How to Play Daily Fantasy Ice Hockey
Playing daily fantasy ice hockey isn't difficult, but a deep understanding of the game rules is essential for success. To get started, you'll need to download a fantasy ice hockey app for iPhone, iPad, or Android and register. From there, you can join contests and create your team based on a salary cap, selecting players from different teams to form your lineup.
If you know the game dynamics, that can benefit your fantasy ice hockey draft strategy. Familiarity with player performances and staying updated with league news throughout the seasons can also increase your chances. The key is choosing a well-rounded team that can accumulate points across various statistical categories in real-life matchups. Finding a fantasy ice hockey podcast or following a topical YouTube channel can help you stay on top of the latest news.
The Draft
The draft is the first step in forming your fantasy ice hockey team. If you are in a re-draft league, you must select a new team each year. Drafts typically occur just before the NHL season begins, allowing players to choose based on the latest team rosters and player conditions.
A common draft pattern in fantasy ice hockey involves a serpentine or "snake" draft, where the order reverses each round. This means if you pick last in one round, you will pick first in the next, balancing the advantages. For a standard fantasy ice hockey team, you typically select:
- 2 centers
- 2 left wings
- 2 right wings
- 4 defensemen
- 2 goaltenders
The best sites for fantasy ice hockey use various scoring formats, but the points-based system is the most common. In this system, players accumulate points for their fantasy team based on their performances in specific statistical categories during real games. This scoring format rewards offensive achievements like goals and assists and defensive actions such as saves as follows:
- Goal scored: 3 points
- Assist: 2 points
- Goalie win: 3 points
- Goalie shutout: 2 points
- Saves: 0.2 points
- Penalty minutes: 0.5 points
In addition to the basic scoring rules, fantasy ice hockey incorporates additional points for various player activities. Players earn or lose points depending on their plus/minus rating, which reflects their presence on the ice during even-strength or shorthanded goals (SHG). Additionally, players can gain extra points for scoring or assists while on the power play, typically adding points to their total.
The system also rewards players for shots on goal, typically awarding around 0.5 points per shot, encouraging the selection of frequently shooting offensive team members. Hits are valued as well, with each physical hit potentially adding about 0.2 points to a player's score.
Before Gameday
Before gameday in fantasy ice hockey, you should optimally set your lineup. Confirm that all starting positions are filled and select the best players for each position based on their current performance. A good daily fantasy ice hockey advice is to double-check the league schedule to have your lineup ready in time for the games.
In a standard re-draft league, weekly checks are necessary to adjust your team for the best possible outcome. You should also consider the players' health status, as last-minute injuries can affect their availability and performance. Pay attention to fantasy ice hockey news and NHL updates for trades or line changes that might impact player roles.
The Waiver Wire
In a fantasy ice hockey league, the waiver wire is a system for managing player transactions. When players drop out from a team, they go on the "waiver wire", where they remain for a designated period, usually a couple of days, during which the managers can claim them. The priority for claims is typically in reverse order of the league standings, giving an advantage to teams lower in the rankings.
Using the waiver wire effectively can strengthen your lineup. It allows you to pick up undervalued players who may have been dropped by others but could have favorable upcoming matchups or have shown improved performance. By strategically claiming players off waivers, you can address weaknesses in your team, replace injured players, or adapt to the changing dynamics of the league.
Player Trades
Player trades in DFS ice hockey involve swapping players between different teams within your league. You can use this strategy to address weaknesses, balance your team, or use players' potential. When considering a trade, it is crucial to evaluate both the short-term benefits and the long-term impact on your roster.
Before making a trade on fantasy ice hockey apps, ensure it will improve your team based on the league's scoring system and your current needs. A good practice is to analyze the trading partner's roster to find mutually beneficial opportunities. You should also consider the schedule and playoff implications of the players involved and stay informed about eventual injuries.