Here is your final edition of the Fantasy Planner for this year's regular season, getting you ready for next week's fantasy hockey action. (4/4 through 4/11).  If you made it this far, that means you're in the finals and may have room for one last tweak to that roster.

Week 25 Matchups

Teams with 4 games:  Anaheim, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Colorado, Edmonton, Florida, LA, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Washington

Teams with 2 games:  Nashville

Only the Nashville Predators will wind down the season with a 2 game schedule.  Beyond that, most teams will play 4 games next week.  If you're looking for an edge,  look to the Lightning.  They start out at home against Carolina and Ottawa, before wrapping up the season with 2 softballs against the Panthers.

On the other end, it's a bad time to have Thrashers in your lineup, as they finish with contests against NJ, Pittsburgh, and Washington.

Who's Hot

Curtis McElhinney (G - ANA)

With Hiller on the IR, McElhinney has given the Ducks a last breath run at the playoffs.  He's won his last four games, allowing just 6 goals in the process. I wouldn't take a chance on him for the final week, however, as Hiller may return and will assume his spot in the crease.

Brian Elliot (G - OTT)

Elliot has led the Senators on a 6 game winning streak with outstanding play.  He's been in net for all 6 games, including 2 shutout performances.

Lee Stempniak (F - PHO)

Nobody has been hotter than Stempniak since the trade deadline.  He has 13 goals in 14 games and was named the NHL's player of the month in March.

Who's Cold

Bobby Ryan (F - ANA)

Ryan has cooled off considerably.  He's now gone 6 games without a point.  He's clearly missing Getzlaf's presence in Anaheim.

Mike Richards (F - PHI)

Richards has just 1 assist in his past five games and is a -3 during that time.  His ice time has gone down considerably lately for the Flyers.

Waiver Watch

Just one name to consider for the final week of the season:

Erik Karlsson (D - OTT) - Karlsson has been on a tear for the past two weeks in Ottawa.  His two goals last night give him 10 in his past 6 games.  He has just 24 points on the season, but most of them have come in the month of March.  If you're looking for a quick boost in the last week, give Karlsson a look.

And while we're at it, here's your Landshark Hockey Daily Fantasy Feed for today...

4 Stars

#1 -Dustin Brown (F - LA) - The Kings are getting back on track, and Brown is doing his part to help.  Last night, Brown brought the hats down with 3 goals and an assist in LA's  8-3 routing of Vancouver.

#2 -Scott Clemmensen (G - FLA) - The Panthers played spoiler last night with a 1-0 win over Boston.  Clemmensen stopped all 36 shots he faced.

#3 -Erik Karlsson (D - OTT) - (see above).

#4 -Jason Spezza (F - OTT) - Spezza has been the hottest player in the league for the past couple of weeks.  In addition to his 3 assists in regulation, he scored a beauty in the shootout to seal the win for the Senators.  He has 15 points in the last 7 games.

Injury Update:

• Pavel Kubina missed the game against Washington with an upper body injury
• Brooks Laich returned last night for the Capitals wearing a full cage, after missing 4 games from a puck to the face
• Tim Connolly and Thomas Vanek remain out for the Sabres.
• Daniel Sedin missed the matchup against LA with back spasms.  He's questionable for today's game against Anaheim.
• Alex Burrows left the game last night after being hit by a shot to the chest. 

Fantasy Notes:

• Niklas Backstrom hit the 30 goal plateau for the first time in his career with a goal last night.  He remains 4th overall in points this season.
• Blake Comeau put up 2 goals for the second straight game.  The Islanders winger has been streaky this season, so maybe he'll keep it up to close out the season.
• Jeremy Duchesne became the fifth goalie to play for Philadelphia this season.  To nobody's surprise, the Flyers are closing the season with a #1 goalie, for roughly the 20th straight year.
• Jimmy Howard wins again, bringing his total to 34 for the season.  He's making a serious late-season play for the Calder Trophy.
• Patrick Hornqvist has 12 points in his last 13 games after a three point night
• Henrik Sedin and Alex Ovechkin each has 1 assist last night, so they remain separated by 3 points for the Art Ross.  Each of them has 5 games remaining.
• Roberto Luongo continues to struggle in March.  He allowed 8 goals on 29 shots against LA last night.
• Pekka Rinne has been unstoppable in Nashville.  His GAA in March is 1.81 with 9 wins and a save percentage of .934.

Welcome to week 24 of the Fantasy Planner, getting you ready for next week's fantasy hockey action. (3/29 through 4/4).  Only 2 weeks left to go in the regular season, so not much time for those final roster tweaks.

Week 24 Matchups

Teams with 4 games:  Anaheim, Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Carolina, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Florida, LA, Minnesota, Nashville, Vancouver

Teams with 2 games:  Pittsburgh

 The late season rush continues, as about half the teams in the league will play four games next week.  Pittsburgh is the only team with just two games, so it's a good time to rest Crosby and Gonchar.  (If you're playing me next week).

As for the scheduling advantage in week 24, look to the team with all the firepower.  The Capitals have played average hockey lately, but look for their stars to put up some numbers as they face Ottawa, Atlanta, and Columbus next week.

Who's Hot

The Columbus Offense

It never fails that once a team is all but eliminated from playoff contention, they start to play their best hockey.  So seems to be the case with the Columbus offense.  They're averaging over 4 goals per game in the past two weeks.  Here are a few Jackets currently lighting it up:

• Antoine Vermette - 9 points in his last 5 games
• Kristian Huselius - 10 points in 6 games
• Jakub Voracek - 18 points in his past 15 games

Who's Cold

Olli Jokinen (F - NYR) - Jokinen is pointless in 3 games and has just 2 assists in his last 9 games.  Hope you weren't counting on this inconsistency machine to lead your playoff charge.

Alexander Frolov (F - LA) - I tried to talk you into dropping him 2 months ago.  He has a whopping 2 points in his last 7 games.  With other key forwards healthy and playing well, Frolov's role in LA has been diminished.  He's down to about 18 minutes a game now.

Waiver Watch

Here are a few names who may be available in your league and are worth a look:

Lee Stempniak (F - PHO) - Stempniak has bounced around a lot in the past year.  However, since arriving in Phoenix, Stempniak has 10 goals in 11 games, making him the hottest goal scorer in the league.  How long can he keep that up?  If you're in need of one last piece for your playoff run, two weeks would be just fine.

Kristian Huselius (F - COB) - Huselius has been on a tear lately, piling up 12 points in his past 6 games.  He was front and center in the 8 goal thrashing of Chicago, scoring twice on 3 shots.  This isn't the first time Huselius has gone a mad rush, so don't be afraid to lean on him down the stretch.  He's still available in about 1/4 of the leagues out there.

Ron Hainsey (D - ATL) - The Thrashers are still within striking distance of a playoff spot, so it's a great time for a defenseman to suddenly get hot.  Fortunately for Atlanta, that's just the story with Hainsey.  He has 8 points in his last 8 games and is available in just about every league.

And here is your daily fantasy file while we're at it:

4 Stars

#1 - Johan Franzen (F - DET) - It was a four point night for Franzen, as the Mule recorded 2 goals and 2 assists in the Wings 6-2 victory over the Wild.

#2 - Corey Perry  (F - ANA) - The Ducks may have stunk themselves out the playoffs,  but Perry hasn't conceded the season.  He popped in two goals in the Ducks win over the Mighty Oilers.

#3 - Brian Elliot (G - OTT) - More bad news for fantasy owners of Pascal Leclaire… Elliot is still on fire.  After 2 shutouts, he followed that up with an enormous 41 save winning performance against the Sabres.  Following a shaky start to March, the Sens are back on track thanks to the young goaltender.

#4 - Jonathan Ericcsson (D - DET) - Ericcson was all over the scoresheet last night.  He had a goal, and assists, 2 PIMs and was a plus 4.  Not a bad showing.

Injury Update:

• Ryan Getzlaf continues to be questionable on when he'll return to the Ducks lineup
• Alex Kovalev missed last night's game with a lower-body injury
• Milan Michalek was out as well, missing his 4th straight
• Mikko Koivu missed his second straight game with an arm injury
• Dan Cleary left last night's game due to an unpleasant groinery region

Fantasy Notes:

• Andrew Brunette scored again last night for the Wild, giving him 3 in his past 4 games
• Jimmy Howard has won 10 games in the month of March
• Jason Pominville has 12 points in his past 9 games
• Daniel Alfredsson has a 6 game scoring streak started

Welcome to week 23 of the Fantasy Planner, getting you ready for next week's fantasy hockey action. (3/22through 3/28).  Only three weeks left to go in the regular season, so not much time for those final roster tweaks.

Week 23 Matchups

Teams with 4 games: Calgary, Columbus, Detroit, Montreal, New Jersey, Ottawa, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Jose, Toronto

Teams with 2 games: n/a

It's a full schedule this week as we head down the stretch.  Every team plays either 3 or 4 games.   Although they only have 3 to play, look to Atlanta as a team with a fairly easy schedule, with games against Carolina, Toronto, and the struggling Bruins.

Who's Hot

Sedins (F - VAN)

The Sedins have come on strong once again for the Canucks.  Both players have 14 points in their past 9 games, and are dominating once again.

Who's Cold

Alex Kovalev (F - OTT)

Nobody has been more streaky this season (or perhaps in a career) than Mr. Kovalev.  After a real nice run in January and February, the month of March has been a complete write off for #27.  He hasn't registered a point in 8 games, and he's a -9 over that span.

The Rest of the Senators

No point in just picking on Kovalev when the entire Senators team has gone into the tank.  After going on an enormous winning streak a month ago, the Sens can't buy a win these days.  In eight games this month, they have just one victory and have scored more than 1 goal only twice.

Waiver Watch

Here are a few names who may be available in your league and are worth a look:

Nikolai Kulemin (F - TOR)

All of a sudden, Kulemin seems to be running the show in Toronto.  He has 8 point in his last 7 games and is on the ice more than any other Maple Leaf forward.  He's averaging over 20 minutes a game and is registering plenty of shots.  There's not much else to get excited about down the stretch in Toronto, so if you're looking for something to cheer for, consider picking up Kulemin for the final few weeks.

David Krejci (F - BOS)

When Marc Savard went down for the season, most fans expected the Bruins to crumble.  Krejci is doing his best to stop that from happening, as he has stepped up his offensive game considerably.  He  has 7 points in his past 5 games and 9 in his past 8.  Most fantasy owners gave up on Krejci early this season, so he's probably still available in your league for the playoff run.

Welcome to week 22 of the Fantasy Planner, getting you ready for next week's fantasy hockey action. (3/15 through 3/21).

Week 22 Matchups

Teams with 4 games:  Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Carolina, Calgary, Dallas, Edmonton, Florida, Minnesota, Nashville, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Jose, St. Louis, Tampa Bay

Teams with 2 games:  LA, Montreal

It will be a busy week on the NHL schedule, as most teams are looking at 4 games to play.  LA and Montreal draw the short stick, with only 2 games a piece, so if you're looking to make a decision based on games, you may want to rest your Kings and Canadiens. 

In terms of scheduling advantage, look to the Predators this week.  3 of 4 games at home, with games against non-playoff factors like Minnesota, Columbus and St. Louis.

Who's Hot

Jeff Carter (F - PHI)

It looked as if this season was shaping up to be a major let down after last year's torrid goal scoring display, but Carter has recovered nicely.  He's in the midst of an amazing run of 10 goals over 10 games.  He's given Flyers fans reason to hope as the playoffs near.

Stamkos / St. Louis (F - TAM)

These guys are tearing it up down in southern Florida.  They're both averaging about 2 points per game since the end of January.  Stamkos is even making a run at the Rocket Richard Trophy, as he currently sits just 2 goals back of Ovechkin and Crosby.

Who's Cold

Ryan Malone (F - TAM)

Malone seems to be suffering from post-Olympic depression.  He's gone cold since the Olympic break, and wasn't performing particularly well before the event either.  He's been bumped to the third line and is averaging only 10 minutes a game now.  Consider other options at this point.

Ed Jovanavski (D - TAM)

While the Coyotes continue to plug along in the standings, Jovanavski has gone stone cold.  He has registered points in only 2 of his last 12 games.  After a terrific start, to an uncommon injury-light season, Jovo is starting to show his age.

Waiver Watch

Here are a few names who may be available in your league and are worth a look:

Peter Mueller (F - COL)

Everything the Avalanche touch this season seems to be turning to gold.  Mueller was struggling to find relevance during his tenure in Phoenix.  Since arriving in Colorado, he's registered 6 points in his first 4 games.  He's getting significant time on the power play in Denver, something he didn't see much of recently with the Coyotes.  He's available in almost every league out there, so give him a look.

Brian Pothier (D - CAR)

Joe Corvo ran the show for the Hurricanes power play over the past couple seasons, so when he was dealt to Washington, fans wondered who would fill the gap.  So far, it's looking like the guy they acquired in the deal may step to the plate.  After a two point performance last night, and 3 points in his last 3 games, you may want to consider Pothier as a depth defenseman option.  He's logging more time than any other Hurricane since arriving, and hasn't left the ice for the Canes power play time.

David Booth (F - FLA)

When Booth went down with the infamous head shot last fall, most fantasy owners abandoned ship and left him for the taking.  He's back and has found his early season form again.  He has 7 points in his past 4 games, and is back to top line duties.  If you've got room, snatch him now.

Yes, for fans who were expecting a grand fireworks finale coming off the Olympic high, Trade Deadline Day was a bit of a let down.  To the casual fan, not a single trade made yesterday would register more than an "Oh.  Is he any good?"  However, to the fantasy hockey nut (which I assume you are, since you're reading this), there was plenty of fallout from what did, and what did not go down yesterday.  

Ryan Whitney (D - EDM) for Lubomir Visnovsky (D - ANA)

It was a late breaker, but on a slow day, this qualified as big news.  The Ducks made a bold move by taking on a long term, high-value contract on D, but with Pronger gone and Niedermeyer waving goodbye soon enough, it was a wise move.  If you were lucky enough to have Vishnovsky on your roster, you've got to love this deal.  He goes from Siberia to California Sunshine, both in terms of climate, and in terms of fantasy value.  The big Czech defenseman will take his 10 goals to the powerful Ducks power play.  He had been on a bit of a dry spell, but blame that on environment.  He should finish strong in Anaheim.

On the other hand, Whitney was just getting by as a depth defensemen in the fantasy world.  If you were on the fence about dropping him, this should seal the deal.  Don't expect grand things from anyone in Edmonton over the next 6 weeks, particularly a guy struggling to find his way like Whitney.

Joe Corvo (D) to Washington

It was disappointing to see Carolina throwing in the towel, since the team has been on such a strong run lately.  Though most of the players moved were 3rd and 4th liners, Corvo was a heavy blow.  From Corvo's perspective, this should be a boost down the stretch.  Nobody scores like the Caps, and Corvo is a power play weapon.  He should complement Green nicely breaking out of the zone, and should rack up the assists.  The loser in this deal will most likely be Tom Poti, as he will probably lose a lot of his time on the power play.

Denis Grebeshkov (D) to Nashville

Grebeshkov has been fighting through injuries all season, but after a strong Olympic performance, seems to be ready to go for the stretch.  Getting out of Edmonton would normally be a good thing; however, he has landed on a team already crowded on the blueline and weak up front.  Unless the Preds plan to be the first team in history to run with 3 defensemen on the power play, this move ultimately won't benefit Grebeshkov all that much.  If you had him, keep him.  Otherwise, he's still a bubble option on the waivers if you're looking for a replacement on D.

No Deal for the Flyers

After Ray Emery went down for the season, most observers expected the Flyers to grab a #1 goalie.  Their lack of movement may hurt the team come playoff team, but it means you need to consider picking up Michael Leighton and/or Brian Boucher.  Leighton seems to be getting the starts right now, but Boucher has the experience and may be the option going into the playoffs.  The Flyers are finding their game, and  should put up the wins down the stretch.  Both goalies are available in most leagues.

Alex Ponikarovsky (F) to Pittsburgh

This deal may pay off big for the Penguins in the playoffs, as they add another secondary scoring winger.  In the short term, don't be surprised to see a quick boost in Ponikarovsky's production, as he'll most likely see some time next to Malkin out of the gate.  He might still be available on the wire in your league, but he'll be probably be gone by tomorrow.