Wednesday's Optimal Lineups are for the four-game slate around the industry this evening.
The Winnipeg Jets are the biggest favorite of the night and have the highest implied total in Vegas as a result of Al Montoya starting in net instead of Carey Price. Both of Winnipeg's top two lines are in play, and exposure to both in cash games is perfectly acceptable. However, if forced to pick one to stack, I'd lean toward the Bryan Little line due to slightly better price tags and better Corsi numbers. Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien is also an option.
The second biggest favorite of the night, though they're a relatively small favorite at about -130, is the New York Islanders. They have a slightly above average implied total, but the real appeal is their opponent, Florida, having the lowest implied total. Florida is generally a very good matchups for goalies as they shoot at an above average rate but score at near the lowest rate in the league. As a result, Thomas Greiss makes for an excellent option in net tonight. And given his affordable price tags, it's hard to consider anyone else in cash games.
The other team with a high implied total tonight is Washington at home against Marc-Andre Fleury and the Pens. Pittsburgh's top two lines are dangerous and excellent possession lines, so it might be wise to try and pick Caps that will match up with Pittsburgh's third line. The Caps tend to let a depth line take on an opposing top six line at home while Evgeni Kuznetsov's line often draws the opposing third line in home games, so that third line is definitely worth a look tonight. Marcus Johansson plays on that line and on the top PP unit, so he'll also get you some exposure to Ovechkin if you want it. Another way to get Ovi exposure without actually rostering him is John Carlson who tends to skate with Ovi's line at even strength, and the D-man is on the top power play unit. For the Pens it's Malkin's line that is likely to see one of Washington's depth lines while Crosby's line should see Ovi's top line. For that reason, Malkin is in play tonight as well.
