As the NHL season approaches its mid-point in January, fantasy hockey managers are urged to optimize their lineups by capitalizing on the schedule. Identifying teams that play on less busy nights can significantly enhance fantasy performance, especially when only a few games are on the slate. For instance, the Florida Panthers, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks are set to play on seven slower nights this month.

Key players to consider include Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers, who has shown improved performance with 20 points this season. Tyler Myers of the Vancouver Canucks is also gaining traction, thanks to increased ice time and a role on the power play. Additionally, Tyler Bertuzzi of the Chicago Blackhawks is thriving alongside rookie Connor Bedard, making him a valuable addition.