The NHL playoffs present a unique opportunity for players to redeem themselves after a challenging regular season. In this post, we highlight five underperforming players who have the potential to shine during the postseason. These players could be key additions to your fantasy pool, as their performance in the playoffs can significantly impact your team's success.
Unlike regular season fantasy leagues, playoff fantasy strategies focus more on team dynamics rather than individual stats. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team is crucial for making informed decisions.
We provide detailed series breakdowns and expert picks for all four Western Conference matchups, helping you navigate the complexities of playoff fantasy leagues. Additionally, we take a moment to reflect on the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, as reported by Ken Campbell from Saskatchewan, reminding us of the human side of sports.
Stay tuned for more insights and rankings from RotoKeeper, your go-to source for fantasy tools and projections.
Building a Playoff Pool Roster That Lasts
Playoff pools reward a different kind of thinking than a regular season draft. Because every player you pick is tied to his team's survival, the single most important factor is often how many games a club is likely to play. A solid second-line winger on a team that reaches the final can easily outscore a star whose team exits in the first round. Before you rank individuals, sketch out a rough bracket and decide which teams you genuinely believe can go deep.
Balance your bets across the bracket
It is tempting to load up on players from one favourite, but that concentrates risk. If an upset knocks that team out early, your pool can be finished within two weeks. A more resilient approach is to anchor your roster with two or three teams you trust, then add a few value picks from clubs with favourable matchups. That way, one surprise result hurts without sinking you.
Look past regular season totals
Underperformers are interesting precisely because their season numbers can hide useful signals. Consider factors such as:
- Deployment: players who see power play time and top-six minutes tend to get more chances when coaches shorten the bench.
- Health: a forward who struggled while playing through an injury may look very different after rest.
- Shooting luck: a low shooting percentage on a steady volume of shots often points to a player due for better results.
- Linemates: returning teammates can lift a struggling scorer quickly.
Goaltending and depth matter more
In many pool formats, goalie wins carry real weight, and a hot netminder can carry a team through several rounds. Pay attention to who is confirmed as the starter and how settled the crease looks heading into the first series. Depth defencemen who quarterback a power play are also an often-overlooked source of steady points.
Finally, read your pool's scoring rules carefully before you commit. Points for hits, blocked shots or shorthanded goals can change which role players are worth taking. For more ways to sort through the field, browse our rankings and the latest projections as each round unfolds.
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