Although there are only five games scheduled this evening, there is a lot to discuss. Half of the teams taking the ice will be playing their second game in as many nights. We are still early in the season and while back-to-backs are not as important to recognize as later on in the year, it is worth noting. Vegas is projecting a lot of goals tonight, so narrowing down to the right line combinations will be tricky. Let’s take a look at some of the best options.

Center

Nathan MacKinnon (COL): $9,000 vs. PIT
After being nominated for the Hart trophy last year, Nathan MacKinnon is making his case once again as the most valuable player in the league. The Avalanche captain scored two goals last night and now has 37 points in the first 24 games on the season. He is the most expensive player on the board but is worth paying up for in a great matchup.

Nazem Kadri (TOR): $5,500 vs. SJ
Buffalo handed the Sharks another loss last night in a tight game. San Jose is struggling in a lot of aspects of their game. Most notably, the number of shots and goals against. Assuming Auston Mathews misses this game, Nazem Kadri will continue his role as the Leafs second line center. He will log time on the top power-play unit which will provide plenty of offensive opportunities.

Wing

Mikko Rantanen (COL): $8,400 vs. PIT
Along with Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen is having a stellar start to the 2018-19 campaign. He is riding shotgun in arguably the best forward trio in the NHL. Rantanen leads the NHL in points (40) and assists (30). While MacKinnon is the goal scorer on the line, Rantanen has multiple-point upside every game.

Gabriel Landeskog (COL): $7,100 vs. PIT
The third Colorado Avalanche player to look at this evening is Gabriel Landeskog. Even though his offensive upside is not as high as his linemates, Landeskog is still averaging over a point per game and consistently chips in on a lot of the team’s scoring. Pittsburgh comes into Denver tonight after a tough road game last night against the Winnipeg Jets. Colorado should dominate this game as the top line is completely matchup proof. The Penguins are a bottom-10 team for goals allowed. This will be played at a higher pace of play, which will benefit the Avs top line. They are expensive to stack but there are plenty of value options to pair.

Kasperi Kapanen (TOR): $4,400 vs. SJ
Skating on Kadri’s wing, and having a breakout season, is Kasperi Kapanen. He has benefited greatly from the absence of William Nylander, which could end next week. Kapanen is logging ice-time on the second forward line and top power-play unit and has taken advantage. He has scored 17 points in his first 24 games after getting off to slow start. Toronto should win this game against a Sharks team who traveled across the country two days ago and are coming off a loss.

Nick Ritchie (ANH): $3,500 @ FLA
The Ducks are happy to have Nick Ritchie back after missing six games to an injury. He will provide much-needed secondary scoring for a desperate team hoping to make the playoffs in a terrible division. Coming off a two-point performance, Ritchie will look to continue his offense against a banged up Panthers team.

Defense

Samuel Girard (COL): $4,000 vs. PIT
Samuel Girard correlates the best with the top forward line as he will quarterback the top power-play unit alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Gabriel Landeskog. Tyson Barrie is out with an undisclosed issue, leaving Girard with the offensive opportunities. He has recorded 17 assists this season to go along with 20 points in his first 23 games.

Brandon Montour (ANH): $4,300 @ FLA
The Ducks are missing Hampus Lindholm and Cam Fowler on the blueline. Brandon Montour will be given every offensive opportunity to produce in a higher-paced game. Montour is having a solid season this year but is due for positive regression. He is averaging 22 minutes on the season, which has gone up to 25 with the recent injuries. For salary relief, look for the young defenseman for upside.

Goalie

Frederik Andersen (TOR): $9,000 vs. SJ
If you read this article yesterday, Devan Dubnyk was recommended. I am sorry. He was in an ideal matchup, not only for the win but for a very good fantasy point game. He ended up allowing four goals against on just 14 shots. It happens. That being said, Frederik Andersen grades out as a great fantasy goalie tonight. As mentioned above, San Jose is struggling in all facets of their game. What they are doing is getting shots on goal. Assuming Andersen comes out and plays like he has been all season long, he will be in line for a monster game.

Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.