Fantasy Corner: Best Round 2 Pickups From Flames/Oilers Series

As the second round is set to kick off, you will likely be looking for a few players to pick up in playoff pools. From the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers series, these are three of the best options that may be available to pick up.

Kailer Yamamoto

The Oilers scored a ton of goals in the first round led by the top line. Connor McDavid was a constant on the top line, but Evander Kane and Leon Draisaitl swapped around. Either way, Kailer Yamamoto was the third man on that line and was able to benefit from the scoring all three of his linemates contributed.

Kailer Yamamoto Edmonton Oilers
Kailer Yamamoto, Edmonton Oilers (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

During the season, Yamamoto was up at times on the top line and instantly found chemistry with McDavid. Now that he has proven he can work and finish plays in the playoffs, he’s Jay Wooodcroft’s top option on the first line right wing to spread out the scoring. Yamamoto has one goal and three points in the playoffs so far, but he has also shown the ability to be a major contributor on the second power-play unit that scored twice in Round 1. Anyone playing with McDavid at the level he is at right now is worth a look and will generate points.

Cody Ceci

Cody Ceci was the most offensively productive defenceman for the Oilers and even scored the game-winning goal in Game 7 when set up by McDavid. Ceci plays top minutes on the first pairing and is constantly on the ice with the top scorers for the Oilers. That allows him to spend a good amount of time in the offensive zone giving him more chances to get a touch in before the team scores.

Though the Oilers have been very good on the power play in the playoffs, their five-on-five game was strong as well. He logged the third-most ice time for the Oilers in Round 1 and recorded the fourth-most points behind the three Oilers stars who he shares the ice with a lot. Many would have gone for Darnell Nurse or Evan Bouchard when drafting players, but Ceci has given more fantasy points than either and shouldn’t slow down much.

Mikael Backlund

Mikael Backlund finished seventh on the Flames in points during the regular season but is fourth after their Round 1 matchup with three goals and an assist. Goals are generally worth more, and he stepped up his game once the playoffs kicked off.

Mikael Backlund Calgary Flames
Mikael Backlund, Calgary Flames (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Backlund is the second-line centre between Andrew Mangiapane and Blake Coleman, the latter being a known playoff performer. Backlund’s ice time has increased by over two minutes, so he is getting more chances and converting on them. With Calgary the favourites to move on to the third round, it’s not a bad option to take a chance on someone who has already performed and may give you more than you anticipated in regards to points.

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