This is year 2 of breaking down the playoff schedule for head to head fantasy hockey playoff leagues. I’m going to follow the same format as last year (you can look at last year’s here). That means I’m going to look at the 4 weeks of RCL playoffs although I will not combine the totals from each individual week of the playoffs. For example, last season, I posted this for Montreal: Montreal Canadiens (3,3,3,4). That means they have 3 games the first 3 weeks of the fantasy playoffs and 4 games for the last week of the season. I also graded each team’s schedule for both their holds and for streaming. I will be doing that again with one additional grade: goaltending grade. That means how I grade the schedule for this team’s #1 goalie. I will also include the list of light days at the bottom of this post. A light day is a day where there are 4 or less games on the schedule, making players on those teams preferable streaming options. This post is going to end up incredibly long so without further adieu, let’s get to it!
TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING (3,3,4,3) – The Lightning start off very slow in only one game during the first week until they close with a back to back on the 17th and 18th. They have one other back-to-back, including a stretch of 3 games in 4 nights in week 3. 13 games is a low total so it’s not the worst schedule, but it’s not good either.
Holding Grade: C+
Streaming Grade: C+
Goaltending Grade (for Vas): B (games are spread out so if the games matter, he could see 10-11 starts in these 13 games)
BOSTON BRUINS (3,4,4,3.5) – I know what you’re thinking: how the hell do they have 3.5 games!? Well, the situation is a bit complicated right now. They have a makeup game scheduled with Florida on 4/8, the day after the season was supposed to end. As of now, ESPN is pretending that game isn’t happening for fantasy purposes, so if you play on ESPN, consider it 3 games. Perhaps other sites or ESPN will change their mind, so it could be 4. Anyways, the schedule is pretty bad for streamers Boston plays every other day from week 1 until a back to back in week 3, then close every other day until the back to back to close, which again might not count for our purposes.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: D
Goaltending Grade: A- (Spread out schedule helps a lot, but I still think they don’t push Rask down the stretch)
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (3,3,4,3) – The Toronto schedule is very boring. They have a Wednesday/Thursday back to back week 1, and a Friday/Saturday back to back week 3, with every other day around that. The good thing is that in week 3, they play on Wednesday, which is a day with only 4 games. You can grab some Toronto streamers that day, then have them for 3 games in 4 nights, and dump them on Sunday if need be.
Holding Grade: C+
Streaming Grade: B-
Goaltending Grade: B
DETROIT RED WINGS (4,3,4,3) – The Red Wings finish week 1 playing 3 games in 4 nights, then play every other night for the rest of the season. 14 games is nice for their holds, but sadly there aren’t many of them, and some could get traded like Green. It’s also great for their goaltender, whoever it may be at that point. Streaming, not so much.
Holding Grade: A-
Streaming Grade: C-
Goaltending Grade: A
FLORIDA PANTHERS (3,4,4,4.5) – The best schedule in the league already, and it’s only going to get better if that Sunday game is included. They have three back to back’s (M/T to open week 2, W/T Week 3, M/T week 4), with the Wednesday game in week 3 being a light day (list of light days are at the bottom of this post). They have the most games in the league as well so this is gold for everyone involved.
Holding Grade: A+
Streaming Grade: A
Goaltending Grade: A (when you have 15 games, can’t complain about the 3 back to backs)
MONTREAL CANADIENS (4,4,3,3) – I don’t know who will be streamer worthy for Montreal at this point, but it’ll great for anyone who emerges. They open the fantasy plays with a back to back, M/T, have another F/S in Week 2, and then a Monday game week 3 before 4 days off culminating with a back to back on the weekend. Eight games is excellent for the first two weeks, but given how the schedule is spread out, I doubt we see more than 2-3 holds for Montreal at the end of the season.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: B+
Goaltending Grade: B
OTTAWA SENATORS (4,3,4,4) – I could make a compelling argument that Ottawa’s schedule is better than Florida’s. Regardless, these two are in the top tier by themselves. The problem with Ottawa is we have no idea who is still going to be on the roster at this point, but it’ll great for everyone. They have a 3 back to backs (M/T and F/S week 1, M/T Week 3), and perhaps even more importantly, they play both light days Week 4. That makes it the best streaming schedule in the league, and 15 games is incredible as well.
Holding Grade: A
Streaming Grade: A+
Goaltending Grade: A+
BUFFALO SABRES (2,4,3,4) – If you’re in a league where you do 1 week playoff matchups for 6 teams (3 weeks), the Sabres schedule is outstanding. However, in RCL’s, the first week is brutal with only 2 games, one of only three 2 game weeks (someone else has the other 2!). The good news is that have a Friday/Saturday pair week 2 and they play on both light days Week 4. We could see some of their young prospects up at the end of the season and they can make a difference playing on both light days.
Holding Grade: C+
Streaming Grade: B+
Goaltending Grade: B+
WASHINGTON CAPITALS (4,3,4,3) – The Caps have a solid amount of games but the back to backs are lacking. They have one T/F week 1, but the only other BTB is S/M the last week of the season, so it only matters if you make the finals of your league. That’s good for Holtby if the games matter for Washington, but not so much for streamers.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: C-
Goaltending Grade: A-
NEW JERSEY DEVILS (3,3,4,3) – Solid streamer schedule, although this is a team that doesn’t have a ton of streamers. They have 3 back to backs, but the best part is that two of them are Saturday and Sunday (week 1 and 3). The only negative streaming wise is no light days. 13 games isn’t the best, and it’s particularly bad for Schneider with the B2B’s. Perhaps these games will mean so much that they push Schneider and give him both starts, but I have my doubts at this point.
Holding Schedule: C+
Streaming Schedule: B+
Goaltending Schedule: D
COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (3,4,3,3) – This is an underwhelming schedule on all fronts. The Blue Jackets have only 13 games in the last for weeks and M/T week 2 is their only back to back. Again, this could be a good stretch for Bob with the games spread out, but that only means so much having 1-2 less games than most.
Holding Schedule: C
Streaming Schedule: F
Goaltending Schedule: B-
PHILADELPHIA FLYERS (4,3,3,3) – The Flyers have two solid streaming spots in their schedule. They close week 1 with a S/S back to back, while their other back to back is Tuesday and Wednesday T/W week 3, when Wednesday is a light day. Definitely will want to take advantage of that spot. Thirteen games isn’t ideal for the holds, especially since it’s only six games in the last two weeks. Goaltending wise, meh? The back to backs leave their other games spread out, so somebody could theoretically emerge, but do you trust Elliott or Neuvirth to do that? I have my doubts.
Holding Grade: C
Streaming Grade: B+
Goaltending Grade: C+
NEW YORK RANGERS (3,3,4,3) – This schedule is very simple. They have one back to back in week 3 (F/S) and also play that Wednesday, one of the light days. This is the perfect three game stretch to stream Rangers, and they have a ton of streamable players. Otherwise, it’s a spread out schedule for a team who might make some blockbusters at the deadline.
Holding Grade: C+
Streaming Schedule: B-
Goaltending Grade: C+
PITTSBURGH PENGUINS (2,4,4,2) – Oh man. First off, this is awful for holds; 12 games is tied for last in the league over the last 4 weeks. On the other hand, it is pretty great for streaming. They have one back to back each week: W/T back to back week 1, T/W week 2, S/S week 3, T/F week 4. They are also the only team that doesn’t play on what was originally the last day of the season, Saturday April 7th. At least you can cut your holds if you’re in a redraft? They do have two lights days which also helps. Obviously 12 games is bad for goaltending, but considering that two of the weeks they only have two games and they’re back to back, it’s absolutely awful for Murray or whoever else is in net.
Holding Grade: D
Streaming Grade: B+
Goaltending Grade: F
NEW YORK ISLANDERS (3,3,4,3) – The Islanders schedule has a lot of streaming value if you use one week playoff matchups. They close week one with 3 games in 4 nights, then have two sets of back to backs in week 3. If you have two week matchups like RCL’s, then it’s not so appealing. Either way, you’ll want to take advantage of those stretches. Another 13 game schedule isn’t so appealing for the holds and the goalies take a hit with 3 back to backs.
Holding Grade: C+
Streaming Grade: B+
Goaltending Grade: D
CAROLINA HURRICANES (4,3,4,3) -Their schedule isn’t the greatest of time like last year but it’s still pretty damn good. 14 games is strong and it’s even better for the streamers. They have 4 back to backs, M/T and S/S week 1 and week 3. That is absolutely incredible, because you can grab them for the two days early in the week, cut bait, and then grab the streamers back for the weekend. The only reason I have it as an A instead of A+ is they don’t play on a light day. The back to back’s hurt whatever goalie is #1 at the moment, but I don’t trust either one to emerge anyways.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: A
Goaltending Grade: C-
WINNIPEG JETS (4,3,3,4) -Solid schedule all around for the top guys, especially for Hellboy. They start off the playoffs with a M/T back to back, then their other back to back is Monday and Tuesday of the last week of the season. With no light days, that’s not really conducive to streaming outside of those days. However, 14 games is strong and the spaced out schedule is great for Hellebuyck.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: C+
Goaltending Grade: A
NASHVILLE PREDATORS (3,4,4,3) – Another 14 game team, the Predators have an outstanding setup for streaming. They have 3 back to backs and tons of sets where you can get 3 games in 4 nights on either side of that B2B. They have T/F week 1, but the best part is that they have Saturday and Sunday back to backs in weeks 2 and 3. I could see Saros being a big difference maker since he will get a start on the weekend both of those weeks. Again, the only downside is no games on light days.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: A
Goaltending Grade: B-
ST. LOUIS BLUES – (4,3,3,4) – This schedule is right there with Ottawa in terms of streaming. They close week 1 with a weekend back to back, have three games in four nights towards the end of week 2 (W/F/S), have a F/S back to back week 3, and to top it off, they play on three light days, including both in the last week of the season. If you’re in contention, you’ll definitely want to be using Blues players. Another 14 game set which is strong for holds and no matter how the goaltending situation shakes out, both should get some run here with the back to back’s. That’ll hurt whoever is #1 a bit but gives some insurance for Hutton and Allen owners.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: A+
Goaltending Grade: C
DALLAS STARS (4,3,3,3) – Fairly simplistic schedule. They have an early back to back in week 1 (T/W), then close the season on a back to back. That is nice because Friday is a light day. Thirteen games isn’t a disaster, but it is a bit unfortunate that the 4 game week is the first one. Should be a nice stretch for Bishop, especially because he could start both games to close the season if they’re needed to make the playoffs.
Holding Grade: C
Streaming Grade: B-
Goaltending Grade: B
COLORADO AVALANCHE (4,3,4,3) – Very nice schedule for whatever goalie is the #1 at this point. The Avs have 14 games but only 2 back to back sets: T/F week 1 and S/M week 3/4. They also play on one light day which helps. Overall, just a solid all-around schedule for all members of the team.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: B
Goaltending Grade: A-
MINNESOTA WILD (3,3,3,4) – The highlight of this schedule is closing the semifinals of the RCL playoffs with a back to back. They have 2 other B2B’s with a F/S week 1 and W/T Week 4, that Wednesday being only a three game slate. Again, we don’t know where the Wild will be at this point, but unless you’re pushing Dubnyk, 13 games with 3 back to backs sucks.
Holding Grade: C
Streaming Grade: B
Goaltending Grade: D
CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS (3,3,3,3) – This schedule is the exact opposite of what we want from Chicago. They have an excellent streaming schedule but the team has very few streamers. This schedule sucks for holds and their goalie, which is their strength. They close week 1 with 3 games in 4 nights (T/S/S), have a Thursday/Friday back to back week 3, and they hit the jackpot closing the season with a Wednesday/Friday/Saturday schedule, the first two being light days. Twelve games is awful for the holds and the back to backs really hurt whoever the starter is, be it Crawford or whoever else.
Holding Grade: D
Streaming Grade: A-
Goaltending Grade: F
VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS (4,3,4,3) – This is quite the simple schedule. They have one back to back over the last month, a Friday/Saturday duo in week 3. Importantly, Vegas played the Wednesday before, one of the light days. That means it’s a great spot to stream Vegas players to take advantage of that light day and three games in four nights. Fourteen games is strong for their holds and with only one back to back, it’s incredible for Fleury, assuming the games matter.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: B-
Goaltending Grade: A
SAN JOSE SHARKS (4,3,4,3) – Very similar to Vegas, just slightly worse. They have two back to backs, F/S week 1, and then they open the RCL finals with Monday and Tuesday games. They also don’t play on a light day.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming Grade: C+
Goaltending Grade: B+
CALGARY FLAMES (3,3,3,3) – This is a snoozer. Their only back to back isn’t even in the same week for fantasy, it’s a Sunday/Monday from week 1 to week 2. The good thing is that they play the Friday and Wednesday after so you can get 3 games in 4 nights or 4 games in 6 nights for that stretch (I definitely advise the after since Wednesday is a light day). Otherwise, it’s only twelve games. At least it’s spread out for Smith.
Holding Grade: D
Streaming Grade: C
Goaltending Grade: B-
LOS ANGELES KINGS (4,4,3,3) – They’re a nice option for streaming to get off to a good start. They play on both Monday and Tuesday in each of the first two weeks of the fantasy playoffs. They also have a back to back in Week 3 on Thursday and Friday. Fourteen games is nice for the holds, but it’s unfortunate that they have only six games in the last two weeks. Quick could be massive in the first round of RCL playoffs, but the finals are pretty mediocre for him.
Holding Grade: B-
Streaming Grade: B+
Goaltending Grade: B-
ANAHEIM DUCKS (4,3,3,3) – On one hand, this schedule sucks for streaming because the Ducks only have one back to back, the last two days of the season (ignoring the Boston / Florida game). On the other hand, they play on three light days, including both the last week. If you make your finals, the Ducks (along with OTT, BUF, CHI and STL) will be the best streaming options. The schedule sets up nicely for Gibson, but 13 games isn’t good for the holds.
Holding Grade: C-
Streaming Grade: B-
Goaltending Grade: B
EDMONTON OILERS (4,4,3,3) – For the first round of the RCL playoffs, Edmonton’s schedule is terrific. They have 8 games which is great for their holds. They have two sets of back to backs week 1 (T/W and S/S), then close week 2 with a S/S back to back. They also play on the Thursday before and the Tuesday after to get a 3 in 4 or 4 in 6 stretch. For the last two weeks, they have no back to backs and only six games. A tale of two cities, so to speak. The best of times, the worst of times. You didn’t think you’d get any Charles Dickens talk, did you?
Holding Grade: B-
Streaming Grade: B
Goaltending Grade: B
VANCOUVER CANUCKS (3,4,3,3) – Like the majority of the Canucks, their schedule is extremely boring. They have one back to back, T/F week 2. They have no light days. They only have 13 games. That’s enough about them.
Holding Grade: C-
Streaming Grade: D
Goaltending Grade: B-
ARIZONA COYOTES (3,4,4,3) – It won’t be safe but there is some streaming upside here. They have two back to backs, both Wednesday and Thursday in weeks 2 and 3. In both weeks, Wednesday is a light day, and they’re the only team in the league that plays on both of those Wednesday’s. If you’re willing to risk a plus-minus hit, it could pay off to use Arizona guys in those games. Fourteen games is nice for their couple holds and if Raanta can stay on track, this sets up fairly nicely for him.
Holding Grade: B
Streaming grade: A-
Goaltending Grade: B+
Cliffs for streaming days:
Days with 4 or fewer games (teams play each other in order they are listed, second team is home):
Wed. 3/21, 4 games (ARZ, BUF, MON, PIT, BOS, STL, ANA, CAL)
Wed 3/28, 4 games (FLA, TOR, NYR, WAS, ARZ, VGS, PHI, COL)
Wed 4/4, 3 games (OTT, BUF, CHI, STL, MIN, ANA)
Fri 4/6, 4 games (OTT, PIT, BUF, TB, STL, CHI, DAL, ANA)
Pens only team to not play 4/7
That’s all for now guys. I hope this helps you out quite a bit; I definitely suggest bookmarking this although I will link it in other posts as we go along. As always, feel free to ask any questions or leave any comments below. I will be back on Wednesday with daily notes, but there will be a post on Tuesday. Lackeydrinksonme will have a streaming post for the coming week on Tuesday morning so be on the lookout for that. Thanks for reading, take care!
