Fantasy Spin: Waiver wire pickups for playoff push

With the head-to-head fantasy hockey playoffs in full swing this week, it’s time to consider some players available on the Yahoo waiver wires who can help push you over the edge in your current and, hopefully, upcoming playoff matchups. As with all head-to-head leagues, a few extra goals, plus-minus points, or goalie wins can make the difference between moving on toward fantasy hockey glory, or an early playoff exit.

The following five players can provide value as additions to your respective teams if you have a roster spot free or can afford dropping someone in favor of getting a boost in categories that you may be lacking:

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Michael Frolik, C/RW, Winnipeg Jets (owned in 13 percent of Yahoo leagues) This first-line forward has dual-position eligibility and is in the midst of a hot spell with five goals and nine points, including an eight-game scoring streak, in his past 10 games. While Frolik is not a great source for power-play points or penalty minutes, he could provide owners with a spike in shots on goal with an average of 2.6 per in the past 10 games.

David Booth, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs (two percent owned) Playing on the second line in Toronto with James van Riemsdyk--who is tied for the team-lead in goals with 24--gives Booth a leg up on other players available on the waiver wire. While he has been quiet most of the season and missed time due to injury, Booth is coming off a six-game scoring streak with five goals, six points, a plus-three rating, and 23 shots on goal.

Nick Bonino, C, Vancouver Canucks (16 percent owned) As a center on the second line in Vancouver between Shawn Matthias and Radim Vrbata, Bonino can be depended upon to help out owners throughout the playoffs. The American forward has five points in his past nine games, which could be enough to get your team to the next round.

Matt Dumba, D, Minnesota Wild (five percent owned) This rookie defenseman has been seeing a larger role on the Wild blueline recently, and his numbers have improved accordingly with three goals, plus-nine rating, eight penalty minutes, and 18 shots on goal in his past eight games played.

Dan Ellis, G, Florida Panthers or Thomas Greiss, G, Pittsburgh Penguins (each five percent owned) Gaining an extra goalie start can have the biggest impact on a head-to-head playoff matchup, and so adding Ellis or Greiss to your roster could pay huge dividends. While the opportunity for Ellis to play will most likely cease completely once starter Roberto Luongo returns from a shoulder injury, it’s worth grabbing Ellis now. His 3-2-0 record with 2.00 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage in the past five games should give owners a chance to win their respective weekly goalie categories should he get more time, and play at that level. If owners are looking for more of a sure thing in picking up a regular backup, then Greiss has been as good as they come with a 3-2-0 record, 1.95 GAA and .920 save percentage in his past six appearances, including five starts.

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