What is wrong in Tampa Bay? It was quite an image watching the reigning MVP, Nikita Kucherov, nailed to the bench earlier this week. Common thought regarding the Lightning has been that it’s not a matter of if they’ll turn it on, it’s just a matter of when. At this point, I think that the former is in doubt. Perhaps this is the best thing for them. I certainly would not want to be the team that draws them in a first-round matchup. However, at this rate, they need to worry about getting there first. Let’s take a look at some DFS options tonight in the NHL.
Center
Elias Pettersson (VAN): $6,400 vs. VGK
There has been no sophomore slump for Elias Pettersson. With 35 points in 35 games, he is trending to improve on his fabulous Calder Trophy season. One thing he has drastically improved is his shots on goal numbers. Last season, Pettersson shot the puck 144 times in 71 games. This year, he has 94 shots in 35 games. He is playing alongside the resurgent J.T. Miller and Jake Virtanen. He continues to be the focal point of the power play as well. This is a rather low price for Pettersson, one of the lowest numbers we have seen on him all season.
Wing
Anthony Duclair (TB): $5,300 at NSH
What a great story Duclair has been this season. The 24-year-old winger is in his sixth season and playing for his fifth team. He’s on pace to smash his career numbers, and he already has 19 goals and seven assists for 26 points in 35 games. He is playing alongside Vladislav Namestnikov and Chris Tierney, as well as on the top power-play unit. He’s also one of the league’s hottest players, with 11 points in his previous eight games. Nashville is playing well of late, but this will be their third game in four nights. Hopefully Duclair can pot his 20th this evening, which would tie his career number.
Oliver Bjorkstrand (CBJ): $5,500 vs. LA
I cannot get enough of this guy. He’s scored 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 34 games. He has averaged five shots on goal in his last ten contests. I don’t understand why his price hasn’t continued to rise further. He will continue to play on the top line alongside Gustav Nyquist and Boone Jenner, as well as the top of the first power-play unit. He’s picked up four points in his previous two games, and tonight the Blue Jackets welcome a Kings team that is surrendering the fourth-most goals per game in the league.
Defense
Rasmus Dahlin (BUF): $4,500 at PHI
The former first overall pick has missed eight of Buffalo’s 35 games this season, but he has still managed to put up 20 points in 27 games. Since returning from injury, Dahlin has recorded a point in three consecutive games, including one contest where he had six shots on goal. As he’s worked back into the lineup, I expect his ice time will steadily rise. He will continue to lead the Sabres’ back-end and quarterback the top power-play unit.
Goalie
Darcy Kuemper (ARI): $8,200 vs. MIN
Kuemper may be one of the most underrated players in the NHL. The career .919 goaltender is playing lights-out this season in Arizona. He is 15-7-2 with a 1.97 GAA and a .935 SV%. The Coyotes are one of the biggest betting favorites at the sportsbooks tonight, laying -170 at home to Minnesota. The addition of Taylor Hall can only help the potential goal support for Darcy Kuemper. The Coyotes have yet announced their starting goalie for the evening, but if it’s Kuemper, I would play him here confidently.
Chris Genova is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Chris, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyOneTimer.
