Looking Ahead 2014: Week 17
Mike Schmidt
2015-01-23
The best schedules in fantasy hockey for Week 17.
Every NHL player needs a little bit of help to provide fantasy-relevant production, and some benefit from a more talented supporting cast or a more advantageous role in the lineup. Let's take a look at a few widely-available players who are in position to help fantasy owners based on how they are being deployed by their respective teams.
Brayden Schenn, C/LW, Philadelphia (available in 64 percent of Yahoo leagues) – The former elite prospect has failed to develop into the star player he once seemed destined to become, but the 23-year-old is firmly entrenched in Philadelphia's top six and is seeing time on the team's top line with two game-breaking offensive talents, Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek. The former fifth overall pick seems poised to break the 50-point barrier for the first time in his young career, largely due his linemates and his inclusion on the Flyers' top power-play unit. Spectacular offensive production isn't imminent, but Schenn is a very solid player blessed with prospect pedigree and an enviable role in his team's lineup.
Minnesota 2.09 – two games – both on road
Colorado 2.10 – two games – NSHx2
Monday, January 26 to Sunday, February 1
Best Bets
Pittsburgh 4.25 – four games – WPG, WAS, NJD and NSH
Montreal 4.16 – four games – DAL, NYR, WAS and ARI
Arizona 3.94 – four games – PHI, TOR, OTT and MTL
Washington 3.74 – four games – CBJ, PIT, MTL and STL
Nashville 3.56 – four games – COLx2, STL and PIT
Steer Clear
Boston 1.89 – two games – NYI and LAK
Los Angeles 1.75 – two games – CHI and BOS
Colorado 2.10 – two games – NSHx2
San Jose 1.84 – two games – ANA and CHI
Ottawa 2.21 – two games – DAL and ARI
Tuesday, January 27 to Monday, February 2
Best Bets
Calgary 4.57 – four games – all at home
Edmonton 4.31 – four games – MIN, BUF, CGY and SJS
Pittsburgh 4.25 – four games – WPG, WAS, NJD and NSH
New York Rangers 4.41 – four games – NYI, MTL, CAR and FLA
Montreal 4.16 – four games – DAL, NYR, WAS and ARI
Steer Clear
Los Angeles 1.75 – two games – CHI and BOS
Boston 1.89 – two games – NYI and LAK
Colorado 2.10 – two games – NSHx2
Ottawa 2.21 – two games – DAL and ARI
Chicago 2.57 – three games – all on road
Wednesday, January 28 to Tuesday, February 3
Best Bets
Montreal 4.37 – four games – NYR, WAS, ARI and BUF
New Jersey 4.36 – four games – all at home
Toronto 4.15 – four games – NJD, ARI, PHI and NSH
Winnipeg 4.14 – four games – PHI, DAL, CGY and VAN
St. Louis 4.10 – four games – NSH, CAR, WAS and TBL
Steer Clear
Boston 1.89 – two games – NYI and LAK
Colorado 2.05 – two games – NSH and DAL
Detroit 2.05 – two games – TBL and NYI
Philadelphia 2.26 – two games – WPG and TOR
Carolina 2.65 – three games – STL, NYR and ANA
Thursday, January 29 to Wednesday, February 4
Best Bets
Montreal 4.37 – four games – NYR, WAS, ARI and BUF
New York Rangers 4.36 – four games – all at home
Calgary 4.31 – four games – all at home
Edmonton 4.20 – four games – BUF, CGY, SJS and PIT
Winnipeg 4.14 – four games – PHI, DAL, CGY and VAN
Steer Clear
Los Angeles 1.81 – two games – both on road
Colorado 2.05 – two games – NSH and DAL
Detroit 2.05 – two games – TBL and NYI
Philadelphia 2.26 – two games – WPG and TOR
Carolina 2.65 – three games – STL, NYR and ANA