After a wild night in the NHL yesterday, Tuesday evening brings us a seven-game slate in the NHL. With no games expected to see a goal total above six, it appears that there will be less offense in these games. That being said, there are some favorable matchups with heavy favorites. Let’s take a deeper look into the 14 teams playing and find some of the best DFS options.
Center
Connor McDavid (EDM): $8,300 vs. LA
Although he likely will not be able to catch Nikita Kucherov as the overall points leader when the season is finished, McDavid has done more with less and has still recorded 108 points through 71 games. Voted as the toughest player to play against by his peers, McDavid is still viewed as the best player in the game and is worth a look every night he takes the ice. Edmonton hosts the last-place Kings tonight, who will be playing their second game in as many nights. While they are coming off an impressive win in Calgary, Los Angeles is having a season to forget as the last place team in the West.
Mathew Barzal (NYI): $6,200 @ CLS
Without much offense, the Islanders are ranked just 17th in the NHL in goals for. They play a very defensive-style game and rely on great goaltending to win games. That being said, Mathew Barzal leads the way on the team in skill which has translated to 59 points this year. The young sophomore is now the first-line center for the Isles, earning more ice-time and playing with great linemates. Barzal is on a little cold streak at the moment, however, the matchup is a good one for the dynamic forward. Columbus made a handful of questionable trades leading up to the deadline which may have hurt the chemistry in the locker room. They have lost seven games in the month of March while allowing 24 goals against in those games.
Wing
Jordan Eberle (NYI): $3,900 @ CLS
Priced way down, Jordan Eberle is in a good spot with Mathew Barzal playing on the Isles top forward line and power-play unit. As mentioned, the Blue Jackets made a lot of recent acquisitions. Unfortunately, a lot of the new additions are not shut-down players and will add to the defensive woes the team has. While we should not expect Columbus to score five or six goals, it is quite clear to determine where the offense is going to come from. At their prices, Eberle and Barzal only need to score one goal together to pay off value, which is not out of the question.
Brendan Gallagher (MON): $6,600 vs. FLA
The Florida Panthers found themselves in an offensive blowup game last night in Toronto. After allowing seven goals against, the team now travels to Montreal to take on a hot Canadiens team. Brendan Gallagher is one of the top offensive weapons on the team who should be in for a big night. As a true goal scorer, Gallagher now has 33 on the year and will look to add to his total against a struggling Panthers team. Now with five points in his last four games, the talented winger is clearly heating up before playoffs and will look to stay hot in this must-win game.
Zack Kassian (EDM): $3,000 vs. LA
The salary is not necessarily needed on tonight’s slate, however, Zack Kassian’s salary on DraftKings is far too low. He will continue to play alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl where he has found a lot of success. At the near minimum price, taking advantage of the upside Kassian has is near a lock in all formats against a tired Kings team. Los Angeles is an older team who are looking forward to the offseason for rest and relaxation. Even though the Oilers season is likely done as well, talent and opportunity are far too hard to pass up on.
Defense
Shea Weber (MON): $6,300 vs. FLA
As one of the few people who actually believe Montreal won the Shea Weber for P.K. Subban trade, it is safe to say I am slightly biased in favor of the Canadiens captain. Weber has been a beast for Montreal this year and a big reason for the success of the team. He has missed a lot of time due to injury, however, when he is fully healthy, Weber is one of the best defensemen in the league and is worth the expensive price tag in DFS.
Thomas Chabot (OTT): $6,000 vs. BUF
One of the few positive notes coming out of Ottawa has been the play of second-year defenseman, Thomas Chabot. Injuries have held Chabot back from having a historical season. In just 63 games, the Senators best d-man has recorded 50 points, an amazing number for any young player, let alone a defenseman. Clearly full of confidence, Chabot provides plenty of fantasy points with a high floor and GPP-winning ceiling.
Goalie
Darcy Kuemper (ARI): $7,900 vs. CHI
Normally, starting a goalie against the Blackhawks is a bad idea. However, the Blackhawks have struggled to score a lot of goals lately. With just nine goals in their last five games, Chicago’s offense has certainly slowed down. Now, they travel to Arizona and will play a team ranked fifth-best, on home ice, for goals allowed. Darcy Kuemper has been stellar down the stretch, owning a 2.45 GAA, .921 SV%, and three shutouts. Clearly one of the team’s most valuable players, Kuemper will be leaned on for his play leading up to a final playoff push.
Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.
