The first week after the All-Star Break is always an interesting one to navigate for fantasy hockey, especially in head to head leagues. We have a bunch of teams that are on a bye week making some short schedules. This makes streaming a necessity, so for today’s post, I’m going to go break down every day’s schedule and highlight some players I’d like to stream. Let’s get to it!
Monday 1/27: WAS @ MON, NJ @ OTT, TBL @ DAL, TOR @ NSH, STL @ VAN, ANA @ SJ
This isn’t the easiest set of games to navigate to star the week. It’s a rare game where Ottawa is a favorite which makes them a better target than usual. Artem Anisimov is currently centering Tkachuk and Duclair putting him back on the radar. Vladislav Namestnikov is back in the top six making him a quality option once again. Toronto is a disaster defensively right now which puts Mikael Granlund and Calle Jarnkrok firmly in play. Zach Hyman is with Matthews and Marner which automatically puts him near the top of the list. Not really looking to use guys in the Washington game or the Blues game. Ondrej Kase is in a great spot against the Sharks despite the Ducks being a dog. Tampa guys are always in play despite the poor matchup.
Tuesday 1/28: OTT @ BUF, STL @ CGY
With Ottawa being on the second of a back-to-back, the Sabres are in a great spot given that it’s a two game slate. Jimmy Vesey is currently on the first line while Marcus Johansson could be a great option if Jeff Skinner returns as expected. The Blues are also on a back-to-back but I still feel good about using their guys. Robert Thomas is a personal favorite while Oskar Sundqvist is getting a chance in the top six for those of you in deep leagues. Mikael Backlund would be my first choice on the Flames.
Wednesday 1/29: TOR @ DAL, NSH @ WSH, CGY @ EDM , TBL @ LAK, ARZ @ ANA, VAN @ SJS
Any quality Tampa Bay players on your wire have to be the first choice. Someone will probably fight Zack Kassian on Calgary so if you need PIM, I would stream him. I’d look to stream Roope Hintz if he’s available due to Toronto’s lack of defensive ability. I’m passing on the Nashville game altogether. I really like the spot for Canucks players. Tanner Pearson would be my first choice while Jake Virtanen would be next. If Conor Garland is available, I’d go with him against the Ducks.
Thursday 1/30: MTL @ BUF, NSH @ NJD, LAK @ ARZ
Both the Kings and Coyotes are on a back-to-back against each other, but Arizona guys are the clear priority on Friday. Again, Garland would be the first choice, but I would use anyone on their team in their top nine. That means Nick Schmaltz if he’s available, Derek Stepan, or even Carl Soderberg. Nashville guys would be second, again with Granlund and Jarnkrok, but also Nick Bonino, Rocco Grimaldi, or Craig Smith. Montreal and Buffalo isn’t the best of spots. Same guys for Buffalo, but Ilya Kovalchuk is an elite option.
Friday 1/31: DET @ NYR, PHI @ PIT, VGK @ CAR, WSH @ OTT, BOS @ WIN, STL @ EDM, TBL @ ANA
Rangers get the clear priority here as Detroit is an embarrassment right now. Everyone is firmly in play with Brendan Lemieux a great option for points and PIM. My second choice would be Pavel Buchnevich. There aren’t a lot of Washington players who aren’t owned that are worth streaming, but if they are available e.g. Tom Wilson they’re an elite stream. I’d pass on both the battle of Pennsylvania and the Vegas game. David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk are solid options against the Jets. The same Blues are in play as are the Lightning.
Saturday 2/1
There are 14 games on Saturday so there is no need for streaming. There could be some good streaming goaltending options if needed, such as whoever starts for the Rangers as they play the Red Wings once again.
Sunday 2/2: PIT @ WSH, VAN @ CAR, CBJ @ MON
Sunday streaming comes down to what categories you need. None of these games project to be high scoring given how well CBJ is playing defensively. This should simply be best player available as far as streaming goes.
That’s all for now guys. I’ll be back on Wednesday recapping the action from the next two nights as there are six games tonight and two on Tuesday. As always, feel free to ask any questions, leave any comments, or give any suggestions below. Thanks for reading, take care!
