The NHL playoffs present a unique opportunity for players who have underperformed during the regular season to redeem themselves. At RotoKeeper, we identify five key players who could turn their fortunes around in the postseason. Unlike regular season fantasy leagues, playoff success hinges on team performance rather than individual stats.

In this analysis, we provide detailed breakdowns of all four Western Conference matchups, offering insights on the best fantasy pool choices for each series. Understanding team dynamics and player potential is crucial for making informed decisions in your fantasy leagues.

Additionally, we acknowledge the recent tragedy involving the Humboldt Broncos, as reported by Ken Campbell from Saskatchewan. Our thoughts are with those affected during this difficult time.

Building a Playoff Pool Strategy Around Series Length and Depth

Playoff pools reward a different kind of thinking than the regular season. The single most important variable is not a player's scoring rate but how many games his team is likely to play. A second-line winger on a club that reaches the conference final can easily outscore a star whose team is eliminated in the first round, simply because he gets two or three extra series of opportunities. Before you rank individuals, sketch a rough bracket and estimate how deep each team can realistically go.

Weighing underperformers fairly

Players who struggled during the regular season can be genuine value picks, but it helps to separate bad luck from real decline. A forward with a normal shot volume and an unusually low shooting percentage is a reasonable bounce-back candidate, because finishing rates tend to drift back toward a player's career norm. A player whose ice time, power-play role or shot totals have dropped is a riskier bet, since the underlying opportunity has shrunk. Check line combinations and power-play units close to the start of the postseason, as coaches often reshuffle at that point.

Practical tips for pool drafts

  • Concentrate on likely long runs. Many winning pool entries lean heavily on one or two teams expected to go deep rather than spreading picks thinly.
  • Value goaltenders on strong teams. In formats that score wins and shutouts, a starter's value is tied almost entirely to how many games his team plays.
  • Watch injury reports. Players returning from injury can be undervalued, while those playing hurt may see reduced minutes.
  • Consider defencemen on the power play. Blueliners who quarterback the top unit can rack up assists in tight, special-teams-heavy playoff games.

Western Conference series in particular often feature physical, low-event hockey, which can favour teams with depth scoring over those relying on a single dominant line. Factor in that tendency when choosing between a top-heavy roster and a balanced one.

For a broader look at how we rate players across the postseason, see our current rankings, and use the projections page to compare expected output by series length.

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