<p>Finding an edge in fantasy hockey often comes down to maximizing your man games — and targeting players with favourable matchups. Our Fantasy Hockey Strength of Schedule tool helps you do precisely that.</p>



<p>Each week, we evaluate every NHL team’s upcoming slate using three key factors:</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Games Played:</strong> More games mean more opportunities for fantasy points.</li>



<li><strong>Strength of Schedule (SOS):</strong> Based on opponent difficulty, the higher the score, the easier the matchups.</li>



<li><strong>Light Nights:</strong> Nights with eight or fewer NHL games, when it’s easier to fit extra players into your active lineup.</li>
</ul>



<p>By combining these three components, the tool highlights which teams — and streamers — are best positioned for fantasy success this week.</p>



<p>If you’re looking for a full breakdown of every team’s upcoming schedule, check out our <strong><a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/strength-of-schedule">Fantasy Hockey Strength of Schedule Tool</a></strong> — updated daily to show which teams have the most games and valuable light-night matchups each week.</p>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Week 9 Strength of Schedule </strong></h1>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screen-Shot-2025-12-01-at-8.51.13-AM.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1396" height="1816" src="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screen-Shot-2025-12-01-at-8.51.13-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-249613" srcset="https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screen-Shot-2025-12-01-at-8.51.13-AM.png 1396w, https://publish.dailyfaceoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screen-Shot-2025-12-01-at-8.51.13-AM-231x300.png 231w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1396px) 100vw, 1396px"></a></figure>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Week 9 Streaming Targets</strong></h1>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Anaheim Ducks</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Beckett Sennecke (RW – 27% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Sennecke stands out as one of the premier streaming options for Week 9. All four of Anaheim’s games land on light nights, and he’s coming off an excellent November where he posted 13 points (4G, 9A) in 14 games. He’s firmly cemented inside the Ducks’ top six and on PP2, and his usage continues to rise—averaging 18:37 TOI over his last six games. With strong recent production and a favourable schedule, Sennecke should be a top priority if he’s still available.</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="187"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Olen Zellweger (D – 21% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>If Sennecke is gone, Zellweger offers a high-upside alternative from the blueline. He quietly put together a productive November of his own, scoring four goals and adding three assists over his last 12 games. His shooting volume is excellent for a defenceman, averaging 2.1 SOG and 4.8 shot attempts per game. While <strong>Jackson Lacombe</strong> has secured the PP1 role, Zellweger still logged nearly 20 minutes per night (19:58 ATOI in November) and brings legitimate offensive upside. A strong secondary option for managers looking to tap into Anaheim’s fantasy-friendly schedule.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>San Jose Sharks</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tyler Toffoli (LW/RW – 35% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Toffoli’s season has been uneven, but he’s still managed at least one point in half of his games and enters Week 9 with 11 points (3G, 8A) across his last 18. The issue isn’t talent—it’s usage. Despite San Jose’s four light-night games, Toffoli has played under 16 minutes in 12 of his last 13 outings, averaging just 14:18 TOI during that stretch. That reduced workload has tanked his shot volume as well, with only 1.5 SOG per game over the same span. Even with a great schedule, the combination of low ice-time and limited shooting makes him a risky stream unless you’re desperate for exposure to San Jose’s lighter nights.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="199"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>William Eklund (LW/RW – 34% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Eklund isn’t firing a ton of shots either, but his role is significantly more appealing. He’s averaging 20:20 TOI over his last 16 games and generating 4.2 shot attempts per night. Outside of <strong>Macklin Celebrini </strong>and <strong>Will Smith</strong>, Eklund is clearly the Sharks’ next-best forward, ranking third in ixG and fourth in Offensive Driving Plays per game in November (per SportsLogiq). He enters the week riding a strong stretch of production—14 points (6G, 8A) in his last 16 games, a 72-point pace. If you’re looking to capitalize on San Jose’s favourable schedule, Eklund is the far safer and higher-upside streaming option.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Utah Mammoth</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Barrett Hayton (C – 2% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>With <strong>Logan Cooley</strong> expected to miss time due to the lower-body injury he suffered on Saturday, Hayton is positioned for an expanded opportunity. He stepped onto PP1 following Cooley’s exit, and that alone gives him streaming appeal—especially with Utah owning the easiest Opponent Rating of any team with at least three light-night games in Week 9. The problem is the production. Hayton has managed just one goal and zero assists over his last 14 games, offering virtually no floor or ceiling during that stretch. If you’d rather chase upside elsewhere and simply ignore Utah’s favourable schedule, it’s completely understandable.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="2" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="200"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sean Durzi (D – 8% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Durzi is likely the best way to take advantage of Utah’s favourable Week 9 schedule. Since returning to the lineup three games ago, he’s logged heavy minutes, averaging 21:52 TOI. Midway through Saturday’s game, he also took over on PP1, which boosts his short-term fantasy appeal. Whether that top-unit role sticks for the week is uncertain, but Durzi has consistently produced when given opportunity, averaging 10 goals and 30 assists (40 points) per 82 games since joining Utah/Arizona. If the PP1 usage holds, he becomes a strong streaming option with real offensive upside.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Washington Capitals</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Connor McMichael (C/LW – 30% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>McMichael delivered exactly what we were hoping for last week, registering points in all three games and finishing with two goals, two assists, and 14 shots on goal. He now has 10 points (3G, 7A) and 26 SOG (3.3 per game) across his last eight outings. With three great light-night matchups ahead (San Jose, Anaheim, and Columbus), McMichael is once again positioned as one of the strongest streaming plays of the week, offering a blend of production, shot volume, and favourable matchups.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="3" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="175"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Ryan Leonard (RW – 9% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Leonard produced modest but useful numbers last week, posting two assists, seven shots, and three hits in three games. He was a recommended Week 8 streamer because of his growing usage, and that trend is continuing. After averaging just 13:47 through his first 20 games, he’s up to 16:11 over his last five, while also seeing time on PP1. If he continues to skate 16-plus minutes with top-unit exposure, Leonard becomes a solid deep-league target—especially with Washington drawing several advantageous light-night matchups in Week 9.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Winnipeg Jets</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cole Perfetti (C/LW/RW – 29% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Perfetti has been serviceable—not spectacular—since making his season debut in mid-November, posting four points (2G, 2A) with 2.0 SOG per game while averaging 16:51 TOI. It’s not breakout-level production, but among Winnipeg’s widely available forwards, he remains the most reliable source of offence. If you’re looking for a deeper-category boost in banger formats, <strong>Nino Niederreiter</strong> (LW/RW – 9% Rostered) is the better fit. He’s delivered nine points (4G, 5A), 23 shots (1.5 per game), and 16 hits (1.1 per game) over his last 15 games, making him a strong multi-cat streamer even without the same scoring upside.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="4" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="182"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Dallas Stars</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jamie Benn (C/LW – 22% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Since making his season debut on November 18th, Benn has quietly been very effective, posting six points (3G, 3A) in his last six games. He’s offering strong multi-category support as well, averaging 1.7 SOG and 2.0 hits per game during that stretch. While most of Dallas’ fantasy value typically flows through PP1, Benn is providing enough secondary scoring to remain relevant in deeper formats. Since returning to the lineup, he ranks fourth on the team in ixG per game (0.38), signalling that quality scoring chances support his recent production.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>New Jersey Devils</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Arseny Gritsyuk (RW – 2% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Gritsyuk looks to be settling in at the NHL level, and his underlying numbers continue to trend upward. He’s developed a strong partnership with <strong>Dawson Mercer</strong>, generating 3.3 xGF/60 across nearly 100 minutes together at 5v5. Over his last 11 games, he’s averaging 2.6 SOG and 4.4 shot attempts per game, while chipping in four goals and two assists. With a secure spot in New Jersey’s top-6 and PP2 usage, he has a solid deployment foundation heading into a week with three light-night opportunities. In deeper formats, Gritsyuk profiles as a worthwhile speculative add with clear signs of continued growth.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="5" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="189"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Buffalo Sabres</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Josh Norris (C – 15% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Confirm Norris is in the lineup on Monday before making the add, but all signs point to his return after a week of trending upward. Once activated, Norris is expected to slot directly into the top six and onto PP1, giving him immediate fantasy appeal. The concern, as always, is durability. Norris has missed 156 of the 271 games (57.6%) since 2023, but when he plays, he produces. Since 2022, he’s averaged 34 goals per 82 games. He may not be a long-term hold due to the injury risk, but with three light-night matchups on tap, he’s an excellent short-term stream.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Josh Doan (LW/RW – 12% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>With players returning from injury, Doan has been squeezed back down to the third line, but he remains on PP1. The third-line deployment isn’t too big of an issue, because he’s been productive in that role for most of the season so far. In November, Doan had eight points (4G / 4A) while averaging 2.3 SOG, 3.6 Shot Attempts and 1.1 Hits per game. He’s a worthwhile stream in standard and extended formats.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="6" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="174"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jason Zucker (LW – 7% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Zucker returned from injury on November 21st and has scored two goals with four assists in five games. Zucker is averaging more than 17 minutes and 2.0 SOG per game during that stretch, and is expected to remain on PP1 when Norris is back. He’s got a stable role, and the veteran winger has quietly averaged 25 goals and 36 assists (61 points) per 82 games since joining the Sabres in 2024.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jack Quinn (RW – 2% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>The Sabres made tons of line-shuffling adjustments in Saturday’s game, but kept Zucker, Quinn and <strong>Ryan McLeod</strong> together. And it’s easy to see why: the trio is averaging 4.1 xGF/60 and has outscored their opponents 6-to-3 at 5v5. Quinn has picked up five points (3G / 2A) and 2.8 SOG/gm in his last five games and seems locked into a second-line role with PP2 deployment for the time being.</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="7" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="141"></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Philadelphia Flyers</strong></h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Owen Tippett (LW/RW – 29% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Tippett has found his stride over the past couple of weeks, piling up 11 points (3G, 8A) in his last eight games. His floor has been excellent as well, averaging 2.1 shots and 1.9 hits per game during that stretch. If the offensive surge continues, Tippett profiles as a strong stream in all formats, offering both production and multi-cat stability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Tyson Foerster (LW/RW – 8% Rostered)</strong></h2>



<p>Foerster brings a very similar toolkit to Tippett and has quietly been one of Philadelphia’s more well-rounded contributors. In November, he scored six goals in 10 games while averaging 2.2 SOG, 3.8 shot attempts, 1.3 hits, and 1.2 blocks per game. That combination of shot volume, category coverage, and goal-scoring upside makes him an appealing streamer in extended formats—and a strong fallback option if Tippett is already rostered.</p>
