The NHL is entering one of the most unusual stretches in recent memory, with a full 19-day break looming due to the Olympics in Italy. Many players are heading off to represent their countries, while others take a well-deserved rest on beaches or slopes. For fantasy hockey managers, this means squeezing every possible point out of the final action-packed days before the pause. Most teams play just two games from Monday through Friday, but seven clubs—including the Buffalo Sabres, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals—see three contests each.
Fantasy leagues are split: some head-to-head matchups wrap in these four torrid days, while others extend into the post-break week starting February 23. Either way, streaming high-upside, widely available players from multi-game teams is crucial. Replace underperformers or injured skaters with these recommendations to boost categories like goals, assists, shots, blocks, and wins.
Forwards to stream for maximum impact
Ondrej Palat of the New York Islanders stands out as a prime pickup at 95.5% available. Fresh off a trade from the New Jersey Devils, he wasted no time, scoring the opener and adding an assist in a 5-2 win over the Rangers. Now lining up with Bo Horvat and earning power-play time, the 34-year-old is positioned for success. The Islanders face the Capitals, Penguins, and Devils next week—perfect for short-term value in deeper leagues.
Jack Quinn from the Buffalo Sabres is another gem at 97.5% available. Before grabbing him, confirm Josh Norris’s status with Ottawa; if the Senators center is healthy, prioritize him for his lineup-boosting potential. Quinn, however, is heating up with five goals and seven assists over 11 games, thriving on a scoring line and secondary power play. The Sabres’ three-game slate amplifies his appeal.
Claude Giroux offers veteran reliability for Ottawa at 83% available. He ended an 11-game goalless drought with a tally against Colorado, reaching 10 goals and 27 assists this season. Known for streaky production, this goal could signal a hot streak—ideal for the Senators’ road trip through Pittsburgh, Carolina, and Philadelphia.
Luke Evangelista of Nashville rounds out top targets at 93.1% available. Playing alongside stars Filip Forsberg and Ryan O’Reilly, the 23-year-old has seven points in seven games. While the big names are likely rostered, Evangelista provides similar exposure during the Predators’ matchup against St. Louis, Minnesota, and Washington.
Egor Chinakhov, now with Pittsburgh at 99% available, is blooming post-Blue Jackets trade. Paired with countryman Evgeni Malkin, he’s notched three goals and an assist in four games. The Penguins host Ottawa, visit the Islanders, and face Buffalo—plenty of scoring chances.
Other worthwhile mentions include:
- Justin Brazeau (Pittsburgh Penguins, 73.2% available)
- Anthony Duclair (New York Islanders, 91.1% available)
- Ridly Greig (Ottawa Senators, 91.1% available)
Defensemen who deliver across categories
Tony DeAngelo leads Islanders blueliners in shots with 33 over 10 games, pairing that with two goals, four assists, and 11 blocks for 1.9 fantasy points per game in standard ESPN leagues. At 96.5% available, he’s a multi-cat monster ahead of New York’s busy week.
Martin Fehervary of Washington, available in 79.6% of leagues, excels in blocks—24 in 10 games, fifth league-wide—plus three assists. In formats rewarding physicality, he’s essential before matchups with the Islanders, Flyers, and Predators.
These picks shine in a short week where volume matters. DeAngelo’s shot barrage translates to points and peripheral stats, while Fehervary’s blocking anchors defensive categories. Check ESPN’s daily lines to confirm pairings.
Both defensemen benefit from teams playing three games, maximizing ice time opportunities. In shallower leagues, prioritize DeAngelo for offense; deeper ones love Fehervary’s blocks.
Goalies poised for multi-start weeks
Linus Ullmark headlines Ottawa’s crease at 66.7% available. The 2023 Vezina winner could return Saturday versus New Jersey, potentially grabbing two starts before the break. Even if he sits the opener, his readiness ensures quality when deployed—the Senators are surging.
Arturs Silovs of Pittsburgh, 92.4% available, shares duties with Stuart Skinner in a hot tandem. Expect Silovs for two of three starts if Skinner opens against the Rangers. His availability makes him a streaming steal.
Goalie situations are fluid, so monitor ESPN’s goalie depth chart. Ullmark’s upside edges Silovs, but both fit desperate rosters.
These netminders align with three-game schedules, boosting win potential. Avoid overcommitting if injured.
Strategic tips for the final push
Stack players from the seven high-game teams: Buffalo, Florida, Nashville, Islanders, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Washington. Use ESPN projections for fine-tuning.
- Prioritize multi-cat producers: Shots, blocks, power-play time.
- Monitor trades/injuries: Palat’s move exemplifies quick impacts.
- League settings matter: Adjust for blocks, hits, or goalie starts.
Historical streaks like Giroux’s bunches highlight timing. For more, see full waiver trends.
This window tests savvy managers. Act fast on these wires to close gaps.
Prioritize these streamers to dominate your matchup or set up post-break. With the Olympic pause ahead, rest easy knowing you’ve optimized the slate—then tune into Italy for national pride. Check most-added/dropped lists weekly for edges.
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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.