If you need a goalie down the stretch, the Devils Keith Kinkaid might be your best option.
Congratulations. You’ve made it to the championship round in your fantasy hockey league. It’s been a great season. Now you have to win the next two weeks and seal the deal.
Here are some tips/player advice to help guide you.
1. It’s All About the Games: If you are going to pick up free agents off the waiver wire, make sure you target players that have full schedules in the next two weeks. Target players who teams have four or more games remaining on the schedule.
2. Plan for Injuries: It’s that time of year when you see the dreaded DTD next to a players name. Day to day could mean your player is literally day to day or he could be out for two weeks. Either way, monitor the player’s status and put replacements on your watch list. Remember, you are not competing with as many people on the waiver wire this time of year so getting players is easier.
3. Load Up on Forwards: Load up offensively. Don’t carry more than five defensemen. The more available forwards you have that you can match up, the better.
4. Play One Goalie If Possible: Don’t be greedy. Play one goalie. I know what you are thinking. Two goalies can get me more points. True but play one because two goalies could also cost you more points and points are at a premium this time of year.
5. Five Players to Target On the Wire
Ryan Donato, F, Bruins: Donato has been red hot since joining the Bruins last week. He has scored 3 goals and has 2 assists in five games.
Kyle Connor, F, Jets: Connor is only owned in 56% of ESPN standard leagues. How is that possible. He has 29 goals on the season. Bench depth is important in the playoffs. Connor would be a nice bench piece to have at your disposal.
Richard Panik, F, Coyotes: The Yotes have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL in the past month. The former Blackhawk is on a line with Clayton Keller and Derek Stepan and this line has been on fire the past two weeks.
Ty Rattie, F, Oilers: Rattie was recently called up and has scored four goals and dished out three assists playing next to Connor McDavid. He is a worthwhile late addition, especially if you have to drop Johnny Gaudreau.
Keith Kinkaid, G, Devils: I bet you didn’t know that Kincaid had 22 wins on the season and a goals against of 2.85. he has been solid for the Devils and widely available. If he is sitting on the wire in your league and you need a second goal, Kincaid would be a solid pick up.