Tonight we have a nine-game slate with some very lopsided matchups. Even though there are 18 teams playing, there are really only a few worth looking at to stack. Let’s take a look at a few options to consider with some big tournaments DraftKings is offering.
Center
Steven Stamkos (TB): $7,200 vs. VAN
The Tampa Bay Lighting were absolutely embarrassed Monday night at the hands of Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers. With zero fantasy points, Steven Stamkos let down a lot of owners. This will hopefully lower his ownership tonight. Now hosting the Vancouver Canucks, look for the most dangerous line in the NHL to rebound in a big way. Losing five of their last eight, the Canucks are allowing more than three goals against per game and are among the league worst Corsi at 47.15 CF% on the road. The Lightning have had a lot of secondary offensive production of late, however, Stamkos is too talented to be kept quiet much longer.
Ryan O’Reilly (BUF): $5,300 vs. NYI
It is no secret that stacking players against the Islanders is a great strategy. They have allowed 103 goals against in 28 games on the road. That is an average of 3.68. While most will look to roster Jack Eichel or stack the Islanders in this game, Ryan O’Reilly is a much better strategic play. For starters, he is cheaper. Secondly, he will be given the task to shut down John Tavares. This is a +EV move due to the lack of defense Tavares has shown this year. O’Reilly will demand more ice time while also taking advantage of the poor 47.15 HDSC% Tavares allows. In all formats, Ryan O’Reilly will be the lowest-owned center of the big three with the most potential upside at his price.
Other centers to consider:
Cash – Tyler Seguin ($7,400 @ CHI), Brayden Schenn ($6,500 vs. COL)
GPP – Mikko Koivu ($4,900 vs. ARI), Kyle Turris ($5,800 @ OTT)
Wing
Nikita Kucherov (TB): $7,700 vs. VAN
There shouldn’t be much needed to be said about Nikita Kucherov. He is the NHL leader in points, with 66 in 53 games. His advanced stats support his offensive abilities (52.72 CF%, 59.46 GF%, 52.40 SCF%, and 50.52 HDCF% during 5v5). For the most part, the offense of the Tampa Bay Lightning goes through Kucherov. At home, the Lighting will line match accordingly for the superstar to thrive.
Kyle Okposo (BUF): $5,300 vs. NYI
This is the second piece of a low-owned Sabres stack. Kyle Okposo has found a bit of a rhythm playing alongside Evander Kane and Ryan O’Reilly on the second line for the Buffalo Sabres. At a reasonable cost, the veteran winger has produced 12 points in the last 11 games. Again, this second line will most likely look to stop the top line of the Islanders, who have been very suspect on the defensive side. Okposo will also log top power-play unit time with O’Reilly.
Mikael Granlund (MIN): $6,200 vs. ARI
Coming off of a shocking 6-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues, the Wild are firing on all cylinders right now. Currently sitting at 7th in the West, Minnesota is playing every game like a playoff game. Mikael Granlund has been a big reason why the Wild are doing so well, providing much-needed offense. Although his overall points on the season don’t jump off the page, Granlund is posting an incredible 59.21 SCF% and 62.20 HDCF%, meaning he is generating plenty of scoring chances every game. At home, against Arizona, Granlund should be in line for multiple points.
Jason Zucker (MIN): $6,100 vs. ARI
The price has risen on the top Minnesota forward line, but for good reason. The trio will also stick together on the top power-play adding more opportunities to score. Arizona is the worst team in the NHL with just 12 wins on the year. Trailing just the Islanders in goals allowed, the Coyotes are a young team looking to rebuild with a lot of defensive woes. The Wild are huge favorites tonight and should be able to score at will.
Other wingers to consider:
Cash – Taylor Hall ($7,400 vs. CGY), Vladimir Tarasenko ($7,100 vs. COL)
GPP – Kevin Fiala ($6,300 @ OTT), Craig Smith ($5,600 @ OTT)
Defense
Victor Hedman (TB): $6,500 vs. VAN
Almost certain to be a Norris Trophy candidate, Victor Hedman is always worth a look when constructing a lineup. Due to the steep price, he should be somewhat lower-owned. He unleashed six shots on goal against Edmonton, Monday night, which is hopefully a sign of more to come. Of the top-tier defensemen to pay up for, Hedman has the best matchup tonight to contribute offensively.
Ryan Suter (MIN): $5,400 vs. ARI
It is a coin flip between Ryan Suter and Jared Spurgeon as to who will have the more productive fantasy night. They play together on the top defensive pairing as well as on the top power-play unit. Only $100 separates the two in salary. The logic behind either guy stays the same. Minnesota should score a lot tonight against this Arizona team. Getting as many pieces to this offense as you can will be important. Suter is averaging 27 minutes of ice-time a night which allows him to contribute in the secondary categories of shots on goal and blocked shots.
Other defensemen to consider:
Cash – Alex Pietrangelo ($6,100 vs. COL), Ryan Ellis ($4,900 @ OTT)
GPP – Rasmus Ristolainen ($5,300 vs. NYI), Shea Theodore ($4,000 @ SJ)
Goalie
Devan Dubnyk (MIN): $8,500 vs. ARI
Shocking, the Minnesota goaltender makes the list. If you want the win, he is one of the best bets of the night. The Wild are a -245 favorite tonight. Aside from the fact the offense will provide enough goals, Dubnyk is having a great season. The win is nice, but he might also be the best chance to record a shutout. The risk here is that Arizona does not generate a lot of shots. So if they end the game with 20 shots against and score two goals, Dubnyk will only provide you with five DK points (assuming he gets the win). He needs a shutout for GPP-winning upside, however, he’s the best play in cash games.
Other goalies to consider:
Cash – Andrei Vasilevskiy ($8,400 vs. VAN)
GPP – Robin Lehner ($7,000 vs. NYI), Keith Kinkaid ($7,600 vs. CGY)
Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.
