We are back at it for another evening of NHL action. Tonight’s slate features eight games with plenty of offensive options. The post-season is just around the corner and teams are starting to round into form as they get ready for the final push. Let’s break down the matchups and uncover some of the best DFS players this evening.
Center
Sean Monahan (CGY): $6,900 vs. NJ
The Calgary Flames should be a popular option tonight as a team stack. They are a ridiculous -410 favorite and expected to score some goals tonight. While the second line for the Flames is hot right now, Sean Monahan and the top forward line remains the best bet to score the most goals tonight. Monahan has recorded 72 points this season and continues to fly under the radar as one of the more underrated centers in the NHL.
Max Domi (MON): $6,100 vs. DET
Detroit enters tonight’s game with a miserable 24-35-10 record which will continue to get worse before the season ends. In Montreal, the Red Wings will be without their best player, Dylan Larkin. Finding success in his new home, Max Domi has been brilliant in Montreal, scoring at nearly a point per game pace. Domi will log time on the second forward line with talented linemates and also look to score on the power-play. On home ice, the Canadiens are a great team to look at in DFS this evening as they should have their way with a much weaker Red Wings team.
Wing
Johnny Gaudreau (CGY): $6,700 vs. NJ
A couple of weeks ago, Johnny Gaudreau was certainly in the conversation as a Hart Trophy candidate. Recently, though, the Flames superstar has struggled. Now without a goal in nine straight games, Johnny Hockey will look to end his slump against the New Jersey Devils. What is encouraging about his play is how many shots he is generating. Coming off a game where he fired nine shots on goal, we should expect him to break out for a multi-goal game right away. This is a fantastic matchup and the price has dropped enough to not break the bank. Gaudreau is one of, if not the, best DFS option in all formats tonight.
Andrew Shaw (MON): $5,400 vs. DET
Playing alongside Max Domi in all aspects of the game, Andrew Shaw is a perfect pairing option if you are looking for some reasonably-priced forwards in a very favorable matchup. Shaw has found good chemistry with the young Domi and will look to add to his point total. Shaw is not necessarily an offensive-minded player with a ton of skill, however, he will be put in plenty of great opportunities to score goals and add assists.
Jake Guentzel (PIT): $6,600 vs. WAS
One of the quieter 30-goal scorers in the league, Jake Guentzel is often overlooked as he plays in the shadows of Sidney Crosby. A lot of analysts and fans believe playing alongside Crosby is the only reason the 65-point winger is having success. This is not true. Jake Guentzel has been a dominant player throughout his young career, which included a stint in University where the sniper was named to the NCHC All-Conference Rookie Team and was also a finalist for NCHC Rookie of the Year. Now making a name for himself, Guentzel has taken the league by storm and has the pleasure of playing with one of the best players of all time.
Defense
Mark Giordano (CGY): $6,300 vs. NJ
A DFS darling, Mark Giordano is among the best fantasy and real-life defensemen in the world. Anchoring a very good Flames team, Calgary’s captain now has 63 points in 67 games. Averaging 25 minutes per night, Gio will provide a high fantasy floor while also having the opportunities to score the most points, at his position, on the night.
Justin Schultz (PIT): $4,600 vs. WAS
As long as teammate Kris Letang is still sidelined, Justin Schultz becomes a “must-play” option, at his current price. Taking over as the top offensive option on the back end, Schultz is a dangerous weapon who is a very smooth skater always looking to push the pace of play. He will slot in on the top power-play unit which is one of the most successful special teams in the league. Make sure to keep tabs on the status of Letang as Schultz’s value takes a hit once he’s back in the lineup.
Goalie
David Rittich (CGY): $8,400 vs. NJ
Whoever is starting for the Flames tonight is worth a look in all DFS formats. On DraftKings, both David Rittich and Mike Smith are priced at $8,400, so it won’t affect the rest of a lineup build once the news is announced. Both goalies have had an up and down season, creating uncertainty in net for a Cup contending team. Either way, the matchup is too good tonight against a banged up Devils team who is on the road and a massive underdog. The win is almost certain for the Flames, making either goalie a safe option tonight.
Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.
