RotoWire Fantasy Hockey Podcast · RotoWire.com

Week 23 - last week of regular season

·1 hr 2 min·5 clips

Why would the Islanders fire their coach with just six games left in the season?

This episode of the RotoWire Fantasy Hockey Podcast, hosted by Paul Bruno (Statsman) and AJ Scholz, analyzes late-season NHL developments with fantasy implications. The hosts examine a major coaching change, playoff races, and key injuries as the regular season concludes. They focus on the New York Islanders firing Patrick Waugh and hiring Pete DeBoer with only a handful of games remaining. AJ Scholz expresses strong skepticism about this and other late coaching changes for playoff-bound teams, specifically questioning the Vegas Golden Knights' hiring of John Tortorella. Paul Bruno suggests the Islanders may have sought DeBoer for his offensive style to utilize puck-moving defensemen like rookie Matthew Schneider. The hosts note the "new coach bump," citing Vegas's 4-0 record since the Tortorella hire, and debate whether such moves truly elevate a team to Stanley Cup contender status. They highlight the high turnover of NHL coaches, noting Marty St. Louis is now the league's fourth-most tenured coach despite being hired only in February 2022. The conversation shifts to the Buffalo Sabres ending a 14-year playoff drought shortly after replacing GM Kevin Adams with Jarmo Kekalainen, prompting discussion on a potential "GM bump." Paul Bruno also details the Toronto Maple Leafs' position to potentially secure a top-five protected draft pick, which is only protected if they land in the top five selections. He speculates on whether the Leafs would draft top prospect Gavin McKenna or trade the pick for multiple assets if they won the lottery. The hosts review the Eastern Conference playoff picture, noting the tight race for the Atlantic Division title between Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and Montreal. They identify the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, and Washington Capitals as teams battling for the final wild-card spots. Teams already eliminated include the New York Rangers, Florida Panthers, and New Jersey Devils, with the hosts debating which of these might return to the playoffs next season. In the Western Conference, they note the lower point totals and identify the Los Angeles Kings as a team on the outside with a realistic chance to climb in. AJ Scholz picks the Winnipeg Jets, led by goalie Connor Hellebuyck, as a dark horse to secure a playoff spot. The injury report section reveals surprise returns for Ottawa's Thomas Chabot and the Islanders' Tony DeAngelo. Key injuries discussed include Colorado's Nazem Kadri and Cale Makar, Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl and Connor Ingram, and Detroit's precarious playoff hopes impacting GM Steve Yzerman's job security. The tone is conversational and analytical, blending league news with fantasy-focused commentary. This episode is ideal for fantasy hockey managers needing late-season waiver wire or lineup advice, and for NHL fans interested in coaching strategies and playoff races. Listeners seeking deep statistical analysis or interviews with players may find it less relevant.

As heard by us

Late-season fantasy hockey with roster decisions, playoff context, and useful edges.

The episode stays on practical late-season fantasy hockey ground, centering on the coaching change in New York and what it means for teams still fighting for playoff position.

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Why you'd press play

Use this when your fantasy week needs one last sharp read.

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