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How Does Fantasy Hockey Work? How to Play and Prepare for Drafting

January 5th, 2024

How Does Fantasy Hockey Work? How to Play and Prepare for Drafting

Written by - Team Sentitrac

As the football season concludes and the start of baseball season is still months away, fantasy sports lovers find themselves in an unusual in-between space on the fantasy calendar. If you're seeking a compelling way to fill the void, consider delving into the world of fantasy hockey.

Wondering how fantasy hockey works? Fantasy hockey is a captivating game that allows you to assume the role of manager for your own NHL team, leading them to victory on the ice each night.

Let’s go through the basics of fantasy hockey and give you the essential insights you need to hop over the boards and onto the virtual ice!

What Is Fantasy Hockey?

Fantasy hockey is an interactive and competitive game where participants draft real NHL players to build their virtual hockey teams. These teams then compete based on the real-life performance of the players in actual NHL games.

As a fantasy hockey manager, you'll make strategic decisions about your roster, including:

  • Setting your lineup
  • Making trades
  • Picking up free agents

All in the pursuit of maximizing your team's success each week.

How Does Fantasy Hockey Scoring Work?

Fantasy Hockey Scoring

Understanding how scoring works is crucial to excelling in fantasy hockey. Scoring systems vary, but here are the most common categories and what they mean:

  • Goals (G): Players earn points for each goal scored—typically 2–3 points each.
  • Assists (A): Players earn points for setting up goals—also generally worth 2–3 points.
  • Plus-Minus (+/-): Measures goal differential when the player is on the ice during even-strength or shorthanded play.
  • Penalty Minutes (PIM): Some leagues award points for penalty minutes, though too many can negatively affect your team.
  • Shots on Goal (SOG): Rewards offensive activity by giving points for each shot.
  • Power Play / Special Teams Points (PPP): Points earned on power plays or while shorthanded.
  • Goaltender Stats: Key goalie categories include:
    • Saves (Sv)
    • Wins (W)
    • Shutouts (SO)

Some leagues include even more detailed stats like blocked shots or hits, so be sure to understand your league's custom scoring system.

🏒 Pro tip: Build a well-rounded roster with players who contribute across multiple categories—not just high scorers!

What Formats Are Fantasy Hockey Leagues Organized In?

Just like fantasy football, fantasy hockey offers several league formats:

  • Head-to-Head (H2H): You play a different team each week and compete across multiple stat categories. Whoever wins more categories wins the week.
  • Rotisserie (Roto): Your team accumulates points throughout the season. Standings are based on cumulative performance across categories.
  • Points-Based Leagues: Some leagues assign fixed points for actions like goals, assists, or wins, simplifying scoring.

Leagues can be public or private, and the format you choose can affect your draft and in-season strategies.

How Should I Prepare for a Fantasy Hockey Draft?

The draft is where championships are built. Here’s how to prep like a fantasy veteran:

✅ Research Player Rankings

Use rankings from trusted sources like ESPN, Rotowire, or The Gist Sports to identify valuable players and sleepers.

✅ Do Mock Drafts

Practice makes perfect. Mock drafts simulate the real thing and help you learn draft flow, average draft position (ADP), and when to reach or wait.

✅ Create a Strategy

Know your league’s format. Draft for positional depth and category balance. Be flexible if your top targets are taken.

✅ Stay Informed

Track NHL injuries, roster news, and team trends. Early season pickups and waiver moves can shape your season.

🧊 Quick reminder: Goaltenders can make or break a week in most formats. Don’t ignore them on draft day.

Play Fantasy Hockey with Confidence and Strategy

Fantasy hockey is an exciting way to engage with the NHL season and test your managerial skills. By familiarizing yourself with these fundamentals, you’ll give yourself a competitive edge before the puck even drops.

So gear up, draft your team, and get ready to compete in the world of fantasy hockey!

Sign up with Sentitrac and tap into the power of sentiment analytics to give your roster that extra edge.