Do not get too mad here. However, Fantasy Hockey 101 does like to focus on things of the not-so-conventional nature. Sure, there is the normal Waiver Wire, free agent, and players not to miss on stuff. Also, there is the mental aspect of fantasy sports. WHAT? Is that a thing? Oh, you bet it is! With exactly a month until that trio of NHL games that count, it was already time to get ready.
Do Not Adjust Your Computer Or Mobile Screen
Whether you are in DFS or season-long/keeper leagues, it matters little. The reality is it can almost always be fixed. Did you have a bad draft? Do not sweat it! Were there a few waiver wire guys you missed out on? Hey, that is alright too. Time right now is on your side.
Besides, 99% of drafts have not enough started. Sure, there have been mock drafts of the expert and non-expert nature. Mostly, those offer a gauge on who is going when. That is a nice way of saying, hey, someone has to help set ADP (Average Draft Position).
Do you know what really pushes the buttons of a so-called fantasy hockey expert? That is simple. Beat them at their own methodology sometimes. They all but broadcast their strategy on podcasts, blogs, social media, radio/TV, etc. Hockey players often have such vanilla comments. Fantasy hockey analysts do not.
As for me, I embrace debates, arguments, and yes, the mental side of fantasy sports. It is no secret that I often play a completely different way. This is not for everyone because like a chameleon, change is constant.
Also, this will not work all the time and sometimes things backfire completely. Fantasy hockey, like other fantasy sports, does not have an astronomical success rate. Despite this, we love those wins when they come. They are far more rare than the countless losses through the years. In my three-plus decades of play, those L’s are quite numerous.
I had some colossal failures last year. Legitimately, there were leagues where my teams just fell apart and never recovered. Mentally, I probably checked out of a few leagues, too. It happens.
Fantasy Hockey Is Like Giving Up A Bad Goal A Lot
A thick skin is vital in life, but in fantasy hockey especially. The format does not matter. When it is auction, salary cap, best ball, rotisserie, head-to-head, or some combination, your mettle will be tested often. From leagues in Keeping Karlsson to the old Smallworld and Sandbox, there have been so many W’s.
Rings, trophies, and yes, cash. However, right now that means almost zero! Sure, bragging rights are nice, but the season is truly just beginning for players and experts alike.
Get ready for the ups and many downs! As always, ask questions. Do not be afraid. John Tortorella said it brilliantly. “Safe is death.”
Rankings mean less when digging into leagues, usually because of position allotments. That may be something to be mindful of. Check out the league, examine the finer points (scoring, etc.). Then take a look at who you are up against. Almost everyone is so focused on getting the draft right, plus getting this and that right. Often, what gets forgotten is that mental aspect.
I get some fun questions too. One of the more intriguing ones is this. Do I try to fool opponents or bait them? The answer is yes, sometimes I do. Fantasy hockey, to me, is more prevalent with mind games than most believe. Maybe I am wrong. Then again, sometimes it works to perfection. I have a few trophies and rings from last year to prove it.
Some Final Fantasy Hockey Thoughts For Today
As always, I am on social media on the X. You can find me @ChrisWasselDFS. Again, a few drafts have started and some are on the way. Training camps are getting underway, too. ‘Tis the season. Let us dive in!
