As we make our way through October, we are beginning to see some separation in the standings. As many expected, the Avalanche are cruising at 7-0-1 and on top of the league. As not many expected, they’re tied in points with the Sabres and Oilers. Meanwhile, the Ducks have impressed early to find themselves at 6-3. However, with every surprise positive there is a surprise negative. The Dallas Stars have gotten off to a terrible 2-7-1 start. Of course, there is still plenty of time to right the ship. With that, why don’t we look at another busy Tuesday night in NHL DFS.
Center
Casey Mittelstadt (BUF): $3,700 vs SJ
I usually don’t like to ride a hot hand when it comes to bottom-six forwards, but I still believe Mittelstadt is a top-six talent. He has three goals and an assist in his last two games. More importantly, his time on ice is steadily climbing, which tells me he is earning the trust of his coaching staff. The Sharks are giving up 3.5 goals against per game, so there should be opportunity for Mittelstadt to get on the scoresheet. At this price, it doesn’t take much to pay off.
Wing
Jesper Fast (NYR): $3,700 vs ARI
David Quinn and the New York Rangers continue to shuffle up their lines trying to find some stability. The most recent promotion goes to Jesper Fast, who will slot on the wing next to Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin. In a 3-2 loss against the Canucks on Sunday, Fast had a goal and an assist, the latter being a primary helper on a Panarin goal. The Coyotes have been stingy, allowing the second-fewest goals per game in the league, but I still think that Fast is money well spent.
Mark Stone (VGK): $6,900 @ CHI
Stone has started the year on fire with 13 points in 10 games. He’s also shooting the puck a lot, hitting the five-shot bonus twice already. I don’t love using a team playing on a back to back, but after last night’s performance by the Knights, I expect to see a solid effort against a lowly Chicago team.
Defense
Josh Morrissey (WPG): $4,900 vs LA
Until Dustin Byfuglien returns, I will always find Josh Morrissey enticing. He’s averaging over 25 minutes a night and running the top power play. Enter the LA Kings, who have given up the most goals per game in the league. They’re also sub-par on the penalty kill. I expect Morrissey will get on the score sheet tonight, but even if he doesn’t, he should contribute with shots and blocks as he will play almost half the game.
Goalie
Mikko Koskinen (EDM): $7,700 @ MIN
Hoping Edmonton turns to Koskinen tonight, although he is still unconfirmed. The Minnesota Wild are a bad hockey team. They picked up a nice win on Sunday after Jason Zucker put the team on notice, but I think this team needs a lot more than an emotional effort for sustained success. I anticipate Edmonton will be the betting odds favorite to win the game. Koskinen has been sharp with a 4-0 record, 2.2 GAA, and .934 save percentage. After being shut out against the Jets, expect the Oilers to put some offense on the board in this one.
Chris Genova is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Chris, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyOneTimer.
