There are nine games scheduled in the NHL tonight. Gearing up for playoffs, it will be interesting to see how the standings shake out. For daily fantasy purposes, this is a great set of games which should showcase a lot of offense. Let’s take a look at some options tonight.
Center
David Krejci (BOS): $5,900 @ FLA
Even dealing with injuries, the Boston Bruins continually find ways to win. Coming off of a 6-4 win in Carolina, Boston will take on the Panthers. Alexander Barkov has been one of the best two-way centers in the NHL this season which may limit the upside of Riely Nash and the top Bruin forwards. This opens an opportunity for the red-hot second forward line. David Krejci is as having another solid season as a secondary contributor to the team and is in a great matchup. The Panthers are allowing 2.76 GA/60 during even strength, which is fifth worst in the NHL.
Paul Stastny (WPG): $5,900 vs. CHI
Assuming he is in the starting lineup (pivot to Andrew Copp if Stastny is out), Paul Stastny is one of the best plays of the night. During home games, the Winnipeg Jets have scored the most goals (84). Since being traded to the Jets, Stastny has been on fire. Currently riding a five-game point streak (eight in his last seven), the veteran center has found chemistry early on with Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers. The matchup is also fantastic tonight. The Blackhawks are terrible defensively and have had major issues stopping goals since the injury to Corey Crawford. The top six forwards for Winnipeg are in play tonight.
Wing
Rick Nash (BOS): $6,000 @ FLA
The second line right-winger has been terrific with Boston after being traded from New York. Adding depth to one of the NHL’s best teams, Nash has quickly found ways to contribute the way he knows how, scoring goals. Still at a relatively low cost, Nash provides a high floor with a high ceiling. Scoring five points in his last seven games, the winger also has recorded 28 shots on goal. Florida is one of the most penalized teams in the NHL which will help give Nash even more opportunities to score.
Jake DeBrusk (BOS): $5,100 @ FLA
The third piece of the Bruins stack is rookie Jake DeBrusk. He was injured last game in Carolina, so his status is not confirmed. However, if he plays, DeBrusk is a great option tonight. Scoring 10 points in his last 10 games, the youngster is showing a ton of confidence playing on the second line with David Krejci and Rick Nash. He will also log extra time on the second power-play unit which will get plenty of opportunities.
Patrik Laine (WPG): $7,400 vs. CHI
Arguably the hottest player in the NHL, there shouldn’t be too much convincing needed to roster Patrik Laine. In his last 13 games, Laine has recorded 16 goals and seven assists. Now with 41 goals on the season, the Finnish superstar trails only Alex Ovechkin. Tonight, Laine has a great chance to extend his point streak and offensive domination.
Scott Wilson (BUF): $3,200 vs. TOR
For salary relief, winger Scott Wilson could be in line to pay off value this evening. Currently scheduled to skate on the top forward line for the Sabres, Wilson and Buffalo will host a Leafs team who played in a barn burner last night while also losing their starting goaltender, Frederik Andersen. Playing with nothing to lose, the Sabres could pull off another stunning upset, like the last time these teams met. Wilson’s season stats don’t look all that great, but his opportunity tonight on the top forward line and second power-play unit provide plenty of ice-time for fantasy production.
Defense
Matt Grzelcyk (BOS): $3,100 @ FLA
The final piece of a Bruins stack is Matt Grzelcyk. After losing Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug last game, Grzelcyk logged a ton of ice time in the final period. As a result, the 24-year-old recorded a goal and an assist. He has only scored three goals on the season, but with Charlie McAvoy still sidelined and the uncertainty of Torey Krug, Grzelcyk would be next in line to quarterback a dynamic offensive team.
Dustin Byfuglien (WPG): $5,600 vs. CHI
The Jets should win this game easily by scoring a lot of goals. Dustin Byfuglien is mispriced on DraftKings tonight. He averages well over 20 minutes a night, playing 30 last game, and will see time on the top power-play unit. With his unique size and speed, Byfuglien also has an incredible shot from the point. Tonight, he is capable of being the highest scoring defenseman.
Goalie
Jonathan Quick (LA): $8,200 vs. DET
Coming off of a shutout win against Vancouver, the LA Kings need another solid performance from their netminder tonight. Currently, on the playoff bubble, the Kings are a heavy -245 home favorite in a must-win game. The Red Wings haven’t had anything to play for in awhile and are unlikely to pull off the upset. Quick is the top option tonight for a win with shutout potential.
Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.
