NHL Daily Plays: Monday, February 2nd
What a terrific weekend of sports it was, with some great NHL action, a big UFC fight and a fantastic Super Bowl. With the NFL season officially in the books, perhaps we will see more DFS players diving into hockey.
The NHL has a quiet three game-schedule on tap tonight before exploding tomorrow night with 11 games. I like to refer to Monday nights as the calm before the storm. The New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks are big home favorites and should be targeted in your cash game. Any of the six teams in action are in play for your GPPs, and having a piece of all the teams lacing up their skates tonight is what makes these slow nights much more entertaining.
GOALTENDERS
Make sure to check the RotoGrinders Starting Goalies Page to confirm that the goalies listed below are starting prior to game time.
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers – Lundqvist has been brilliant in the month of January (1.76 GAA, .946 SV%) and is playing his best hockey of the season. The Rangers are a huge favorite tonight and happen to be one of the league’s best teams on home ice (15-7-3). The Florida Panthers have been very competitive this year but they still lack scoring punch, ranking 25th in the NHL in goals per game (2.34) this season. Look for another strong performance from King Henrik tonight and the all important win.
Other Goalies To Target (Cash Games) – Antti Niemi, Jonas Hiller
Other Goalies To Target (Tournaments) – Roberto Luongo, Ondrej Pavelec
CENTER
Sean Monahan, Calgary Flames – Monahan has scored goals in five of his last seven games and does not get the recognition he deserves. This talented 20 year old, centers the Flames’ top line and number one powerplay unit. Winnipeg has lost three games in a row, allowing 15 goals in the process. Both of the Jets’ goaltenders (Ondrej Pavelec and Michael Hutchinson) have really struggled recently and I expect Monahan and the Flames to take advantage of that tonight.
Other Centers To Target (Cash Games) – Logan Couture, Derick Brassard, Joe Thornton, Derek Stepan
Other Centers To Target (Tournaments) – Bryan Little, Aleksander Barkov, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
WINGERS
Rick Nash, New York Rangers – Nash scored his 29th goal Saturday night and is currently on pace for a 50 goal season. He is having his best season as a Ranger (29 G, 44 PTS, +17, 172 SOG in 47 GP) and is one of the NHL’s top 20 scorers. The Panthers have lost six of their past seven games and have allowed 3.57 goals per game during that stretch. I expect Nash to remain hot and he is easily the top sniper on the board tonight.
Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks – Marleau has really started to pick up his offensive game, racking up two goals, six points and 19 shots on net in his last five games. The Oilers have played better recently, but still struggle mightily in their own end. Edmonton has allowed the third most goals per game in the league (3.26) and have mediocre goaltending at best. The Sharks have won three straight games and have scored 12 goals along the way. Look for a multi-point performance from Marleau tonight.
Other Wingers To Target (Cash Games) – Martin St. Louis, Jiri Hudler, Joe Pavelski, Johnny Gaudreau
Other Wingers To Target (Tournaments) – Blake Wheeler, Andrew Ladd, Jonathan Huberdeau, Jordan Eberle
DEFENSE
Dan Boyle, New York Rangers – Boyle scored Saturday night in New York’s win over Carolina and he continues to quarterback the Rangers’ top powerplay unit. The Blue Shirts are a big favorite tonight and I think Boyle finds his way on to the scoresheet. Boyle is moderately priced and is the best bang for your buck on defense tonight.
Other Defensemen To Target (Cash Games) – Brent Burns, Mark Giordano
Other Defensemen To Target (Tournaments) – Dustin Byfuglien, Aaron Ekblad, Tobias Enstrom
Good Luck Grinders!
Pepsi7