If you're fortunate enough to still be alive in your fantasy hockey playoffs, make sure to do a thorough check of your waiver wire. Desperate GMs could have offloaded players that wouldn't normally get dropped and those teams still playing can take advantage. One such name to look out for is Evgeni Malkin who is serving a four-game suspension. Malkin is eligible to return this weekend for games against the Philadelphia Flyers and Detroit Red Wings, two favourable matchups to say the least.

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Sticking with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Rickard Rakell, at only 19% rostered, seems to finally be hitting his stride with his team. He recently had a two-game stretch where he posted five assists and Rakell has recorded at least three shots on goal in five-straight games now. Given the Penguins only play Thurs, Sat, Sun, I'd wait to target him later in the week as a stream if you're planning on adding him.

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Another player that could make sense to target this week if your league counts hits, is Martin Fehervary. This should probably only be an option in deeper leagues and because the Washington Capitals play four times, but Fehervary's game has become a little more versatile of late. In addition to having 42 hits in his past eight games, he's also posted 12 shots and three of his eight goals this season have come in his past six contests. It's the time of year to think more short-term and really try to maximize the schedule, and Fehervary could be a player to fit that bill.

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If there was a Conn Smythe trophy handed out during the fantasy playoffs, Robert Thomas would have to be your winner this year. Thomas has 25 points in his past 13 games, punctuated with a ridiculous five-assist performance last Thursday. The offensive explosion from Thomas combined with a tremendous St. Louis Blues schedule (four games every week since March 28) have made him incredibly valuable with spring. Now Thomas isn't a big shooter and won't provide you much in the way of hits, but he is displaying that rare type of offense that makes you overlook everything else.

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If Thomas is carrying your team to a fantasy title, Adam Fox may be sinking it. The New York Rangers defenseman picked a terrible time for his worst slump of the season, recording only two points in his past eight games and he has just a single hit and no blocks in his past four. Fox brings up an interesting case about desperation and would he be someone considered droppable if you absolutely needed help in the short-term to save your season. I think it would ultimately depend on a couple of things, like how far along you were in the season and if he is going to be a keeper or not. If you're down do a few games left and aren't in a keeper situation you could probably consider it, but otherwise you'll just have to hope he regains his form.

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One of the biggest things this summer that could impact next year's fantasy hockey season won't be a draft pick, signing or trade. Whether or not Bruce Boudreau returns as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks is going to have major implications on a number of his current players. Specifically, Elias Pettersson, JT Miller and Bo Horvat have all enjoyed incredible runs since Boudreau took over and he's boosted each of their values. The three have scored at an 82, 71 and 116-point pace respectively since Boudreau took over, obliterating each of their career highs. Miller has looked especially exceptional and if Boudreau returns, you'll want to target all three high in your drafts next year.

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I'm not exactly sure what's going on with Brayden Point, but something doesn't seem right. The Tampa Bay Lightning have 11 goals in their past two games and somehow Point hasn't registered a single point. In fact, Point only has one point in his past seven games and his shooting is down as well. Only three total shots in those two games where the Lightning exploded offensively. Between Point and Andrei Vasilevskiy, some of the Lightning's top players are disappearing when fantasy teams need them most.

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If I needed a forward this week, Tim Stutzle would be right at the top of my list as far as adds go. The Ottawa Senators forward has 13 points and 23 shots during this eight-game point streak and more specifically, he has five goals and eight points in his past three games. Not only that, but the Sens have a great schedule, with four total games against the likes of Seattle, Vancouver, Columbus and Montreal. Stutzle is only 40% rostered and could even turn out to be a keeper for you this summer as well.

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Troy Terry with two goals and an assist Sunday to continue his heater. He's up to five goals in his past four games and Terry is shooting the puck like crazy, as he's now posted eight shots in back-to-back games. Terry made headlines a few weeks back when he was injured during a fight with Jay Beagle, where some felt Beagle took things too far. The incident certainly hasn't slowed him down at all and if anything, it's been the opposite, as Terry has taken his game to another level ever since.

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It’s too bad the Buffalo Sabres only play twice this week, because Victor Olofsson would have been a great add for a championship matchup. Olofsson added two more goals Sunday, to give him 14 points in his past 12 games. The Sabres play Thursday and Saturday, so keep an eye on him for a stream if you need one later in the week.

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Matt Boldy has reached must-add status with two points and five shots Sunday. That gives him 10 points in his past seven games and the Minnesota Wild have a great schedule this week, with four games and some favorable opponents like the Montreal Canadiens and Seattle Kraken on tap. At only 21% rostered, Boldy could be a difference-maker on your championship run.

For fantasy hockey tips and advice, follow me on Twitter at @amato_mike