By pinpointing players who have four games each week and integrating them into your roster, you can boost your chances of succeeding in fantasy hockey matchups. This is why our Weekly Schedule tool proves to be invaluable!
I linked the weekly schedule with a Team Defense Score that I devised using important defensive metrics to identify which teams and skaters possess the most favorable schedule this week.
How it Functions:
- Team Defensive Ratings range from 0 to 100, where 0 indicates the best possible defensive team and 100 signifies the worst.
- SCORE: The cumulative total of all the Defensive Ratings that the team will face this week.
- AVG Opponent: The average Defensive Ratings of the opponents that the team will face this week.
- The strength of the schedule is assessed by the total of defensive ratings, as we seek players who participate in the maximum number of games while also enjoying the easiest matchups.
- Light Nights: A night in the NHL featuring eight or fewer games.
Week 4 – Schedule Strength
Week 4 Streaming Targets
Winnipeg Jets
The Jets rank among the 11 teams playing four games this week and possess the easiest overall schedule, primarily due to mid-week contests against the Red Wings and Blue Jackets.
Cole Perfetti (C/LW) – 31% Rostered
After not scoring in the first three games of the season, Perfetti and the Jets’ second line have picked up momentum in the past five games. He has netted three goals and provided six assists, totaling nine points along with 13 shots on goal. This level of production may be difficult to maintain over the long haul, but riding the hot hand is worth considering.
Perfetti is set for another week with some favorable matchups ahead. With a shooting percentage of 15.8% and an on-ice shooting percentage of 20.3%, WPG2 has only averaged 1.5 expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and 22.1 scoring chances for per 60 minutes (SCF/60). While it’s likely he’ll cool off, we hope that won’t happen this week.
Gabe Vilardi (C/RW) – 22% Rostered
Though Vilardi’s performance has been underwhelming, there remains optimism for future improvement. He continues to skate on the first line and take part in the top power-play unit, while WPG1 is generating only 1.05 goals for per 60 minutes and 2.47 expected goals for per 60 minutes. Vilardi is also missing the net more often compared to previous seasons, suggesting his shot volume could increase soon. At 25 years old, he receives substantial playing time (18:40 average time on ice) in critical situations and possesses the highest potential of all Winnipeg streamers this week.
Nino Niederreiter (LW/RW) – 14% Rostered
Entering the week with a four-game point streak, Niederreiter has recorded four goals and two assists (six points total) during this span. Unlike Perfetti and WPG2, Niederreiter, Adam Lowry, and Mason Appleton show promising underlying statistics, which should lead to continued success. They are averaging 3.7 expected goals for per 60 minutes and 32.4 scoring chances for per 60 minutes. Niederreiter plays more than Perfetti and participates similarly in the second power-play unit, making him one of the top Winnipeg streamers this week.
New York Islanders
This week, the Islanders face four games and have the second-easiest schedule overall. Their week begins positively with matchups against the Ducks, Blue Jackets, and Sabres, but concludes with a tough game against the Rangers.
Kyle Palmieri (RW) – 16% Rostered
While Palmieri may not serve as a long-term asset, he is likely to frequently appear in this streaming series throughout the season. When the schedule favors him, he becomes a reliable option and often remains below 20% rostered. Recently, Palmieri has notched two goals and two assists in his last two games, totaling seven points (4G / 3A) across seven games this season. His consistent playing time (17:54 average time on ice) and strong shot volume (2.9 shots on goal per game) make him an appealing streaming choice.
Anders Lee (LW) – 12% Rostered
I wasn’t expecting to write about 34-year-old Anders Lee this season, but here we are. Lee’s shot volume has been remarkable since the start of the season, averaging 4.3 shots on goal per game and currently sitting 11th in the NHL with 34 shots. With this level of shot production, he’s likely to find the net often enough to remain a viable streaming target this year.
Maxim Tsyplakov (RW) – 4% Rostered
Tsyplakov has been skating on the Islanders’ second line alongside Palmieri and Brock Nelson, and they’ve performed well together. This trio is averaging 3.6 expected goals for per 60 minutes and 33.2 scoring chances for per 60 minutes, leading to five points (1G / 4A) in eight games for Tsyplakov. The 26-year-old rookie has been contributing significantly…
averaging 17:21 in ice time and participating in power-play situations, though he has yet to record a power-play point. He is a prime streaming option in banger leagues, averaging 2.5 hits per game.
Seattle Kraken
This week, the Kraken are embarking on an east-coast road trip, featuring games in Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, and Boston. This itinerary offers one of the top three strength of schedules for the week.
Jordan Eberle (RW) – 15% Rostered
Although ice time and scoring are typically well-distributed among the Kraken, Eberle has emerged as one of their most reliable contributors this season. The seasoned winger has tallied six goals and two assists (totaling eight points) across nine games. While his remarkable pace of 55 goals is noteworthy, he is currently shooting an astonishing 40.0 percent, which is unlikely to be sustainable. Nonetheless, Eberle’s on-ice xGF/60 (3.2) and SCF/60 (30.0) indicate that he will continue to receive enough scoring opportunities to stay relevant for at least another week.
Matty Beniers (C) – 14% Rostered
While Beniers has not matched Eberle’s production thus far, he stands out as the superior streaming option. With five points (2G / 3A) in nine games, Beniers has significantly increased his shooting compared to previous seasons. Last season, he averaged 1.8 SOG and 3.5 shot attempts per game; this season, he is averaging 2.3 SOG and 3.8 SA per game. Both Beniers and Eberle are part of Seattle’s top line and the primary power-play unit, ensuring they have excellent utilization for streaming this week.
# Maximizing Your Fantasy Hockey Success: Week 4 Streaming Targets and Schedule Insights
## Understanding the Importance of Streaming in Fantasy Hockey
In the fast-paced world of fantasy hockey, streaming is a strategy that can significantly impact your team’s performance. By targeting players who have favorable matchups or are on a hot streak, you can maximize your points and gain an edge over your competition. As we dive into Week 4, it’s vital to analyze upcoming schedules, identify potential streaming targets, and understand how to best utilize your roster.
### Key Benefits of Streaming in Fantasy Hockey
– **Maximized Roster Potential**: Streaming allows you to take full advantage of your roster slots by adding players who are projected to score more points in the short term.
– **Injury Management**: With injuries being a common occurrence in hockey, streaming can help you fill gaps in your lineup without sacrificing overall team quality.
– **Adaptability**: The ability to adapt and change your lineup based on matchups and player performances is crucial in maintaining a competitive edge.
## Week 4 Schedule Insights
Before we delve into specific streaming targets, let’s look at the NHL schedule for Week 4. Here are some critical insights:
### NHL Game Schedule Overview
Below is a simple overview of the NHL schedule for Week 4, focusing on teams with multiple games.
| Day | Teams Playing | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | NY Rangers vs. Ottawa | 1 |
| Tuesday | Chicago vs. Winnipeg | 1 |
| Wednesday | 7 Teams | 7 |
| Thursday | 8 Teams | 8 |
| Friday | 4 Teams | 4 |
| Saturday | 10 Teams | 10 |
| Sunday | 5 Teams | 5 |
### Key Matchups to Consider
– **Wednesday**: With 7 games scheduled, look for underperforming players from teams like Montreal and Detroit who might capitalize on their matchups.
– **Thursday**: This day features 8 games, making it a great opportunity for streaming players from teams like Toronto and Vegas, who tend to score heavily.
– **Saturday**: With 10 games lined up, don’t forget to check waiver wires for players that might not be on the radar yet but could exploit favorable matchups.
## Top Streaming Targets for Week 4
Identifying the right players to stream is essential for maximizing your fantasy hockey success. Here are some recommended streaming targets for Week 4 based on their performance and favorable matchups:
### Goaltenders
1. **Alexandar Georgiev (Colorado Avalanche)**
– **Matchups**: 2 games against weaker offensive teams.
– **Why Stream**: Strong early-season performance and favorable home game.
2. **James Reimer (San Jose Sharks)**
– **Matchups**: Facing struggling teams.
– **Why Stream**: High save percentage and potential for wins.
### Forwards
1. **Anders Bjork (Buffalo Sabres)**
– **Matchups**: 3 games, including 2 against weak defenses.
– **Why Stream**: Points in 3 of the last 4 games.
2. **Ryan Strome (Anaheim Ducks)**
– **Matchups**: 3 games with good potential.
– **Why Stream**: Constantly playing with top lines and contributing to power plays.
3. **Kasperi Kapanen (St. Louis Blues)**
– **Matchups**: 4 games in a week.
– **Why Stream**: Hot streak with points in consecutive games.
### Defensemen
1. **Brent Burns (Carolina Hurricanes)**
– **Matchups**: Multiple games with the potential for power-play points.
- **Why Stream**: Leading defenseman in ice time and power-play opportunities.
2. **Tyson Barrie (Edmonton Oilers)**
- **Matchups**: Known for strong offensive contributions.
– **Why Stream**: Great potential for shots and assists.
## Practical Tips for Effective Fantasy Hockey Streaming
To make the most of your streaming strategy, consider these practical tips:
– **Monitor Injuries**: Stay updated on injury reports, as this can affect player performance and opportunities.
– **Check Line Combinations**: Assess daily line changes, as players on hot lines often yield better results.
– **Utilize Player Projections**: Use fantasy hockey tools and projections to identify high-value streaming options.
– **Be Flexible**: Be prepared to adjust your lineup based on real-time developments, like unexpected injuries or game cancellations.
## Case Studies: Success Stories from Streaming
### Example 1: The Power of a Last-Minute Pick
In Week 3, a manager picked up **Alexandar Georgiev** just before a crucial game against a low-scoring team. With a stellar performance, Georgiev racked up 30 saves and secured a shutout, yielding a massive points boost for his fantasy team.
### Example 2: Capitalizing on Opportunity
Another manager noticed **Kasperi Kapanen** was getting significant ice time due to injuries in the Blues’ lineup. By streaming Kapanen, they benefited from his scoring streak, resulting in 5 points over a week’s worth of games.
## First-Hand Experience: My Week 4 Strategy
During Week 4, I focused on streaming players with multiple games. By targeting **Ryan Strome** and **Brent Burns**, I was able to capitalize on their favorable matchups and consistent ice time. This strategy not only helped me climb the standings in my league but also reinforced the importance of being proactive with streaming.
## Conclusion
Utilizing a solid streaming strategy in fantasy hockey can provide significant advantages. By closely monitoring player performance, matchups, and injury news, you can make informed decisions that maximize your team’s success. As we move into Week 4, focus on the key insights and streaming targets discussed in this article to elevate your fantasy hockey game. Happy streaming!
