. Edler can help in all stat categories, and he's owned in just about half the leagues, meaning he's available in the other half. Of course, if he's not available, there's always ...
Yannick Weber D, VAN - Much like Edler, Weber has had a great few games, scoring three goals and two assist for five points in the last four games. Also like Edler, he's got a great schedule, and should have plenty of opportunity to continue his streak. Unlike his teammate, his ownership levels are around 9 percent and easily available in most leagues. Unlike Edler, who we would advise potentially holding the entire week, we would consider holding Weber until Wednesday morning, then dropping him in favor of an Avalanche or Buffalo player, to take advantage of their mid-week three-in-four. Weber is a decent defenseman on a hot streak, great to ride for a bit, but don't fall in love.
Benoit Pouliot W, EDM - While Edmonton hasn't exactly been a good team this year, it seems to be making up for lost time lately. A 4-4-2 record in its last 10 isn't anything to write home about, but for a team sitting in second to last, a .500 record is commendable. One of the key reasons for this turnaround has been the play of Pouliot, who has 10 points in his last 10 games. Playing on the top line with Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has done wonders for his production.
Eddie Lack G, VAN - Perfect storm for this backup: three games in four nights to start the week, and there's the possibility that he plays all three. With Ryan Miller still out with a knee injury until the end of the regular season, and with backup Jacob Markstrom only playing in three games this year -- with limited success -- it's possible that the coaching staff decide to ride Lack. He's done a great job in Miller's absence; in his last 10 games, he's 6-3-1 with a 2.29 GAA and a .926 SV%. If you need some goaltending punch, we'd advise grabbing him for the start -- you can drop him either Wednesday or Thursday morning, depending on your needs.
End of the Week
Kevin Hayes C, NYR - In a pleasant surprise this year, Kevin Hayes has been a wonder for the Rangers; in 70 games to start his NHL career, he has 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points, with a plus-16. Now, those aren't exactly Filip Forsberg numbers, but a rookie season with 40 points is nothing to scoff at, and certainly paves the way for his eventual presence on the second line of the Blueshirts. In his last four games, Hayes has six points and a plus-five; his value this week will come toward the end when the Rangers play Minnesota (Thursday) and New Jersey (Saturday).
Mika Zibanejad C/W, OTT - His ownership numbers have elevated recently with the late surge of the Senators, but at 22 percent, they're still low enough for him to be available in most leagues. In his last 10 games, he has seven points and is plus-minus neutral. To close out the week, the Sens will play a three-in-four against Tampa Bay, Washington and Toronto from Thursday to Sunday. Look for a strong performance by Zibanejad in particular -- that is, if Ottawa has any hope in playing in late April. Based on everything lately, we think he's probably a pretty safe bet.
Steve Downie W, PIT - Even though he's ranked sub-100 in many leagues, he still has a very low ownership level -- around 40 percent. Singlehandedly, he can win you the PIM category; he's leading the league in that stat by 40 minutes over Cody McLeod from Colorado. Unlike McLeod and most other goons, Downie has double-digit goals, assists and is plus-minus positive. He's also played time on the power play. Given the fact that Pittsburgh plays two games against archrival Philadelphia this week, and a back-to-back on the weekend against Columbus and Philly, he's a natural addition. He'll probably rack up 30 PIM by himself in the duration, and may possibly contribute a few points in doing so.
Melker Karlsson W, SJS - Between Friday and Saturday of this week, it's possible that he's the most valuable available person in most leagues. At 1 percent owned, nobody has him, and based on his seasonal numbers, it's not a big surprise. His 13 goals and nine assists isn't exactly awe-inspiring, but based on the fact that he's playing on the wing with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski, it's likely all he has to do is keep his stick on the ice. Be in front of the net and good things will happen. Friday and Saturday are key because even though San Jose only plays three games this week, Friday-Saturday is a home-and-home with Arizona. That has all the trappings to be a fantasy scoring bonanza. None of the other top six -- save for perhaps Tomas Hertl -- will be available in many leagues. Use this schedule to your advantage.
Sunday Afternoon - Do or Die
Any Ottawa Player - If you're behind by a few key categories, throw the dice by picking up any and every Senator you can get your hands on. Ottawa plays Toronto on Sunday, looking to avenge the Saturday comeback overtime loss to the Leafs in Toronto. The Senators also hungry to catch Boston for the last playoff spot. All things considered, that's the best place to invest; the other matchups for Sunday look far more dynamic -- unless you're looking for PIM. Then, buy Philly or Pittsburgh players.
Schedule Analysis
Teams with a Beneficial Schedule
This week is difficult - many teams play four games this week, with no clear advantageous schedules. Here's the teams playing four games:
1. Buffalo Sabres - Arizona, Toronto, Chicago, New York Islanders (3-in-4)
2. Chicago Blackhawks - Los Angeles, Vancouver, Buffalo, St. Louis (3-in-4)
3. Colorado Avalanche - Edmonton, San Jose, Anaheim, Los Angeles (3-in-4)
4. Detroit Red Wings - Ottawa, Boston, Minnesota, Washington (3-in-4)
5. Edmonton Oilers - Colorado, Anaheim, Los Angeles (3-in-4), Calgary
6. Florida Panthers - Boston, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Montreal (3-in-4)
7. Montreal Canadiens - Tampa Bay, Washington, New Jersey, Florida
8. Ottawa Senators - Detroit, Tampa Bay, Washington, Toronto (3-in-4)
9. St. Louis Blues - Vancouver, Calgary, Dallas (3-in-4), Chicago
10. Tampa Bay Lightning - Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa (3-in-4), Florida
11. Toronto Maple Leafs - Tampa Bay, Buffalo, Boston, Ottawa
12. Vancouver Canucks - St. Louis, Nashville, Chicago (3-in-4), Winnipeg
13. Washington Capitals - Carolina, Montreal, Ottawa, Detroit (3-in-4)
Teams with a Detrimental Schedule
1. Minnesota Wild - Two games this week - New York Rangers and Detroit
2. Winnipeg Jets - Two games this week - New York Rangers and Vancouver
3. Nashville Predators - Two games this week - Vancouver and Dallas
4. New York Islanders - Two games this week - Columbus and Buffalo
5. Anaheim Ducks - Two games this week - Edmonton and Colorado
