Every Monday, theScore offers a weekly fantasy hockey column detailing a handful of moves you should make. This edition focuses on Week 21. Ownership percentages and position eligibility are courtesy of Yahoo.
Prepare for the playoffs
In most fantasy leagues, the playoffs begin March 9, but some may be starting their postseasons this week. Check to make sure you know your league's schedule.
Your strategy over the next week or so will depend on your place in the standings. If you've clinched a playoff spot and are locked into your position, you can start stashing players for the postseason. If you're fighting for your playoff life, you'll have to use up your adds to go all-out this week in order to get a ticket to the dance.
Regardless of your spot, it's crucial to look at the schedule ahead and use it to maximize your lineup. The following players should be able to help all fantasy owners, regardless of your current situation.
Add Tyler Ennis
Team: Oilers
Position: LW/RW
Ownership: 22%
Ennis could not have ended up in a better spot. The Edmonton native went from one of the worst teams in the league in the Ottawa Senators to a spot on Connor McDavid's right wing with his hometown team. Ennis has been held off the scoresheet since his two-point Oilers debut, but he's worth picking up considering Edmonton plays four games this week and next week. The 30-year-old has enough skill and hockey IQ to keep up with McDavid.
Add Juuse Saros
Team: Predators
Position: G
Ownership: 32%
Goaltenders receiving Saros' workload are tough to come by at this time of year, but the Predators' de facto starter is still owned in less than one-third of leagues. The 24-year-old has grabbed a stranglehold on Nashville's No. 1 job, starting 10 of the team's last 13 games while going 7-3-0 with a .930 save percentage in that span.
The Preds have games in hand on most of their Western Conference competitors, so Saros is a valuable fantasy commodity for the rest of the season. Nashville plays four games both this week and next.
Add Sonny Milano
Team: Ducks
Position: LW
Ownership: 2%
A change of scenery has done wonders for Milano. The 2014 first-round pick was never able to fully establish himself with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he's getting the opportunity of a lifetime with the Ducks, as he's skating on the club's first line with Ryan Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell. The 23-year-old has already registered three points in three games with his new club, and Anaheim plays eight contests over the next 14 days.
Add Kevin Labanc
Team: Sharks
Position: LW/RW
Ownership: 18%
Unless he gets on a roll, Labanc is best served as a streaming option for this week. The Sharks play four games this week, but only three next week.
Labanc has failed to replicate his 56-point breakout season from a year ago, as he currently stands with 32 points in 65 games. However, poor shooting luck (8.5%) has played a part. Regardless, Labanc gets top-six minutes and time on the first power-play unit, which is difficult to find at this stage in the season for a player with less than 20% ownership. He's worth a flyer.
Josh Wegman has been theScore's resident fantasy hockey expert since 2015. Find him on Twitter @JoshWegman_.
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