The teams are separating. The trade deadline is looming. We’re really coming down the stretch here. It’s less than two months before the NHL playoffs begin. Tonight, we have another busy twelve game slate. I am making a few bargain selections this evening. Ideally, if you use some of these “economy” plays, you’ll have the room to spend on the studs of your choice. Let’s take a look.
Center
Mathew Barzal (NYI): $6,100 vs LA
Although they have a few games in hand, the Islanders currently find themselves in a wild card spot, only three points clear of the trailing Maple Leafs. They have to win games like this one, home against the Kings. Barzal is putting together another nice season with 18 goals, 26 assists, for 44 points. He has ten points in his last ten games. He also shot the puck seven times in his last outing. Barzal continues to be the focal point of the Islander offense, centering the top line, and operating the top power play unit. I expect to see Barzal on the board tonight.
Wing
Zach Sanford (STL): $3,500 vs WPG
Sanford was recently promoted onto the top group alongside 2020 All-Stars Ryan O’Reilly and David Perron. He’s made the most of his opportunity. Sanford is riding a six-game point streak, where he has amassed nine points over that span. Those nine points account for almost half of his season totals, so his production seems to rely on the company he skates with. Keep your eyes on the lines and make sure he is still in this position after the morning skate. Assuming he is, Sanford is a steal at this price.
Kailer Yamamoto (EDM): $4,300 vs SJ
I’m going back to the well on Yamamoto. It was disappointing to see the Oilers shut out Tuesday night in Arizona. Tonight, they welcome the San Jose Sharks to town, a team that has surrendered over three goals per game this season. The Oilers score a lot of goals, so I’m expecting them to get back on track tonight. Yamamoto will again skate alongside the NHL points leader Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He still has seven points in his last seven games, so I’ll gladly go back to him at this price.
Defense
Damon Severson (NJD): $4,100 @ PHI
Severson is riding a four-game point streak. Over that span, he has eclipsed five shots in two of those games. He’s logging upwards of 30 minutes a night for the Devils, paired with Andy Greene, and quarterbacking the top power play unit. The Flyers will turn to backup Brian Elliot as Carter Hart remains sidelined with an abdominal injury. For this price, I think it’s worth a shot.
Goalie
Mikko Koskinen (EDM): $7,800 vs SJ
Koskinen has posted a 2.8 GAA and a .913 SV% this season. He is a big reason why Edmonton is where they are in the standings. Over the past month, he has posted a 2.43 GAA with a .919 SV%. Tonight, the Oilers welcome the disappointing Sharks to town. The Sharks are third-last in the Western Conference, and they will continue to play without Tomas Hertl and Logan Couture. Over past three games, San Jose has only mustered five goals. The Oilers are considerable -180 betting favorites, so I think this is a good chance to find a win. Koskinen is not yet the confirmed starter, and if they turn to Mike Smith, I would play him too.
Chris Genova is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Chris, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyOneTimer.
