CGY @ TOR
This game has an over-under set at 6, which makes it the highest one of the slate, and a spot where you may want to attack. We have some of the best young talent in this game going at it, so just from a real hockey game, we should be in for a good one.
Starting with Calgary, you want to focus in on their top two lines, since they are producing the most points, along with them being on the power-play units together. The stack of Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau is certainly expensive, but can produce multiple points in a hurry. Mark Giordano might be one of the plays of the game, since he is a workhorse when it comes to minutes per game, and will be out on the ice to counter the Toronto top lines. Doing a full game stack is a viable options for this one, since the Maple Leafs are giving up three goals per game, and the Flames are giving up a bit over three goals per game.
The Toronto offense, just like the Flames offense, can put up goals in a hurry, and you are going to want to focus in on a line stack to double dip on the possible points. There have been a bit of changes in the Toronto lines, where we now see Nazem Kadri on the second forward line instead of the third, but still on the first power-play unit. The third line of the Maples Leafs is now Tyler Bozak, Mitch Marner, and James Van Riemsdyk, and they are all on the top power-play unit together. This is a bit of a cheaper option compared to the Toronto top line, and still should be seeing plenty of ice time.
CHI @ WAS
We have the Blackhawks coming into this game on a four game losing streak, and now have to take on the Capitals, who are always dangerous at home. Chicago is down to their backup goalie Anton Forsberg, who certainly isn’t in a great spot tonight. Taking a dart on him in GPPs isn’t a bad idea, just know he will likely give up some goals.
For the Chicago offense, we have seen them be very lackluster over this four game losing streak, putting up two goals or fewer in three of their last four. Their top few lines and power-plays really haven’t been producing too much recently, and look to be more of a GPP option tonight compared to cash. They will be up against Braden Holtby, who hasn’t been his best this season, but when he gets hot, it’s hard to get anything past him.
The Capitals will be up against the Chicago goalie Forsberg, who is 0-2 in his last two starts since getting the starting job. Loading up on some Capitals stacks looks to be a popular option against a struggling team with their backup goalie. Jakub Vrana has two goals in his last four games, and with him being on the second forward line and the second power-play unit, he makes a good option tonight. John Carlson always makes a good option in any format, since he will be out there against the opposing team’s top line. You can play him solo without being a part of a stack, since his production is very consistent.
PHI @ EDM
They Flyers were able to end their nine game losing streak the other night with a win at Calgary, and are not in a spot to pick up another wing against a struggling Oilers team, who have given up the fifth most goals this season, and are now down to their backup goalie, Laurent Brossoit.
It’s hard for me to get excited about anyone on the Flyers outside of their top two lines. Overall this team has been up and down, so straying away from the guys that get the most ice time is a tough call. Coutuier, Giroux, Voracek, Gostisbehere all play on the top power-play unit together, and are where I would look if you want to roster some Flyers players. Strong GPP option tonight, since many DFS players may look over them with better options on this small slate.
For the Oilers, they are in the bottom 10 in the league when it comes to goals scored this season, so another team where it’s tough to look outside their top units. Connor McDavid is always one of the high price options on the board. He has multi-point upside in most nights, and against a Flyers team has been really struggling over the past few weeks, he is in a good spot, along with the top Oilers’ power-play, since it isn’t overly expensive. This game has some clear options, but is looking like more of GPP plays compared to cash games. Neither of these teams inspire a ton of confidence in me, and you should pick and choose your spots carefully.
OTT @ ANH
One thing is clear, the Senators have been struggling since the Matt Duchene trade, and I think this is a prime spot for Ryan Miller, the Ducks goalie who should be getting the start tonight. The Ducks are on the second night of a back to back, and in a spot to pick up the win.
For the Seantors, they have scored two or fewer goals in six of their last seven games, and really there are no truly safe options when it comes to their forwards. If you want to stack up their power-play and hope that since the Ducks are on a back to back, they could come out slow and take penalties, then that is an option. But other than that, the only player I want from Ottawa is Erik Karlsson, their top defensemen. He is a workhorse when it comes to minutes, playing well over 20 minutes a game, on the top defensive pairing and the top power-play unit so he will have plenty of time to rack up shots, and blocked shots, even if they aren’t scoring a lot.
For the Ducks, the newly acquired Adam Henrique has three points in three games with them, and now that is he on their top forward line and the top power-play unit, he makes a great play tonight. The Ducks are dealing with a ton of injuries, and their bottom six forwards really aren’t producing much on the offensive end, so if you want to stack things up for them, go with the top power-play unit of, Rakell, Henrique, Perry and Fowler. They should have plenty of chances against a struggling Senators team.