NHL Hockey 3h Briefing
×Last updated: March 12, 2026, 4:46 PM ET
NHL Playoff Fantasy Strategy
As fantasy hockey playoffs intensify, experts recommend targeting high-volume shooters espn.com and rostering backup goaltenders facing weak offenses, with streaming strategies becoming crucial for late-round success. The Toronto Maple Leafs espn.com forward line featuring Auston Matthews espn.com has produced a 23% shooting rate over their last 10 games, making them prime fantasy assets. Meanwhile, Colorado Avalanche espn.com goaltender Pavel Francouz espn.com has posted a .932 save percentage in his last five starts while backing up Darcy Kuemper espn.com, presenting a streaming opportunity against the struggling Arizona Coyotes espn.com.
Trade Deadline Impact
The NHL trade deadline has reshuffled fantasy rosters espn.com across the league, with Pittsburgh Penguins espn.com acquiring winger Jake Guentzel espn.com from the Carolina Hurricanes espn.com for a first-round pick and prospect. Guentzel's immediate linemate status with Sidney Crosby espn.com has boosted his fantasy value espn.com by an estimated 15 points per game. Additionally, Montreal Canadiens espn.com goaltender Sam Montembeault espn.com saw his ownership spike 40% after being dealt to a team where he'll likely serve as the clear starter down the stretch.
Injury Updates
Key injuries have forced fantasy managers to pivot espn.com, with Boston Bruins espn.com forward Brad Marchand espn.com expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a lower-body injury. His absence creates increased opportunity espn.com for Tyler Bertuzzi espn.com and Charlie Coyle espn.com, both of whom have averaged 2.8 fantasy points more per game without Marchand this season. On the blue line, Vegas Golden Knights espn.com defenseman Alex Pietrangelo espn.com returned from a 10-game absence and immediately recorded three assists in his first game back, providing a boost to fantasy lineups espn.com that stashed him on injured reserve.