The Anaheim Ducks have played a league leading 56 games already and the Pittsburgh Penguins have played 55. On the other side of the schedule, the San Jose Sharks have played only 50 times, while the Chicago Blackhawks have played only 51.

Therefore star players like Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry only have 26 games left to play, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin only 27, while Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Devin Setoguchi and Ryane Clowe still have 32 games left on the schedule and Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and the rest of the Blackhawks have 31 games remaining.

The difference is huge. The Sharks play 23.1 percent more games than the Ducks.

Now, this is how it can help you.

In a keeper league, if you are giving up, try for a Duck like Getzlaf, Perry or Bobby Ryan by telling your potential trade partner that the player or players he is giving up only have 26 games left to play while you are giving him the benefit this season of giving up players who will play a lot more. If your trading partner is trying to win this season, this may tilt the trade in your favor.

In a yearly draft, trade your Ducks and Penguins for the same reason if you are getting back equal or better value. The extra games will help you immensely down the stretch.

Good luck in your pools.