The official halfway point of the season passed on Saturday, which has given us an indication on each team’s performance. Tonight, there are 11 games scheduled in the NHL. With 22 teams in action, there are plenty of DFS options available. Be sure to confirm lineup combinations and starting goaltenders before locking in lineups. Let’s dive into the slate.
Center
Paul Stastny (VGK): $5,800 vs. NYR
After a slow start to the season, the Vegas Golden Knights find themselves second in the Pacific division with an incredible 14-3-3 home record. They are once again a force in this league and should have their way with a disappointing New York team that travels into Vegas. Paul Stastny has only played 15 games this season and although it took a while to get his leagues back, he now has five goals and five assists. As the driving force on the second forward line and power-play unit, Stastny and the Knights should be in for a big night.
Evgeny Kuznetsov (WAS): $7,200 vs. PHI
Back on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Tom Wilson, Evgeny Kuznetsov is the playmaker who sets up two goal-scoring wingers. The dynamic Russian center has recorded 29 assists so far in the 2018-19 campaign and will look to set up one of the most lethal power plays. The Flyers have allowed the third-most goals in the NHL and are in the midst of a seven-game losing streak.
Wing
Max Pacioretty (VGK): $6,100 vs. NYR
Starting to catch fire, Max Pacioretty started the season, like the rest of the Knights, a little cold. However, the former Hab star has scored 30 goals five times in his career and should be in for a big second half of the season. Skating alongside Stastny and Alex Tuch, Pacioretty will also log time on the second power-play unit. Recording six shots in each of his last two games, he has shown a positive indication that goals will follow.
Alex Ovechkin (WAS): $8,600 vs. PHI
Ovechkin recently went on a six-game goal scoring drought. Yet he still leads the NHL in goals. With 30 on the year, Ovechkin is arguably the best pure goal scorer we have seen in the last decade. It is scary to think that he has, albeit slim, a chance to catch Wayne Gretzky. Philadelphia has been bleeding goals against this year. On home ice, the Capitals will give Ovi every opportunity to score.
Phil Kessel (PIT): $6,900 vs. FLA
Although he is now on the third line, Phil Kessel still records top power-play time with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. He has been the most productive offensive winger for the Penguins with 17 goals and 30 assists. Over a point per game player, Kessel is still one of the top point-producers in the league. The Panthers have struggled to slow down many opponents this year and have just one shutdown, defensive center.
Defense
Nate Schmidt (VGK): $5,400 vs. NYR
After serving his 20-game suspension to start the season, Nate Schmidt has been an integral piece to the Golden Knights’ success. Averaging 22 minutes per game, Schmidt plays in all game scenarios. With 14 points through just 25 games played, the underrated defenseman is a reasonable bargain with massive upside.
Caleb Jones (EDM): $2,900 @ SJ
One of the top defensive prospects in the Oilers system, Caleb Jones looks to be taking advantage of his injured teammates. In his short time in the NHL, Seth Jones’ younger brother has shown incredible skating ability and an offensive mindset. At the near minimum price, Jones appears to be set to skate on the top defensive pairing and log some power-play time. The Sharks have allowed the fourth-most goals against during even strength and will play their second game in as many nights. This could be the late-night hammer game with the most goals scored.
Goalie
Matt Murray (PIT): $8,800 vs. FLA
The Penguins are a massive -190 favorite on home ice this evening against the Florida Panthers. Since returning from injury, Matt Murray has won seven games in a row. He has also recorded two shutouts in that time. Pittsburgh is one of the hottest teams in the NHL, and the Panthers are struggling. He is a lock for the win and has a great chance at another shutout.
