With the season wrapping up on May 1, the final stretch means the conclusion of fantasy hockey and the crowning of each league’s champion. Consider adding these players during the week to give you the best chances at taking home those bragging rights.
Ross Colton – Tampa Bay Lightning – 14% Rostered
The benefit of playing on Tampa Bay’s third line is that while teams are pre-occupied with defending against the Steven Stamkos and Brayden Point lines, it leaves someone like Ross Colton to pick up the greasy goals. Since April started, he has 10 goals in 13 games and has meshed well with the likes of Corey Perry and Nick Paul. The chemistry built together has created all kinds of madness in the crease, and all three are excellent forecheckers.
The final week of the season sees the Lightning playing three games, two of which are against the Columbus Blue Jackets and one against the New York Islanders. They’ve blown up both teams in three games combined this season, out-scoring them 15-4, and Colton has a goal against the Islanders in their two encounters. If the Lightning lean more on the third line to rest up the top-six ahead of the postseason, an increase in minutes against lowly opponents could spike his production significantly.
Matt Boldy – Minnesota Wild – 27% Rostered
The Minnesota Wild might be one of the hottest teams down the stretch, and Matt Boldy is one of the names turning heads. The chemistry he’s built with Kevin Fiala makes him a must-have for the final three games of the season, as he’s riding an 11-game point streak, including three multi-point games. With how hot Fiala has been, registering 23 points in his last 10 games, Boldy is reaping the benefits of playing on his other side.
The Wild have three more games on the season, kicking off with a game against the Arizona Coyotes. They’ll close out the week with games against the Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche, and Boldy has points against both teams this season. Considering the Coyotes are 0-8-2 in their last 10, and the Wild have torched them in both meetings this season, this is a prime opportunity to grab Boldy and hope he continues his streak alongside Fiala.
Mason Marchment – Florida Panthers – 20% Rostered
If Mason Marchment is available in your fantasy league, you’re guaranteed to see results with him in your lineup. Playing on the Florida Panthers’ top line with Aleksander Barkov and Claude Giroux has done wonders for Marchment’s production and the overall success of the team. He’s riding a three-game point streak, with one goal and three assists to his name, and his linemates are tearing it up, making the trio a threat every time they hit the ice.
Considering they’re the best team in the league and their final three games come against the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators, and Montreal Canadiens, Marchment should be a lock for the week. He’s registered at least one point against all three teams this season and, against Montreal, he’s put up three goals in three games. He’ll stockpile points by continuing to play on the top line and against the bottom-ranked teams, who are likely jockeying a roster primed for the offseason.
Roster percentages courtesy of Yahoo
The Hockey Writers & THWBets promotes responsible gaming, and provides this content as opinion and analysis with no guarantees or assurances.
For more information about responsible gambling, including help for problem gambling behaviour, please visit these great resource pages:
If you’re in Canada, Rogers Sports & Media has put together a great information and resources page.
If you’re in the United States, MGMResorts has a great page for gambling problem resources.
