As we move our way into February, the NHL schedule will start to normalize. We’re back to our usual jam-packed thirteen game slate here on a Tuesday evening. In the East, it’s just about time for the Canadiens, Rangers, and Sabres to kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. In the West, it’s a bit tighter, with Nashville, Winnipeg, and Chicago still in the hunt for the final wildcard spot which is currently held by the Coyotes. Let’s take a look at another big night in the NHL.
Center
Pierre-Luc Dubois (CBJ): $5,800 vs FLA
Dubois is progressing towards another career year. The 21-year-old former 3rd overall pick has 17 goals, 25 assists, for 42 points in 53 games. He has solidified himself as a top center in the league. He’s also hot lately, with eight points in his last four games. The Panthers are in town off a back to back after defeating the Maple Leafs last night in Toronto. The goaltender has not been confirmed, but with Sergei Bobrovsky playing last night and Chris Driedger injured, Florida may have to turn to 3rd stringer Samuel Montembeault.
Wing
Oliver Bjorkstrand (CBJ): $6,000 vs FLA
I am so happy this guy is back. Bjorkstrand was becoming a mainstay in this column before he got hurt last month. Since his return, he has recorded a point in each of his four games, with four goals and an assist. The great part about Bjorkstrand is how much he shoots the puck. He is always a candidate to fire over five shots in a night. He’s playing with the top group alongside Pierre-Luc Dubois and Nick Foligno, as well as the top power play unit. Dubois and Bjorkstrand is the stack I’m looking for tonight.
Kailer Yamamoto (EDM): $3,400 @ ARI
Don’t look now, but Kailer Yamamoto has ten points in his eleven NHL games this season. He’s riding a four-game point streak. He’s skating alongside the league’s point leader Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. He is also getting time on the second power play unit. The 21-year-old former first round pick is breaking out, proving he belongs with the big club permanently.
Defense
Jeff Petry (MTL): $5,800 @ NJD
In his 10th NHL season, Jeff Petry is having a career year. With 7 goals, 26 assists, and 33 points in 54 games, he is on pace to break his career point total of 46, which came last year. Right now he’s paired with Marco Scandella, playing upwards of 25 minutes a night. He is quarterbacking the top power play unit, where he’s contributed with 10 power play points on the year. Tonight the Habs visit the New Jersey Devils, who have surrendered a second-worst 3.37 goals against per game.
Goalie
Jordan Binnington (STL): $8,000 vs CAR
My general philosophy when choosing a goaltender is just trying to find a win. The massive betting favorites tonight include the Capitals, Bruins, Lightning, and Flames. Sure enough, the most expensive goaltenders this evening are Samsonov, Vasilevskiy, Rittich, and Rask. Scrolling down the list a bit I got myself to Jordan Binnington. Binnington is 23-9 with a 2.63 GAA and a .911 SV%. Tonight the Blues welcome the Hurricanes, and the sportsbooks have the Blues as a solid -140 favorite. I feel like I am getting one of the best goalies in the league at a discounted price here.
Chris Genova is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Chris, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyOneTimer.
