PIT @ CLS
The Penguins are one of four teams who are on the second night of a back to back, so we could be dealing with tired legs. The Penguins have been changing up their lines recently, so have to be ready to change with what they are putting out there. Right now they have Crosby, Aston-Reese and Sheary on the top line. Crosby is clearly the most expensive, so you can fade him and take the savings the other wingers bring. The top power-play unit of Malkin, Kessel, Crosby is always a good option, and if you have the salary, roster them. Matt Murray got the start last night, so Tristan Jarry might be in line for the net tonight.
The Blue Jackets aren’t one of the top offensive teams in the league, and even on this four game slate, they are clearly one of the bottom options. If you do choose to go to the Blue Jackets, stick with the top line of Panarin, Atkinson, Dubois, and Seth Jones. They are a GPP option only for me on this slate, but do have some upside since they are up against the Penguins who gave up three goals last night, and on short rest. If Bobrovsky gets the start, he also makes a GPP option, since the Penguins can put up goals in a hurry. Really not a fan of this game for some reason, just think there are better options on the slate.
TOR @ DET
We have a nice rivalry game tonight, and could have a bit of a sneaky upside. The Maple Leafs gave up five goals last night, and that was with their starting goalie, so tonight they should be down to their backup. The Red Wings top power-play unit of Nyquist, Zetterberg, Mantha, and Kronwall aren’t that expensive, and can slot into most lineup construction. If Toronto comes out with slow legs after a rough loss last night, this could be a massive spot for the Red Wings. I also don’t hate some of those guys as cash game options given the matchup.
For the Maple Leafs, their second power-play is where I would look for some options for offense. Kadri, Bozak, Van Riemsdyk and Marner are all on the second power-play and have nice multi-point upside. We know that the Red Wings are giving up over three goals per game, and in theory this is a game Toronto should be able to win. Getting exposure to either of the Toronto top lines is a good call, just a matter of where the prices fall in your lineups. I also don’t hate the idea of doing a bit of a game stack, since neither team is that stellar on defense, combined with the fact the Maple Leafs played last night, and could come out slow.
DAL @ SJ
This should be one of the better games of the night from a real hockey perspective, but maybe not some much DFS. As I said the other day when Dallas played, they are one of the better defensive teams in the league, so stacking against them isn’t always the best call. They will now be up against the Sharks, who are in the middle of the league when it comes to goals per game, and can be a bit inconsistent at times. On the defensive side of things, these are two of the better defensive teams in the league, as they are both in the top 10 when it comes to goals against per game. So has the makes of a tough hockey game, which should be good to watch, just might not have the most fantasy goodness.
On the Dallas side of things, if you have the salary, and are playing a GPP, the top power-play of Seguin, Benn, Radulov, and Klingberg is the way to go. They will all be seeing plenty of ice time, and have multi-point upside since they are also on the first forward line together. Again, not the highest projection for points, so more of a GPP option against this tougher defense.
On the Sharks side of things, you should be starting with Brent Burns. He started last game at forward for them, instead of defense, and will continue to see well over 20 minutes of ice time per game. He is taking over four shots per game, blocks over one shot per game, and is also on the power-play. Great all around play, and can be used for any format. If you want to add him to a stack, consider the rest of the power-play, Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski, Kevin Labanc, and Timo Meier. This game could end 2-1, so be cautious with it, and players should be used more as a one off play.
FLA @ WPG
The Jets are looking to be one of the more popular picks today for both cash and GPPs. They are at home, where they play much better and will be up against the Panthers who played last night. Connor Hellebuyck is also a good option for goalie today, as he is -187 favorite at home, and likely to come away with the win. Doing a Jets stack today will likely be the route I go, and will be trying to get their players in any lineup.
The Jets players are expensive, but if you have the salary, go to Wheeler, Scheifele, Connor, Laine, and Byfuglien on the top power-play unit. They have massive multi-point upside, and now being up against the Panthers who are giving up over three goals per game, I like them in all formats. Also not a bad idea to come down to the second power-play unit of, Little, Myers, and Ehlers for some savings.
The Panthers have the lowest implied goal total on this slate sitting at 2.51. With that being said, they are clearly a GPP option only for me, since the points projections are just too low. I will say that Aaron Ekblad or Keith Yandle could make good cash game plays, since they will be on the ice a ton to counter the Jets top lines. The Panthers also have the lowest expected corsi for of the slate, sitting at 44, so they could be in for a slow night. Lower ownership in GPPs is the only thing they have going for them tonight, and even with that, I will be fully off of them.