NHL Grind Down: Monday, January 23rd
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The RotoGrinders NHL Grind Down article will give you an in-depth analysis into the NHL schedule. This article will break down the numbers for every single game and give you analysis on which trends you can exploit. While matchups are a major factor in daily fantasy hockey there are plenty of other factors to consider such as injuries, salaries, and more.
The analysis should point you in the right direction, but it is still up to you to decipher the information and make your own selections. Hockey is an extremely high variance sport. The best choice is not always the right choice but following the trends will win you money over time.
Remember, these writeups are done prior to lineups being released, so make sure to check our Starting Lineups page to ensure the recommended options are playing.
Note: As always, if you want to try a new DFS site, be sure to click through a RotoGrinders link and use our FanDuel promo code to receive the best perks in the industry.
Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals
| Carolina Hurricanes | Washington Capitals | ||||||||
 | Cam Ward |  | Braden Holtby | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 21-18-7 | 31-9-6 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.67 | 2.76 | 16.50% | 88.70% | Team Stats | 3.22 | 2.09 | 20.30% | 86.00% |
Carolina had been playing some great hockey down the stretch, but suddenly they’ve started to head the opposite direction. They’ve now dropped each of their last three games and have the unfortunate task of trying to snap their losing streak against the division leading Washington Capitals who happen to own a 18-5-1 record at the Verizon Center. These two teams have split their first two meetings this season, but Washington has allowed an NHL low 2.09 goals against per game this season and it’s tough to target players against them in cash games. Jeff Skinner has been the Hurricanes offensive MVP this season and he headlines the top forward line alongside Derek Ryan and Victor Rask. Skinner has posted 35 points in 45 games this season and his 166 shots on goal provide him with a high-floor. With ownership figures likely quite low for all three players, this is an intriguing GPP line stack tonight. Meanwhile, the tandem of Teuvo Teravainen and Sebastian Aho have actually torched this Washington team in those two prior meetings; combining for four goals and seven assists. They’re a bit too inconsistent for cash games use, but those numbers are tough to completely ignore. On defense, Justin Faulk is the clear #1 fantasy option when healthy. He quarterbacks the top power-play unit and is not shy about unloading his cannon slapshot from the point. Washington’s superb 86.0% penalty kill does put a nice dent into his fantasy value tonight, however.
As mentioned above, the Capitals lead the Metropolitan Division and have been dominant at home. This team has won 11 of their last 12 games and are averaging a ridiculous 4.73 goals per game thus far during the month of January. Alex Ovechkin is one of the elite goal scorers of all time and he has to be on your radar this evening. Ovie has racked up four goals and eight assists during his current seven game point streak and his 175 shots on goal is the second most in the entire NHL this season. Meanwhile, Nicklas Backstrom actually leads the team with 46 points in 46 games and joins Ovechkin and T.J. Oshie on the top forward line and #1 power-play unit. Alternatively, Evgeny Kuznetsov is starting to pick up the pace offensively and he offers Barry Trotz a very capable secondary scoring line where he’s joined by Marcus Johansson and Justin Williams. On defense, John Carlson is almost certainly going to remain out of the lineup tonight, pushing Matt Niskanen into the role as the quarterback of the top power-play unit. Niskanen has long showed plenty of offensive upside and has already dished out three assists in those two prior games against the Hurricanes this season. With his price-tag not yet reflective of his expanded role, there’s some value to be found on him across the industry. Just keep your expectations in check a bit as Carolina does own an NHL best 88.7% penalty kill.
Carolina Hurricanes
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.55 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -16, 110.78 CP60
Elite Options
None
Secondary Options
Jeff Skinner ($7,000 FD, $6,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.4 CF60, 3.1 xGF60, 98.82 PDO
Victor Rask ($5,600 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.54 CF60, 2.67 xGF60, 100.52 PDO
Jordan Staal ($5,500 FD, $4,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 65.49 CF60, 3.58 xGF60, 98.52 PDO
Sebastian Aho ($5,400 FD, $4,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.04 CF60, 2.72 xGF60, 98.13 PDO
Teuvo Teravainen ($5,000 FD, $4,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.85 CF60, 2.57 xGF60, 99.68 PDO
Justin Faulk ($5,800 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.74 CF60, 2.86 xGF60, 97.1 PDO
Expected Netminder
Cam Ward – My Ratings (out of 10): 4 Cash, 5.5 GPP
Washington Capitals
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.57 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 46, CP60
Elite Options
Alex Ovechkin ($8,900 FD, $8,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.44 CF60, 2.69 xGF60, 103.78 PDO
Nicklas Backstrom ($6,900 FD, $6,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.04 CF60, 2.62 xGF60, 103.67 PDO
T.J. Oshie ($6,800 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.34 CF60, 2.84 xGF60, 106.62 PDO
Secondary Options
Evgeny Kuznetsov ($6,600 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.7 CF60, 2.57 xGF60, 105.17 PDO
Justin Williams ($6,000 FD, $5,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.13 CF60, 3 xGF60, 101.44 PDO
Matt Niskanen ($5,000 FD, $4,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.48 CF60, 2.57 xGF60, 103.01 PDO
Expected Netminder
Braden Holtby – My Ratings (out of 10): 9 Cash, 9 GPP
Los Angeles Kings at New York Rangers
| Los Angeles Kings | New York Rangers | ||||||||
 | Peter Budaj |  | Henrik Lundqvist | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 22-20-4 | 30-16-1 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.48 | 2.48 | 16.90% | 81.60% | Team Stats | 3.50 | 2.70 | 21.50% | 82.30% |
Los Angeles has dropped three straight games and own an ugly 8-12-3 road record this season. They wake up this morning sitting in sixth place in the Pacific Division and are running out of time to turn things around if they want to be part of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They’ll continue on their five-game road trip tonight at Madison Square Garden after a disappointing effort across town against the Islanders over the weekend. Offensively, this team is Tyler Toffoli but despite his prolonged injury, they still have two very dangerous scoring lines to consider. Jeff Carter has been far and away the top producer this season as he’s posted 41 points in 47 games while also leading the team with 140 shots on goal. He’s slated to be joined by Dustin Brown and Tanner Pearson on the top line, leaving Anze Kopitar to headline the second line alongside Dwight Kings and Marian Gaborik. It’s been a down season for Kopitar by his standards, but he has heated up lately, posting a goal and eight assists in just eight games this month. On defense, Alec Martinez is in the midst of the best season of his young career, but has cooled down a bit lately. Meanwhile, both Drew Doughty and Jake Muzzin share the duties on the point of the #1 power-play and both blue-liners have picked up their scoring pace lately.
After three straight losses, the Rangers got back to their winning ways with two big road victories in a row. They escaped Detroit with two points with an overtime victory yesterday afternoon and should be excited to return home to kick off a three game home-stand. Los Angeles does play some solid defense, but the Rangers are the second highest scoring team in the NHL (3.45 goals per game) and have too much firepower to ignore this evening. The problem? Their scoring prowess is in large part due to their very balanced approach which does things a bit more complicated from a DFS standpoint. With ten players already having breached the 20+ point plateau, this depth is on full display. On most nights, it’s the trio of Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan and Mats Zuccarello that looks the most dangerous. Those three have combined for 38 goals and 69 assists in 47 games this season and also have the luxury of playing together on the #1 power-play unit. Meanwhile, Rick Nash looks to be back to full health and he’s always a scoring threat when on the ice. He’s been developing a nice rapport with Mika Zibanejad and Pavel Buchnevich and they could see the better matchups if Daryl Sutter decides to match up Kopitar with the Stepan/Kreider/Zuccarello line. On defense, Ryan McDonagh in the anchor of this team. He’s locked into huge minutes both at even strength and on the point of the #1 power-play unit and has posted 28 points in 46 games. If you’re looking for some cost savings, Adam Clendening has taken over as the point man of the #2 power-play unit and has shown plenty of upside with eight points in just 16 games.
Los Angeles Kings
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 54.27 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 1, 109.42 CP60
Elite Options
Jeff Carter ($8,200 FD, $6,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.2 CF60, 2.44 xGF60, 100.97 PDO
Drew Doughty ($6,200 FD, $5,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.32 CF60, 2.6 xGF60, 101 PDO
Secondary Options
Anze Kopitar ($7,000 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 63.5 CF60, 2.93 xGF60, 98.68 PDO
Marian Gaborik ($4,900 FD, $4,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 66.98 CF60, 3.61 xGF60, 97.03 PDO
Tanner Pearson ($5,800 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 63.68 CF60, 2.49 xGF60, 100.91 PDO
Alec Martinez ($5,500 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.79 CF60, 2.57 xGF60, 95.66 PDO
Jake Muzzin ($4,900 FD, $4,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.98 CF60, 2.55 xGF60, 94.98 PDO
Expected Netminder
Peter Budaj – My Ratings (out of 10): 5.5 Cash, 6 GPP
New York Rangers
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 47.73 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 10, 110.3 CP60
Elite Options
Derek Stepan ($6,800 FD, $6,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.04 CF60, 2.61 xGF60, 101.66 PDO
Chris Kreider ($6,900 FD, $6,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.95 CF60, 2.85 xGF60, 97.49 PDO
Mats Zuccarello ($6,700 FD, $6,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.45 CF60, 2.76 xGF60, 99.5 PDO
Ryan McDonagh ($5,700 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.55 CF60, 2.71 xGF60, 100.16 PDO
Secondary Options
Rick Nash ($6,800 FD, $6,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 51.72 CF60, 2.85 xGF60, 101.5 PDO
Pavel Buchnevich ($5,000 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.56 CF60, 3.27 xGF60, 104.14 PDO
Mika Zibanejad ($6,000 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.77 CF60, 3.06 xGF60, 99.82 PDO
Adam Clendening ($4,000 FD, $3,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.38 CF60, 2.79 xGF60, 101.49 PDO
Expected Netminder
Henrik Lundqvist – My Ratings (out of 10): 7.5 Cash, 7.5 GPP
Calgary Flames at Toronto Maple Leafs
| Calgary Flames | Toronto Maple Leafs | ||||||||
 | Chad Johnson |  | Frederik Andersen | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 24-22-3 | 21-14-9 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.61 | 2.78 | 21.30% | 81.40% | Team Stats | 3.07 | 2.84 | 24.10% | 84.70% |
In what could very well be the most offensively exciting game of the evening, the Calgary Flames will invade the Air Canada Centre tonight to battle the Toronto Maple Leafs. Calgary enters this game sitting on the bubble of the Western Conference playoff picture and, after losing four of their last five games, desperately need to get things turned around quickly. With just about everybody finally healthy, Glen Gulutzan now has plenty of forward depth to work with. Unfortunately, that’s also resulted in some less than favorable line combinations for some of his most dangerous offensive weapons. Johnny Gaudreau has been eerily quiet lately but Toronto’s ridiculously quick pace (121.76 CP60) suits his style of play perfectly. He won’t stay quiet for long and his linemates Sam Bennett and Alex Chiasson stand to benefit when he does erupt. Alternatively, Mikael Backlund actually leads the team with 33 points and has grown very comfortable alongside impressive rookie Matthew Tkachuk and Michael Frolik on the second line. Also in play is Sean Monahan who still joins forces with his former partner Gaudreau on the top power-play unit and has been rolling lately with goals in five straight games. On defense, both Dougie Hamilton and Mark Giordano are top-tier options this evening. They’re both locked into very heavy workloads, are armed with great offensive skillsets, and see tons of work with the man-advantage.
When Mike Babcock took over behind the Toronto bench, it was no secret that Toronto was in the midst of a full rebuild. Well, thanks to his superb coaching (and the help of some very impressive rookies), this team is already knocking on the playoffs door just 1.5 years later. For good or bad, this Toronto team is one of the most exciting teams in the entire league and have been a gold mine for fantasy production all season. Calder front-runner Auston Matthews is the focal point of the offense and he’s posted a team high 22 goals (with 16 assists) in 44 games and has single-handedly made his linemates Connor Brown and Zach Hyman fantasy relevant. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marner deserves some Calder consideration of his own and he’s now just one point behind Matthews (with 37). He’s thriving alongside the duo of James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak on the top forward line and I want plenty of exposure to all three of them tonight. It’s worth noting that Marner has been particularly dangerous on home ice, where he’s racked up seven goals and 17 assists in just 22 home games. With Morgan Rielly unlikely to suit up once again tonight, Jake Gardiner is locked into as many minutes as he can handle. He’s having a fine season offensively and will facilitate things from the point of the #1 power-play unit. Alternatively, Reilly’s absence also means some extended run for Nikita Zaitsev making him a fine source for some salary relief.
Calgary Flames
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.03 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -12, 108.84 CP60
Elite Options
Johnny Gaudreau ($7,400 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.78 CF60, 2.64 xGF60, 95.46 PDO
Dougie Hamilton ($5,900 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 67.42 CF60, 3.02 xGF60, 96.67 PDO
Mark Giordano ($6,400 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.39 CF60, 2.6 xGF60, 100.05 PDO
Secondary Options
Sean Monahan ($6,700 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.75 CF60, 2.45 xGF60, 97.69 PDO
Matthew Tkachuk ($5,700 FD, $4,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 67.9 CF60, 2.99 xGF60, 99.55 PDO
Sam Bennett ($4,300 FD, $4,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.68 CF60, 2.09 xGF60, 96.78 PDO
Mikael Backlund ($6,200 FD, $5,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.89 CF60, 2.78 xGF60, 99.49 PDO
T.J. Brodie ($4,300 FD, $3,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 51.26 CF60, 2.09 xGF60, 95.4 PDO
Expected Netminder
Chad Johnson – My Ratings (out of 10): 4 Cash, 5.5 GPP
Toronto Maple Leafs
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 50.2 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 3, 121.76 CP60
Elite Options
Auston Matthews ($7,700 FD, $7,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 64.75 CF60, 3.24 xGF60, 99.44 PDO
James van Riemsdyk ($7,500 FD, $6,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.45 CF60, 3.07 xGF60, 100.59 PDO
Mitchell Marner ($6,500 FD, $5,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.86 CF60, 2.99 xGF60, 101.33 PDO
Secondary Options
Nazem Kadri ($6,600 FD, $5,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.79 CF60, 2.79 xGF60, 98.08 PDO
Tyler Bozak ($5,700 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.32 CF60, 3.19 xGF60, 101.3 PDO
Connor Brown ($5,400 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.32 CF60, 3.02 xGF60, 101.56 PDO
William Nylander ($5,600 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 65.34 CF60, 3.16 xGF60, 98.19 PDO
Jake Gardiner ($4,600 FD, $4,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 65.76 CF60, 3.28 xGF60, 100.99 PDO
Nikita Zaitsev ($4,300 FD, $4,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.4 CF60, 2.73 xGF60, 100.59 PDO
Expected Netminder
Frederik Andersen – My Ratings (out of 10): 6 Cash, 7 GPP
Anaheim Ducks at Winnipeg Jets
| Anaheim Ducks | Winnipeg Jets | ||||||||
 | Jonathan Bernier |  | Connor Hellebuyck | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 26-14-9 | 22-23-4 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.61 | 2.49 | 21.60% | 82.70% | Team Stats | 2.82 | 3.06 | 18.50% | 77.40% |
Anaheim dropped a tough 5-3 decision in Minnesota over the weekend, but still find themselves sitting atop the Pacific Division. They’ll head to Winnipeg looking for two point tonight before heading back home for two very favorable games at the Honda Center all before they embark on their longest road trip of the season to start the month of February. Playing in the quaint MTS Centre is never an easy task for visiting teams, but Winnipeg has allowed the second most power-play goal against in the NHL this season and that makes me want to target Anaheim’s very strong 21.6% power-play. Rickard Rakell, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry join forces on the Ducks top forward line and all three also see extended run on the power-play. Meanwhile, Ryan Kesler actually leads the entire team with 39 points this season and has thrived on the top power-play unit where he’s posted a team-high 17 power-play points. Unfortunately, the Ducks will be without the talented Jakob Silfverberg tonight, but that does open the door for guys like Andrew Cogliano and/or Ondrej Kase to step up their games offensively. With that poor Winnipeg penalty kill still in mind, there are several fine options on the Anaheim blue-line. Cam Fowler has put up the best offensive numbers and is the preferred target, but Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm and Shea Theodore are also fine options (and generally much cheaper).
Winnipeg has been very inconsistent this season, but they’ll enter tonight’s game having played very well in each of their last two games. They cruised to an easy win over the St. Louis Blues on Saturday afternoon and need to keep their foot on the gas if they have any hope of working their way into the Western Conference playoffs this season. Things won’t come easy tonight as the Anaheim Ducks have allowed just 2.49 goals against per game this season, but Paul Maurice does have two very dangerous forward lines to deploy against them. Mark Scheifele leads the team with 45 points in 46 games and has picked up two goals and added four assists during his current four game point streak. He headlines the top forward line where he’s joined by impressive 20 year-old Nikolaj Ehlers. Ehlers scored his 16th goal of the season on Saturday and racked up 11 goals and seven assists over his last 16 games. Meanwhile, Blake Wheeler may be one of the most underappreciated players in the NHL. He also scored (and added an assist) against St. Louis on Saturday and has posted four goals and six assists in ten games thus far during the month of January. Wheeler will be joined by Mathieu Perreault and Bryan Little both at even strength and on the #1 power-play unit, and that makes all three fine options. On defense, Dustin Byfuglien aggressive style of play makes him a terrific player to target on a nightly basis. He owns 30 points in 49 games this season, has picked up two points in each of the last two games and has unloaded 148 shots on goal. It’s not an ideal matchup, but ignoring his offensive upside could be a costly decision.
Anaheim Ducks
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 49.39 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -1, 107.26 CP60
Elite Options
Ryan Getzlaf ($7,400 FD, $6,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.82 CF60, 2.56 xGF60, 98.32 PDO
Ryan Kesler ($7,300 FD, $6,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.55 CF60, 2.92 xGF60, 101.13 PDO
Cam Fowler ($5,300 FD, $5,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.83 CF60, 2.62 xGF60, 99.19 PDO
Secondary Options
Corey Perry ($6,700 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.41 CF60, 2.64 xGF60, 99.36 PDO
Rickard Rakell ($6,400 FD, $6,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 47.59 CF60, 2.36 xGF60, 102.69 PDO
Shea Theodore ($3,800 FD, $3,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.04 CF60, 2.32 xGF60, 96.61 PDO
Sami Vatanen ($4,900 FD, $4,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.99 CF60, 2.53 xGF60, 100.9 PDO
Expected Netminder
John Gibson – My Ratings (out of 10): 6 Cash, 7 GPP
Winnipeg Jets
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 49.72 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -12, 105.16 CP60
Elite Options
Mark Scheifele ($7,500 FD, $6,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.41 CF60, 2.46 xGF60, 101.94 PDO
Blake Wheeler ($7,200 FD, $6,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.42 CF60, 2.76 xGF60, 96.04 PDO
Dustin Byfuglien ($6,400 FD, $6,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.97 CF60, 2.57 xGF60, 98.79 PDO
Secondary Options
Nikolaj Ehlers ($6,700 FD, $6,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.8 CF60, 2.48 xGF60, 100.98 PDO
Bryan Little ($5,900 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.63 CF60, 2.91 xGF60, 97.53 PDO
Mathieu Perreault ($5,100 FD, $4,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.99 CF60, 2.59 xGF60, 94.76 PDO
Jacob Trouba ($5,000 FD, $4,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.04 CF60, 2.53 xGF60, 98.78 PDO
Expected Netminder
Ondrej Pavelec – My Ratings (out of 10): 4.5 Cash, 5 GPP
Florida Panthers at Arizona Coyotes
| Florida Panthers | Arizona Coyotes | ||||||||
 | Roberto Luongo |  | Mike Smith | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 20-19-9 | 14-26-6 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.27 | 2.67 | 15.30% | 84.00% | Team Stats | 2.13 | 3.24 | 15.20% | 77.10% |
It’s been a strange season for the Florida Panthers, but somehow they’re still in the mix for one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. With that said, they’ve now dropped the first three games of their current four-game road trip and now know they’ll likely be without top offensive weapons Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov for the remainder of the season. Those two key injuries are a huge blow, but this team still has two very capable scoring lines to target tonight against an Arizona team that has allowed a troubling 3.24 goals against per game this season. Vincent Trocheck leads the team with 32 points on the young season and headlines the top forward unit with Jussi Jokinen and Reilly Smith on his wings. Trocheck saw his six game point streak snapped on Friday night, but has been red-hot down the stretch, posting nine goals and seven assists over his last 13 games. Meanwhile, the ageless Jaromir Jagr is proving to still have plenty left in his tank and, along with Jonathan Marchessault and Jared McCann, provide Tom Rowe with a dangerous secondary scoring line. On defense, both Keith Yandle and Aaron Ekblad look like fine targets tonight as they both see a heavy workload with the man advantage and will look to take advantage of the Coyote’s putrid 77.1% penalty kill. Alternatively, Michael Matheson may not have the same level of offensive skillsets as Ekblad and Yandle but he also sees some time on the point of the power-play and does not shy away from throwing the puck at the net (104 SOG).
The Coyotes erupted for five goals against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night, but this is still a team that is tough to confidently target in DFS hockey. They’ve posted an ugly 3-12-1 record over their last 16 games and have averaged just 2.13 goals per game this season. Despite the offensive struggles this season, they do have some weapons up-front that are certainly capable of putting the puck in the net. Veteran Radim Vrbata scored a goal and added three assists in that win on Saturday night and leads the team with 33 points in 46 games. He’ll be joined by Martin Hanzal and Tobias Rieder on both the top forward line and #1 power-play unit solidifying them as the top options. Meanwhile, former first round draft pick Brendan Perlini has flashed some offensive upside and has now tallied nine points in 21 games this season. He’s seeing a very healthy dose of playing time with that #1 power-play unit and remains very cheap around the industry. If you’re looking for a punt play, he’s at least an option. Speaking of that top power-play unit, Oliver Ekman-Larsson holds the reigns as it’s quarterback. He’s the future of this franchise and one of the most talented blue-liners in the NHL. He owns 25 points in 46 games this season and that’s actually somewhat disappointing as he’s top 20 goals in each of his last two campaigns. Florida’s 84% penalty kill is a small buzz-kill, but OEL is still a solid target on the blue-line.
Florida Panthers
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.28 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -19, 110.02 CP60
Elite Options
Vincent Trocheck ($6,800 FD, $6,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.67 CF60, 2.39 xGF60, 97.94 PDO
Keith Yandle ($5,400 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.8 CF60, 2.3 xGF60, 99.07 PDO
Secondary Options
Jaromir Jagr ($5,600 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.35 CF60, 2.7 xGF60, 101.58 PDO
Jonathan Marchessault ($5,500 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.32 CF60, 2.18 xGF60, 97.42 PDO
Jussi Jokinen ($5,300 FD, $4,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 63.05 CF60, 2.51 xGF60, 95.34 PDO
Reilly Smith ($5,200 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.15 CF60, 2.41 xGF60, 96.19 PDO
Aaron Ekblad ($5,700 FD, $4,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.6 CF60, 2.38 xGF60, 96.13 PDO
Expected Netminder
Roberto Luongo – My Ratings (out of 10): 7.5 Cash, 7.5 GPP
Arizona Coyotes
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 46.01 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -24, 116.66 CP60
Elite Options
Oliver Ekman-Larsson ($5,700 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.78 CF60, 2.11 xGF60, 99.47 PDO
Secondary Options
Martin Hanzal ($5,400 FD, $4,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.57 CF60, 2.15 xGF60, 96.88 PDO
Radim Vrbata ($5,400 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.98 CF60, 2.15 xGF60, 98.26 PDO
Tobias Rieder ($4,100 FD, $4,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.37 CF60, 2.38 xGF60, 99.54 PDO
Expected Netminder
Mike Smith – My Ratings (out of 10): 4.5 Cash, 6 GPP