As the fantasy hockey playoffs approach, understanding the strength of schedule (SOS) can be the difference between championship glory and heartbreaking defeat. Here’s a breakdown of key insights to help you navigate the final stretch of the season.

Why Strength of Schedule Matters

• Daily Lineup Leagues: Players like Nico Hischier (New Jersey Devils) may have fewer games but face opponents with high fantasy point potential. Pairing him with a player from a team with frequent games (e.g., Dylan Strome, Washington Capitals) can optimize production.
• Weekly Lineup Leagues: Teams with more remaining games, such as Jonathan Huberdeau and the Calgary Flames (17 games), offer greater total fantasy potential despite lower per-game rankings.

Key SOS Metrics

The SOS table includes:

• Games (G): Total remaining games.
• Back-to-Back Sets (B2B): Highlighting teams with tougher schedules.
• Fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG): Breaking down forwards, defensemen, and goalies.
• Total Fantasy Points (TOTAL): Sum of positional projections.

Top Teams to Watch

1. Calgary Flames (CGY): 17 games remaining, ranked 16th in forward FPPG but high overall total potential.
2. Toronto Maple Leafs (TOR): 16 games with strong goaltender production (e.g., Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz).
3. New Jersey Devils (NJD): 14 games with high forward FPPG, ideal for daily lineup flexibility.

Pro Tips for Playoffs

• Maximize Roster Spots: Combine players from teams with complementary schedules.
• Monitor Goaltenders: Target teams with favorable SOS for goalies (e.g., Dustin Wolf, Calgary Flames).
• Track Injuries: Injuries can shift power-play opportunities (e.g., Matt Duchene, Dallas Stars).

Playoff Round Breakdown

The SOS tables for Round 1 and Round 2 provide week-by-week insights to help you adjust your roster strategically.

Round 1 SOS Highlights:

• Toronto Maple Leafs (TOR): 8 games with high goalie FPPG.
• Calgary Flames (CGY): 7 games with balanced forward and defenseman production.

Round 2 SOS Highlights:

• Calgary Flames (CGY): 10 games with strong goalie potential.
• Washington Capitals (WSH): 9 games with high total fantasy points.

Key Players to Add

• Seth Jones (D, Florida Panthers): Increased power-play opportunities.
• Patrick Kane (RW, Detroit Red Wings): Strong performance on a hot power-play unit.
• Dylan Cozens (C, Ottawa Senators): Elevated to the top power-play unit.

Players to Drop

• Elias Pettersson (C, Vancouver Canucks): Struggling with low fantasy production.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in a daily or weekly lineup league, leveraging SOS data and making smart roster moves can give you the edge in the fantasy hockey playoffs. Stay active, monitor trends, and adjust your strategy as the playoffs unfold.