We are always trying to look into the future and next week features a unique schedule setup. That is going to make some players a bit more attractive than expected. Typically an average fantasy hockey week consists of a big Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday under normal circumstances. Next week is just a little bit different, mostly due to a number of circumstances.
One of them is college basketball conference tournaments, another is the circus, and a third is that at some point even hockey players need a break. First let’s take a look at how next week’s schedule is shaping up.
NHL Schedule (3/10-3/16) by games
- MON — 8
- TUES — 9
- WED — 4
- THURS — 7
- FRI — 8
- SAT — 9
- SUN — 9
At first glance, this is purely proof the gods must be crazy. Most weeks are fairly set fantasy- and schedule-wise. There is a rhythm to a point. The next week amplifies a more “balanced slate”. Some teams do play four games as well.
Teams That Play Four
Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Washington, Nashville, NY Rangers, Toronto, Dallas, Winnipeg, Buffalo
Again, there are 54 games in all but spreading them out helps create some interesting dilemmas for the fantasy hockey owner. It is a full load week and naturally I have chosen three players to spotlight from the teams listed above. Are you ready? Let’s go.
Three Players To Focus On
Lee Stempniak — RW — Pittsburgh
Players who see a change of scenery can often flourish. Lee Stempniak has done this before via Buffalo. If he stays in a line combination with Sidney Crosby and Chris Kunitz, it may mean good fantasy hockey returns. It is still a bit early to tell but Stempniak will get a taste of two rivalries this week with a home and home against Washington and then a home and home with arch nemesis Philadelphia. Needless to say, Stempniak is going to be tested and under a heavy spotlight. Will he flourish under the pressure? Fantasy owners and Pittsburgh fans are going to find out quickly.
Martin Hanzal — C — Phoenix
Martin Hanzal has point per game talent but cannot stay healthy. He needs to mend quickly if Phoenix is going to make a charge. The numbers are on the number one center’s side. It is just a question of battling nagging lower body injuries over the last five or six weeks. If he can rise above that, then the points should come. His shuffling in and out of the lineup has had an adverse effect on offensive production. If he can return this weekend, then that sets up well with four games next week.
Martin St. Louis — RW — NY Rangers
This is an interesting choice but I do think Martin St. Louis is gripping the stick a bit tight so far in his two games with the New York Rangers. So far, St. Louis has a power play assist in two contests but has had a bevy of opportunities to put a puck in the net. He will have four chances next week to get back to his accustomed production rates. Winnipeg can be a bit stingy and Minnesota definitely is. San Jose plays a bit more conservative on the road so the forward is going to have his work cut out for him as far as finding his way.
Good luck next week fantasy hockey fans and as always you can follow me on Twitter @ChrisWasselTHW. Thanks for reading.
