Welcome to the 2021 Fantasy Hockey Week 6 Planner!
Lake Tahoe was supposed to be the cornerstone content of the NHL.
Unfortunately, due to weather concerns, the league was forced to delay, and post postpone both games due to weather constraints. The sunny weather caused ice-management issues, throwing a wrench into the NHL’s plans of having a picturesque backdrop for their outdoor tilt.
The views from the #NHLOutdoors game at Lake Tahoe are UNREAL 🤯
(📸 @cotsonika) pic.twitter.com/pALyuMjIGy
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 19, 2021
For many Fantasy hockey managers, this season’s efforts can be likened to the great outdoors− unpredictable and unforgiving.
With the 2021 Fantasy Hockey Week 6 Planner, we aim to bring more stability to the ever-changing landscape of the NHL.
2021 Fantasy Hockey Week 6 Planner
Weekly Streaming MVP
Joe Thornton, C/LW, Toronto Maple Leafs (41% Rostered)
Joe Thronton is fresh from the injury report and has had been productive on Toronto’s top line.
The wily veteran has been playing alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner and has been posting ridiculous numbers for a 42-year-old.
The man affectionately known as “Jumbo” has been producing gigantic numbers as of late. After being sidelined as a result of a broken rib, Thornton has registered two goals and five assists during a four-game span.
Get the beard back into your Fantasy lineups.
Honorable Mention:
- Jean-Gabriel Pageau, C, New York Islanders (36% Rostered)
- Nino Niederreiter, LW/RW, Carolina Hurricanes (34% Rostered)
- Chris Driedger, G, Florida Panthers (53% Rostered)
Scheduled Starts
Most
- Buffalo Sabres: 5 games
Least
- Vancouver Canucks: 2 games
- Winnipeg Jets: 2 games
It’s certainly worth mentioning that because of COVID-19 protocols, weather delays, and rescheduled games, this week is a loaded slate across the NHL. A majority of the teams play at least four games, which typically is a busy week.
If you’re looking for extra goalie starts, right now is the best time to consider backups to some of the big-name goalies who will inevitably need some time off.
Also, the North Division has yet to have any matches postponed and the volume of games played in Canada reflects this.
Postponement Alert
- Feb. 22: Sabres at Devils: Rescheduled to Feb. 23
- Feb. 23: Islanders at Devils: Rescheduled to March 2
- Feb. 25: Avalanche at Coyotes: Rescheduled to Feb. 26
- Feb. 26: Flyers at Sabres: Rescheduled to Feb. 27
Teams to Target
Colorado Avalanche
Notable Players:
- Nathan Mackinnon
- Mikko Rantanen
- Cale Makar
As one of the most exciting teams in the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche has one of the most tantalizing Fantasy-friendly schedules in Week 6.
Outside of the Vegas Golden Knights, prospective Fantasy owners should look to their favorable matchups against the Minnesota Wild and the Arizona Coyotes to shore up extra Fantasy value. Winger Brandon Saad (19% rostered) is particularly intriguing, scoring five points in his last five outings.
Florida Panthers
Notable Players:
Outside of their troubles with the lowly Detroit Red Wings, the Panthers have been firing on all cylinders as of late. With a record of 11-3-2, Florida currently holds second place in the NHL’s Central Division. Fantasy owners should capitalize on their energized powerplay, which currently ranks fifth in the NHL with regard to effectiveness.
With a four-game slate ahead of them, prospective Fantasy owners have many streaming options at their disposal. Take a hard look at Anthony Duclair (14% rostered), Carter Verhaeghe (32% rostered), and Chris Driedger (52% rostered).
Teams to Avoid
Vancouver Canucks
Notable Players:
With a two-game schedule in Week 6, Fantasy owners should hold off on picking up players from the Canucks.
Vancouver has dropped eight of their last ten games. In the midst of their rut, the goaltending carousel has spun out of control, leaving Thatcher Demko and Brayden Holtby on the outside looking in, with regards to Fantasy relevance.
Winnipeg Jets
Notable Players:
After the blockbuster trade that landed the Jets up-and-comer Pierre-Luc Dubois, the Jets have oozed mediocrity losing three of their last six games.
With a two-game slate and Dubios sidelined with an upper-body injury, Jets players are worth fading in the upcoming week.
Trade Announcements
After acquiring winger Alex Glachenyuk from the Carolina Panthers last week, the Ottawa Senators have dealt the 27-year-old to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
We've acquired Alex Galchenyuk from Carolina in exchange for Egor Korshkov and David Warsofsky. #LeafsForever
Details: https://t.co/SZX639nsNG pic.twitter.com/P8uMQ5wDQ1
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) February 15, 2021
It remains to be seen how the Leafs will utilize the journeyman within their star-studded roster. If he ends up playing meaningful minutes within their talented corps, he might have a shot at Fantasy relevance.
Check out the rest of our Fantasy Hockey content.
