NHL Daily Plays: Sunday, February 22nd
Hey Grinders, we have eight games on the slate today, but I will only be referring to the slate that starts at 6 P.M. EST. The bigger GPPs around the industry are also ignoring the two early games but if you are playing the all-day slate, I suggest targeting the Washington Capitals power play against the poor penalty kill of Philadelphia.
Goalies
Make sure to check the RotoGrinders Starting Goalies Page to confirm that the goalies listed below are starting prior to puck-drop
Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins: The Penguins are coming off an impressive win last night over the St. Louis Blues where they gave Fleury the night off. He should be well rested as the Panthers roll into town after a fast paced game played last night. The Penguins forwards should have no problem giving Fleury plenty of goals in support of the win against Al Montoya in net for Florida.
Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators: This may be the best shot at predicting a shutout all season long. Be careful, because if Rinne does allow a goal or two he will likely not pay off his salary as I don’t expect Buffalo to get many shots on goal. If you like to guarantee the points for your cash games, look no further than Rinne for the safest option of the day.
Editor’s Note: Pekka Rinne WILL NOT START versus Buffalo tonight. Carter Hutton is the confirmed goalie for the Predators.
Others to target: Andrei Vasilevskiy, Devan Dubnyk
Centers
John Tavares, New York Islanders: Tavares is putting up video game numbers right now with 11 points in his last five games, including four multi-point games. With the Vancouver Canucks defensemen depleted by injury, Tavares should have no trouble producing again.
Derick Brassard, New York Rangers: Brassard is quietly having a great season with 47 points in 55 games. He comes into this game on a six-game point streak and 12 points in his last ten. Skating with Rick Nash certainly has its benefits, and if you can’t afford to pay up for the superstar, take his linemate that has been assisting on most of his goals for a fraction of the price. The games between these two have been very physical with many power-play opportunities, which bodes well for Brassard as well.
Others to target: Tyler Johnson, Frans Nielsen
Wing
Chris Kunitz, Pittsburgh Penguins: The $4,700 asking price on DraftKings is a complete steal tonight. The Penguins will get to face backup goalie Al Montoya in net, which should lead to plenty of goals. Skating with Sidney Crosby on both even strength and the top power play is one of the best places to be for production. There is a huge difference in Kunitz’ salary on the two major sites, so if you really like him tonight I suggest playing more on DraftKings this evening.
Ryan Callahan, Tampa Bay Lightning: Colorado is the type of team that Callahan should excel against. He has a goal in the only meeting between these teams earlier this season and should have plenty of chances tonight against one of the worst puck possession teams in the league.
Others to target: Blake Comeau, Jason Pominville
Defense
Anton Stralman, Tampa Bay Lightning: Stralman is heating up with 5 points in his last four games and continuing to get the ice time with the “Triplet line” on the team’s second power-play unit. His price never seems to rise and Tampa should have plenty of opportunities tonight with the puck in the Colorado zone for most of the game.
Shea Weber/Roman Josi, Nashville Predators: I am going to pair these two together as it is nearly impossible to predict which will have the better game. They are paired together on even strength and play on the same power play unit. Weber tends to have more upside if you can afford him, but there is nothing wrong with taking Josi if the savings will help in any way. Buffalo has the worst penalty kill in the league and both of these guys have huge shots from the point, which really shines on the power play.
Others to target: Johnny Boychuk, Ryan McDonagh