After a massive 11-game slate last night, there are just three games scheduled in the NHL this evening. With just six teams taking the ice, making the right decision on players becomes that more important. Even though there is a lack of games being played, the teams in action are very fantasy relevant. Let’s take a closer look at this small slate and find some of the best DFS options.
Center
Sean Monahan (CGY): $8,000 vs. COL
The top line of the Calgary Flames has been the hottest group of forwards in the NHL. Sean Monahan will center the trio against an Avalanche team who will be playing their second game in as many nights. With 54 points on the season, Monahan is also riding a five-game point streak, where he has recorded 11 points. Colorado gave up seven goals last night in Winnipeg and will be in for a tough game tonight in Calgary.
Ryan Getzlaf (ANH): $6,600 vs. OTT
At a very reasonable price tag, the Ducks’ captain is in a fantastic spot to score multiple points. The Ottawa Senators are the worst defensive team in the league and have allowed the most goals against in the NHL. Getzlaf is an All-star veteran with incredible skill who will be too much of a force for any of the Senators defense to handle. After a long road trip, look for the Ducks to take advantage of a tired, weak team.
Wing
Johnny Gaudreau (CGY): $8,900 vs. COL
On the hottest line in the NHL is the hottest player in the NHL. Johnny Gaudreau has been absolutely amazing. “Johnny Hockey” has scored 13 points in his last five games and 19 in his last 10 games. The Flames are returning home from a tough four-game road trip where they pulled out three tough wins. Gaudreau is the heart of the offense and will look to continue his hot streak against the Avalanche.
Elias Lindholm (CGY): $7,200 vs. COL
The third forward on the top line for the Flames is Elias Lindholm. Having a fantastic season on his new team, Lindholm is slightly mispriced for a player averaging over a point per game. Shockingly, Calgary is the top team in the west, in large part due to the offense. Lindholm’s 50 points have been a pleasant surprise for Calgary as he is an important piece to the top forward line.
Ondrej Kase (ANH): $4,600 vs. OTT
Playing alongside Ryan Getzlaf on the top forward line and power-play unit, Kase is having a breakout season for the Ducks. With 11 goals and eight assists through just 25 games, Kase has been a true diamond in the rough. Again, Anaheim should dominate Ottawa from start to finish in this game. Most of the offense will come through the top line.
Defense
Mark Giordano (CGY): $6,300 vs. COL
The last piece to a Flames stack is top d-man, Mark Giordano. Arguably the best defenseman of the season, Gio has now chipped in 34 points and six goals in 42 games. Averaging 25 minutes of ice time per game, the Flames captain is a true workhorse who plays in all facets of the game.
Samuel Girard (COL): $3,600 @ CGY
Although he won’t play on the top power-play unit, Girard is a top defensive pairing d-man who will log time on the second unit. Girard averages 20 minutes per night and provides massive fantasy upside for a player priced at such a low cost.
Goalie
John Gibson (ANH): $7,900 vs. OTT
On home ice, John Gibson is a huge, -210 favorite. The Ducks are fighting to stay in the playoff race and are in need of a win against a vastly inferior opponent. Anaheim allows a lot of shots against and Gibson has been lights out for most of the season. The win is almost guaranteed and a shutout is in reach.
Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.
