The final weekend before next Friday's NHL Trade Deadline feels extra heavy, in that a multi-point swing in the standings could help influence how a team manages matters leading up to Mar. 8. For instance, this is an important stretch for the Devils, who won't want to squander points in Anaheim Friday, and would certainly rather not against the Kings Sunday.
For our fantasy purposes, note that New Jersey plays on either side of Saturday's heavy 13-game schedule, when fewer teams are in action. So play/stream your favorite Devils, including Timo Meier, who appears to be rediscovering his groove. The aforementioned Ducks, Coyotes, and Capitals - versus the Flyers and Arizona - also compete Friday and Sunday. It's also a big weekend for Philadelphia, who visit the Capitals before welcoming the Senators. So, also play/stream your Flyers, outside of the crease. A fired up Scott Laughton, perhaps.
This weekend's collection of contests features eight back-to-back sets altogether, setting the stage for several less-active understudies to shine (or not). Winnipeg's No. 2, for example, is a preferred streamer in Buffalo. Other less-prominent fantasy netminders offer attractive potential Saturday, such as Elvis Merzlikins versus the Blackhawks. The Blue Jackets' goalie was very good in two turns against the Rangers this week. I like his chances of muscling out a win in Chicago.
Of Saturday's heavyweight tilts, the Avalanche visit the (winners-of-seven-straight) Predators, the Jets touch down in Carolina, while the red-hot Maple Leafs welcome the Rangers. Igor Shesterkin has allowed a single goal in each of his last four games (all wins). Marquee doozies indeed, but also arguably more nerve wracking for invested fantasy managers everywhere.
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Stock Up
Frederik Andersen, G, Carolina Hurricanes: Hurricanes president and GM Don Waddell told Chip Alexander that Andersen should be playing "hopefully in this next week sometime." Great news all around. Fully healthy, Andersen is Carolina's No. 1 netminder.
Tyson Foerster, F, Philadelphia Flyers: It's difficult to find fault with four goals and one assist in three games. Or the rookie's current position on the Flyers' top line. Foerster - drafted 23rd overall in 2020 - might merit snagging in deeper leagues, particularly ahead of this weekend.
Joseph Woll, G, Toronto Maple Leafs: He looked just fine in his first NHL game since early December, stopping 30 of 32 shots in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Coyotes. I'm probably not rolling Woll out Saturday when the Rangers come to town - even if he ends up earning the nod over Ilya Samsonov - but moving forward, sure. Pick him up if you need help between the fantasy pipes.
Alex Turcotte, F, Los Angeles Kings: Let's just start with the light suggestion that he's worth keeping an eye on in deeper fantasy leagues. If only because the fifth-overall draft pick (2019) is, for now, earning quality chances on a Kings' top line, alongside Anze Kopitar and Quinton Byfield, in the absence of Adrian Kempe. Limited sample size, but he appeared effective in Thursday's 5-1 victory over the Canucks.
Stock Down
Alex Lyon, G, Detroit Red Wings: I know he played well against his old team last month. I'm still looking at other options after Thursday's loss to the Islanders. The Panthers are near-terrifying right now.
Streamer Specials
Mikael Granlund, F, San Jose Sharks With two goals and four assists in six recent games under his socks, the Sharks top-liner visits his old skating grounds Sunday, 22 hours after the Wild visit St. Louis on Saturday. Feels like a modest winning fantasy formula to me.
Laurent Brossoit, F, Winnipeg Jets: Winnipeg's No. 2 is projected to start against the Sabers in Buffalo on Sunday. That presents as a favorable match-up for Brossoit and the Jets en masse.
Nico Daws, G, New Jersey Devils: As mentioned earlier this week, the Devils' No. 1 should feel well rested after enjoying a couple of days off following Tuesday's convincing win in San Jose. Next assignment is against a banged-up Ducks team, playing their second in as many nights. Of Friday's limited selection, Daws is my favorite streaming option...
Anton Forsberg/Joonas Korpisalo, G, Ottawa Senators:... although I'm also siding with whoever from Ottawa gets the nod versus the Coyotes, following Arizona's loss to Toronto Thursday. Clayton Keller isn't due back until Sunday at the earliest. Oh, and the 'Yotes have lost 14-straight.