As the NHL regular season winds down in its last couple of weeks, teams continue to battle for seeding and pride in a unique 56-game schedule pitting teams exclusively against the six or seven other teams within their division. At this point in the season, teams know a lot about one another, and it’s important to find value within lesser-known first, second, and third-line skaters. Understanding which goaltender teams plan on using between the pipes ahead of Tuesday’s five-game slate is crucial to constructing winning lineups, as Flyers’ reserve G Alex Lyon overcame a heinous 3.69 GAA on Monday to help defeat the Penguins 7-2 by logging 35 saves on 37 shots.
It’s important to note that all five games on Tuesday’s slate are either the second or third games of a series back-to-back, with all 10 teams having faced their opponent within the past 24 hours. Will new goaltenders make a significant impact on the results? Do the top skaters on playoff-bound teams earn more rest, or will they be motivated to play better than they did on Monday? Let’s check out a few value skaters to target in your lineups during Tuesday’s smaller five-game slate.
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Center
Patrice Bergeron (BOS): $7,300 @ NJ
Boston has arguably the most potent first-line skating combination across the entire league. They disposed of New Jersey easily in a 3-0 shutout on Monday and gets another opportunity to run it back against struggling G Mackenzie Blackwood (3.05 GAA) on Tuesday. Bergeron is a grizzled veteran centering the top line between Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak to be involved in opportunities within the offensive zone consistently. The 35-year old enters Tuesday’s contest on a three-game point streak, including a multi-point outing (goal, assist) against the Devils on Monday. With 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) across 50 starts for the Bruins this season, Bergeron is a great addition to Tuesday lineups based on his involvement on offense, as Boston ranks third-highest for shots per game (33.04), providing ample opportunity for him to cash in your lineups against an inferior opponent.
Wing
Dominik Kubalik (CHI): $4,600 @ CAR
Dominik Kubalik is coming off of a multi-point performance during Monday’s 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, helping set up both goals to log two assists despite skating on the Blackhawks’ third-line. The 25-year old LW earns additional time on ice by skating on the team’s top power-play unit and enters Tuesday’s back-to-back with at least a point in three consecutive games. Kubalik is a great value play with 10 shots and four points across his last four starts and should be rostered with confidence to help cash your lineups Tuesday night.
Defense
Tyson Barrie (EDM): $6,400 @ VAN
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Tyson Barrie is one of the pricier options at the position but is well worth the salary in a top-heavy group. One of the most active defenders in the offensive zone, Barrie managed to get off three shots during Monday’s 5-3 win over Vancouver, turning one of them into a goal to extend his point streak. This selection is also reliant upon the Canucks’ projected G Thatcher Demko, who has allowed nine goals across his last two starts. Barrie has over 30 assists (35), averaging over 20 minutes of time on ice per game, which should make him a lock in your lineups with a favorable matchup on Tuesday night.
Goalie
Jeremy Swayman (BOS): $7,800 @ NJ
Boston blanked New Jersey 3-0 Monday night but are projected to start their young 22-year old G Jeremy Swayman in the net for Tuesday’s contest. Swayman gets his first start against a Devils team that ranks among the worst ten teams in the league for goals scored per game (2.67) and has an impressive resumé through nine starts behind Tuukka Rask, averaging an elite 1.62 GAA and .942 SV% including a shutout. Based on the anemic play of New Jersey’s offense and Swayman’s ability to stonewall shots in between the pipes, he should be one of the top goaltenders to target when constructing your lineups.
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Matthew MacKay is a featured writer for FantasyPros. For more from Matthew, check out his archive and follow him @Matt_MacKay_.
