The regular season has come to an end, and now the action heats up. It’s Stanley Cup Playoff time, and that means the playoff edition of Fantasy Pools. Hopefully the regular fantasy season went well for you, but now it is time to set that aside, and focus on winning your playoff pool. The mindset in playoff pools is a little different than regular season fantasy hockey. It is a sprint – not a marathon. Here are some key tips to win your league.
1 – KNOW YOUR PLAYOFF POOL SCORING SYSTEM
Knowing the scoring format is very critical, and teams should be drafted accordingly. It is important to know if goals are weighted the same as assists? Is plus/minus a factor, and/or are points assessed for shots on goal. All these are key factors in which players will rack up the most points in the playoffs.
2 – GO FOR BROKE
This is probably the most important factor when selecting your team. The playoffs a sprint – not a marathon – draft accordingly. I really think it is important to pick players from 4-6 teams that you feel will go deep in the playoffs. Yes, it is risky, but the reward is high. It’s all about what teams go deep. If you pick the right teams, the players will be given more chances to produce, thus more points will come your way. Make sure you select the teams with a conference balance. Select from both conferences. Now the downside to this method, is the fact that you may be wrong on your top teams, and the majority of players will be out of the playoffs. It’s just the way it is. It’s all or nothing. If your right on your teams your chances of winning triple.
3 – KNOW YOUR PLAYERS
Know what players perform best in the playoffs. Take a strong look at line combinations, and especially power play time. Special teams are even more critical in the playoffs. Also, know if your player is injured or dinged before you draft them. Take the time to study.
4 – PICK A GOALTENDER CAREFULLY
Goalies are one of the top point getters on your team. Draft based on the team they play for. It is also very important to go with the hot hand. Take a look at how the goalie scoring system is set-up. Sometimes it is good to get a goalie that gets a lot of shots, but you also want your goaltenders to make long playoff runs. Draft a goalie from a strong team, and don’t draft a goalie that is on a short leash.
5 – MOMENTUM IS YOUR FRIEND
Draft players and goaltenders based off individual and teams current trends. Hot streaks are your friend, and it is important to know what players are on hot streaks.
Good luck and enjoy the playoffs!!!
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.