With the post-Olympic break behind us, March brings a packed NHL schedule as teams push toward the finish line. Fantasy managers can gain a crucial edge by targeting players from teams that play on lighter nights, when at least 20 other clubs are idle. Setting the benchmark at six or more games on those dates, the New York Rangers lead with eight such occasions, followed by the Anaheim Ducks, St. Louis Blues, and Toronto Maple Leafs with six each.
This strategy maximizes lineup flexibility, especially in head-to-head leagues where every point counts. As the fantasy playoffs loom, stacking players from these active teams can boost your returns on slower nights. Keep an eye on availability and recent performances to stream effectively.
New York Rangers
The Rangers sit dead last in the East, but their league-high eight lightly scheduled nights in March make their players prime fantasy targets. Forward Will Cuylle has stepped into Artemi Panarin’s spot alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere. He notched an assist, a shot, and two blocks in a recent overtime loss to the Flyers, positioning him for a strong finish in leagues that count hits and blocks.
Lafreniere, despite a disappointing season for his $7.45 million salary, offers value with reduced pressure and extra games. Available in over 84% of ESPN leagues, he’s on the top power play in Panarin’s absence. The Rangers’ schedule should unlock more offense from the top-six winger.
Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin returned Thursday after long absences, elevating the whole lineup. Shesterkin as the No. 1 goalie and Fox on defense boost scoring chances for all. Vladislav Gavrikov loses top power-play duties, but the team’s overall improvement helps forwards like Cuylle thrive.
Consider these Rangers for your wire:
- Will Cuylle: Top-line role, multi-cat contributor.
- Alexis Lafreniere: PP time, schedule advantage.
- Igor Shesterkin: Wins potential with healthy roster.
Even with trade deadline buzz around Trocheck, Cuylle’s spot in the top six seems secure. Monitor returns and matchups closely. This schedule hack could turn Rangers into fantasy gold.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks play six sparse nights and contend for playoffs, making their roster fantasy-friendly. Leo Carlsson tops the list after a thigh injury sidelined him most of January. His three-point night against Edmonton signals a hot streak ahead.
Beckett Sennecke, available in nearly 50% of leagues, lines up with Alex Killorn and Mikael Granlund. The rookie Calder candidate paces for 30 goals and 35 assists. With eastern prospects drawing buzz, he’s flying under the radar.
Radko Gudas brings physicality and points from the blue line, ideal for deep leagues valuing hits and blocks. Ducks captain’s steady role ensures consistent peripherals.
Lukas Dostal shines brightest in net. Post-Milan success with Czechia, he faces weak opponents in nine of 16 games, extending into April. Only the Kings have an easier slate; snag him now for wins.
Key Ducks pickups:
- Leo Carlsson: Post-injury surge.
- Beckett Sennecke: Rookie production.
- Lukas Dostal: Favorable schedule.
Their matchups against Islanders, Canadiens, Mammoth, and Sabres favor Dostal. Stream Ducks aggressively on light nights.
St. Louis Blues
Matching the Ducks with six light nights, the Blues offer wire gems likely to stay past the deadline. Robert Thomas returns Friday from personal matters, possibly Sunday vs. Wild. His pre-January injury pace of 33 points in 42 games hints at a late push.
Jake Neighbours and Dylan Holloway provide forward depth. Holloway’s hat trick plus assist post-ankle injury shows firepower. Jimmy Snuggerud’s recent seven-game streak (3G, 6A) leaves him open in 93% of leagues.
Philip Broberg could gain power-play time if Justin Faulk departs. Recent extension positions him for more ice.
Blues targets:
- Robert Thomas: Top center rebound.
- Dylan Holloway: Hot streak.
- Jimmy Snuggerud: Rookie burst.
These players fit rosters needing scoring without trade risk. Their schedule maximizes touches.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Leafs join with six active dates amid deadline moves. Options are slim beyond Matthews, Nylander, Tavares, and Knies, but Oliver Ekman-Larsson stands out. Available in 70% of leagues, he blocks shots and scores points, like his 3.1-point night vs. Panthers.
Monitor for wingers added to top lines. Treliving could land a scorer for Matthews or Tavares/Nylander.
Ekman-Larsson’s reliability shines on light nights when other D are idle. Reevaluate if traded.
Leafs considerations:
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson: Multi-cat defenseman.
- Potential trade acquisitions.
Trade deadline activity could reshape their fantasy appeal.
On the flip side, Oilers, Blue Jackets, Wild, Jets (two nights), and Lightning (one) offer fewer edges. For full schedule insights, check NHL.com’s fantasy cheat sheet.
As fantasy playoffs near, prioritize these schedule advantages. Pair with ESPN’s detailed breakdown for projections and wires. Trades and injuries will shift values—stay nimble for championship glory.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.