This article is part of our Schedule Analysis series.
Save for holiday's and league blackouts, it's not often that the NHL puts out a schedule that leaves an organization playing just one game in seven days, so it's even more strange when there's two teams (Anaheim/Toronto). Add in the four additional teams (Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Winnipeg) playing just two tilts and it's clear to see aligning with players on the remaining 24 teams will give you the upper hand in the next week of fantasy hockey.
Central Four
Unlikely an accident, only four teams will play four games this week and all four are from the Central division.
1. Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago plays a home-and-home with the Preds before heading back to the Windy City to host the Jets and Canucks, the former of which will be part of a back-to-back for the Blackhawks, so look for Scott Darling against Winnipeg.
2. Nashille Predators
Nashville will start the week on back-to-back nights against the Bruins and aforementioned Hawks, which begins a stretch of seven of eight in Nashville. While Pekka Rinne isn't likely to start against both the Bruins and Hawks on back-to-back nights, Carter Hutton (0-1, .786 save percentage) is just returning from injury and has not fared well against the B's in two career starts. Still, it's too early to overwork Rinne, so expect Hutton to go against the Bruins.
3. St. Louis Blues
St. Louis began their five-game home stand with a 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday. They will have plenty of
Save for holiday's and league blackouts, it's not often that the NHL puts out a schedule that leaves an organization playing just one game in seven days, so it's even more strange when there's two teams (Anaheim/Toronto). Add in the four additional teams (Edmonton, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Winnipeg) playing just two tilts and it's clear to see aligning with players on the remaining 24 teams will give you the upper hand in the next week of fantasy hockey.
Central Four
Unlikely an accident, only four teams will play four games this week and all four are from the Central division.
1. Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago plays a home-and-home with the Preds before heading back to the Windy City to host the Jets and Canucks, the former of which will be part of a back-to-back for the Blackhawks, so look for Scott Darling against Winnipeg.
2. Nashille Predators
Nashville will start the week on back-to-back nights against the Bruins and aforementioned Hawks, which begins a stretch of seven of eight in Nashville. While Pekka Rinne isn't likely to start against both the Bruins and Hawks on back-to-back nights, Carter Hutton (0-1, .786 save percentage) is just returning from injury and has not fared well against the B's in two career starts. Still, it's too early to overwork Rinne, so expect Hutton to go against the Bruins.
3. St. Louis Blues
St. Louis began their five-game home stand with a 4-1 loss to the Maple Leafs on Saturday. They will have plenty of opportunity to recover as they'll play nine of their final 13 contests in the calendar year at the Scottrade Center. Set aside meetings with an inconsistent Coyotes and lackluster Flyers squad, in light of Jake Allen's loss to Toronto and Brian Elliott's play of late (five goals in last five appearances), it is possible Elliott gets the matchup with Dallas. Then again, Elliott's career numbers against the Avs (5-2-1, 2.44 GAA) are better than his numbers against the Stars (5-3, 3.09 GAA). Either way, the first two games this week should determine who gets the nod against the high-powered Stars offense.
4. Colorado Avalanche
Colorado has the toughest schedule of the four Central teams, starting with home bouts against the Wild and Pens to begin the week, then traveling to play the Preds and Blues on back-to-back nights. Semyon Varlamov is turning things around, but Reto Berra should get at least one start this week.
Three of a Kind
Three teams playing three games this week with a favorable schedule
The Rangers play three in a four-night stretch, but none of the three Pacific division teams should be an issue, despite the team's recent skid.
Like the Rangers, San Jose plays the Flames and Oilers on back-to-back nights before heading home to host Minnesota.
The Islanders will take three days off between their travels to Philly and Columbus. After visiting the Blue Jackets, the Isles head home to host the Devils the next night.
Three teams playing three games this week with an unfavorable schedule
Detroit has their work cut out for them with road tilts with the Caps and Devils separated by a host game against the Canadiens.
Philadelphia not only hosts the Islanders but visits the Blues and Stars on back-to-back nights. If not for the 4-4 record on both ends of a back-to-back, we would suggest the Flyers have the roughest schedule of the week.
Florida will host the Sens and Caps before traveling to Boston.
