A pair of Capitals lead the DF Fantasy Team of the Week

For a lot of head-to-head fantasy leagues this week is likely the start of the playoffs. If you have Alexander Ovechkin, then you probably made the playoffs, because he is on fire right now.  Remember this team will be based off of the usual fantasy scoring categories and players that excelled across the board. Skaters – (G, A, +/-, SOG, GWG, SHG, PPP) Goalies – (W, GAA, SV%, SO)

C – Nicklas Backstrom – Washington Capitals

Backstrom has been one of the most consistent players when it comes to fantasy hockey over the last few years (when healthy). In his career to date he has posted 407 points in 404 games, however 300 are assists. Assists are not quite as valuable in fantasy as goals, but it is comforting having a guy like this on your team. This past week alongside Ovechkin and Marcus Johansson, Backstrom had his playmaking on display. He had nine assists (3 on the power-play) and was a plus-5. He did not score a goal in four games despite having eight shots.

LW – Alexander Ovechkin – Washington Capitals 

The two-time Art Ross (MVP) and Rocket Richard (Most Goals) winner is back to his old ways. He scored seven times on 20 shots (two game-winners),added two assists and was a plus-5 this week. Of his nine points, four of them came on the power-play. Ovie now has 25 goals this season which is tied with Steven Stamkos for most in the NHL. He is also sixth in the league in points with 43. The trio of Ovechkin, Backstrom and Johansson have three games this week and should be able to continue their strong play and help your team succeed in the playoffs.

RW – Rick Nash – New York Rangers

The Rangers were ranked last in the NHL in scoring before the trade deadline. Since the deals they made on April 3rd they have moved up to 26th in just three games. Nash has been a big part of their offense all season and this week was no different. He potted three goals on 21 shots and added two assists in four games. He was also a plus-4  which brings his +/- to plus-15 on the season. Nash and his linemate Derek Stepan have combined for 19 points in their last eight games.

D – Keith Yandle – Phoenix Coyotes

The 26-year-old defenseman has been as steady as they come since entering the league in 2007. He had two goals, two assists and was a plus-5 in three games this week. Yandle has eight goals this season which has him tied with Shea Weber for second among NHL d-men.

D – P.K. Subban – Montreal Canadiens

Remember when this guy sat out the start of the season with a contract dispute? That seems like a distant memory at this point. Subban has taken a serious step forward this season after scoring 36 points in 81 games last season. He had five assists, three of which came on the power-play and was a plus-3 in four games this week. His 10 goals leads all NHL defenseman and he is third in assists with 22. Subban’s 32 points in 32 games leads Minnesota’s Ryan Suter by three points and he has played in six less games than Suter. No wonder he was in a contract dispute… Suter makes $7.5 million a year.

G – Ryan Miller – Buffalo Sabres 

Has anyone had a more frustrating season than Miller? The Sabres have struggled all season which led to them being sellers at the trade-deadline. This past week they played without their former captain Jason Pominville (traded to MIN), Jordan Leopold (traded to STL) and their leading scorer Thomas Vanek (injury)… And they won all three games. Miller recorded three wins with a 1.62 GAA and .948 SV%.