NHL Grind Down: Thursday, January 26th - Page Three
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Buffalo Sabres at Dallas Stars
| Buffalo Sabres | Dallas Stars | ||||||||
 | Robin Lehner |  | Kari Lehtonen | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 20-18-9 | 19-20-10 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.43 | 2.70 | 22.10% | 73.90% | Team Stats | 2.67 | 3.12 | 17.10% | 74.30% |
In what is a battle between the two worst penalty kill units in the entire NHL, this game has the potential to provide plenty of offensive fireworks. Injuries have held Buffalo back a bit this season, but they’re starting to return to full health and it’s noticeable in the results as they’ve now picked up three straight victories. Along with Dallas’ poor penalty kill, the Sabres should also see a fantasy boost tonight thanks to Dallas’ up-tempo brand of hockey (118.01 CP60). On offense, Ryan O’Reilly and Kyle Okposo (with Tyler Ennis) join forces on the top forward line, but phenom Jack Eichel centering Sam Reinhart and Marcus Foligno on the second line. O’Reilly, Okposo, Eichel and Reinhart are also the forwards that make up Buffalo’s #1 power-play unit and that solidifies them all as terrific options this evening. Eichel potted a pair of goals against Dallas in their only previous meeting this season and has been red-hot lately with four goals and two assists in his last five games. On defense, Rasmus Ristolainen is the clear #1 fantasy option as he quarterback’s the top power-play unit and leads all Buffalo blue-liners with 28 points through 47 games. If you’re looking for some salary relief, both Taylor Fedun and Cody Franson see time on the point with the second power-play unit and are very cheap across the industry.
It’s been a very disappointing season in Dallas, and after dropping nine of their last 12 games, their playoff chances are pretty much already on life support. While the wins have been hard to come by for this team, there is still plenty of firepower here to get excited about. Tonight, they have a fine home matchup awaiting them against a Buffalo team that happens to be the only team with a worse penalty kill than themselves. While Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin no longer play alongside each other at even strength, they do still team up on that #1 power-play unit and are terrific options this evening. Only Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin have combined for points on the same goal more often this season that Benn and Seguin have (23) and those two have also combined for 14 goals and 19 assists on the power-play this season. Jason Spezza joins them on the top power-play unit (along with Patrick Eaves) and currently has the luxury of centering Seguin on the second forward line. Antoine Roussel is the third wheel of that line, but the opportunity alone makes him a viable punt play tonight. On defense, John Klingberg is the player to target. He’s proven to be a very dangerous weapon from the point of the #1 power-play unit and his recent cold streak has lowered his asking price on several sites. With a 2.70 xGF60, he won’t stay quiet for long.
Buffalo Sabres
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 47.46 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -7, 109.6 CP60
Elite Options
Jack Eichel ($7,500 FD, $6,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.57 CF60, 2.28 xGF60, 100.83 PDO
Ryan O’Reilly ($6,300 FD, $5,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.92 CF60, 2.69 xGF60, 100.91 PDO
Kyle Okposo ($6,500 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.41 CF60, 2.67 xGF60, 100.11 PDO
Rasmus Ristolainen ($5,800 FD, $5,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.92 CF60, 2.4 xGF60, 101.1 PDO
Secondary Options
Sam Reinhart ($5,800 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.41 CF60, 2.81 xGF60, 100.27 PDO
Evander Kane ($6,200 FD, $4,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.06 CF60, 2.47 xGF60, 98.72 PDO
Cody Franson ($3,400 FD, $3,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.06 CF60, 2.55 xGF60, 101.08 PDO
Taylor Fedun ($3,500 FD, $3,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.67 CF60, 2.4 xGF60, 102.49 PDO
Expected Netminder
Robin Lehner – My Ratings (out of 10): 4 Cash, 5 GPP
Dallas Stars
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 49.7 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 4, 118.01 CP60
Elite Options
Tyler Seguin ($8,500 FD, $7,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.74 CF60, 2.49 xGF60, 98.86 PDO
Jamie Benn ($8,200 FD, $6,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.54 CF60, 2.37 xGF60, 98.99 PDO
John Klingberg ($5,900 FD, $4,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.42 CF60, 2.75 xGF60, 101.46 PDO
Secondary Options
Jason Spezza ($6,400 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.4 CF60, 2.46 xGF60, 99.94 PDO
Patrick Eaves ($5,700 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.74 CF60, 2.59 xGF60, 96.76 PDO
Cody Eakin ($4,200 FD, $3,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.84 CF60, 2.52 xGF60, 95.79 PDO
Expected Netminder
Kari Lehtonen – My Ratings (out of 10): 5 Cash, 5 GPP
Vancouver Canucks at Arizona Coyotes
| Vancouver Canucks | Arizona Coyotes | ||||||||
 | Ryan Miller |  | Mike Smith | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 22-20-6 | 15-26-6 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.35 | 2.76 | 13.60% | 79.80% | Team Stats | 2.15 | 3.21 | 14.90% | 77.30% |
If the playoffs started today, Vancouver (Yes, Vancouver) would grab the eighth and final spot in the Western Conference. The Canucks escaped with a 3-2 win last night in Colorado and have another very favorable matchup awaiting them tonight as they head to the desert for a “clash” with the Arizona Coyotes. The Sedin twins still seem to come to mind immediately when discussing this Vancouver team, and while they’re still fine options considering tonight’s opponent, it’s actually their second line of Sven Baertschi, Bo Horvat and Alexandre Burrows doing most of the damage lately. Baertschi potted a pair of goals in last night’s game and he’s torched Arizona for two goals and two assists in their three prior meetings this season. Meanwhile, Horvat is actually tied with Henrik Sedin for the team lead with 32 points and he’s also scored two goals and added a pair of assists against Arizona. On defense, both Troy Stecher and Alex Edler soak up all of the available minutes on the point of the power-play and that gives them a nice fantasy boost considering Arizona’s dreadful 77.3% penalty kill.
With 25 other teams lacing up their skates this evening, it’s tough to be too bullish on a team owning an ugly 15-26-6 record on the season. However, Arizona has won each of their last two games and tonight’s home matchup against the Vancouver Canucks is certainly not an intimidating one. With that said, they have been dominated by this Canucks team in all three prior meetings and have averaged just 2.15 goals per game this season, so any exposure I have here will be very limited. Veteran Radim Vrbata leads the charge with 33 points in 47 games and joins Tobias Rieder and Martin Hanzal on what is easily their most dangerous forward line. Vrbata has tallied two goals and seven assists in his last seven games and has shown a desire to put the puck on net as much as possible lately. Meanwhile, former first-round pick Alexander Burmistrov has looked revitalized with his new hockey club. He’s dished out five assists in five games while wearing an Arizona sweater and, while it’s tough to see that type of production continue, it does make him an acceptable punt play. On defense, it’s widely understood that Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the top play. He’s a tremendous weapon on the point of the top power-play unit and is locked into well over 20+ minutes of ice-time on a nightly basis.
Vancouver Canucks
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 48.53 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -10, 104.82 CP60
Elite Options
Daniel Sedin ($6,400 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 51.01 CF60, 2.14 xGF60, 101.21 PDO
Bo Horvat ($5,200 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.89 CF60, 2.49 xGF60, 101.82 PDO
Sven Baertschi ($4,700 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 48.86 CF60, 2.48 xGF60, 102.62 PDO
Secondary Options
Henrik Sedin ($5,600 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.59 CF60, 2.09 xGF60, 100 PDO
Loui Eriksson ($5,300 FD, $4,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.11 CF60, 2.45 xGF60, 99.23 PDO
Troy Stecher ($4,600 FD, $3,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.09 CF60, 2.3 xGF60, 101.07 PDO
Alex Edler ( FD, DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.76 CF60, 2.24 xGF60, 98.92 PDO
Expected Netminder
Ryan Miller – My Ratings (out of 10): 6.5 Cash, 7 GPP
Arizona Coyotes
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 46.11 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -24, 116.75 CP60
Elite Options
None
Secondary Options
Radim Vrbata ($5,400 FD, $5,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.32 CF60, 2.2 xGF60, 98.09 PDO
Martin Hanzal ($5,500 FD, $4,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.05 CF60, 2.21 xGF60, 96.7 PDO
Oliver Ekman-Larsson ($6,000 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.28 CF60, 2.15 xGF60, 99.11 PDO
Expected Netminder
Mike Smith – My Ratings (out of 10): 4 Cash, 6 GPP
Edmonton Oilers at San Jose Sharks
| Edmonton Oilers | San Jose Sharks | ||||||||
 | Cam Talbot |  | Martin Jones | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 26-15-8 | 31-16-2 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.90 | 2.54 | 20.90% | 81.40% | Team Stats | 2.69 | 2.29 | 17.00% | 82.70% |
In a game that could really alter the Pacific Division title chase down the stretch, the Oilers will invade the Shark Tank tonight to face a surging San Jose hockey club. Edmonton picked up a very impressive shutout victory over the Anaheim Ducks last night and enter tonight’s game trailing San Jose by just two points. San Jose’s recent hot streak and home dominance are both concerns, but it’s never wise to overlook Connor McDavid. With 57 points in 50 games, McDavid is currently the NHL scoring leader and he’s single-handedly turned this Edmonton team into contenders. He’s thriving alongside the talented Leon Draisaitl and Patrick Maroon on the top forward line and has scored a goal and added an assist in the two prior meetings between these teams. The biggest question is simply whether or not he’s worth his big-ticket asking price this evening. Meanwhile, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Jordan Eberle form a very capable secondary scoring line and are an intriguing duo to stack in GPP’s. On defense, both Andrej Sekera and Oscar Klefbom have been solid, yet unspectacular options all season. They both see a healthy dose of playing time on the power-play and won’t likely draw much attention tonight.
With a tough-fought victory in Winnipeg on Tuesday night, the San Jose Sharks will return home having racked up six consecutive victories to grab the lead in the Pacific Division. Tonight, they’ll look to pad their lead a bit and enter the All-Star break as one of the hottest teams in the NHL. They have defeated the Oilers in both prior meetings this season and own a 17-6-1 record at the SAP Center this season, so there’s plenty to like here tonight. Breaking down the Sharks from a fantasy perspective has to start with #88 Brent Burns. He leads San Jose with 51 points and has unloaded an NHL high 189 shots on goal this season. While he’s expensive everywhere, he’s feasted on the Oilers in their first two meetings (one goal and four assists) and there’s just very few blue-liners in the league that can match his offensive upside. If you can’t find a way to squeeze him in your lineup but still want some exposure to the San Jose blue-line, then both Marc-Edouard Vlasic and David Schlemko are both decently high-floor value options. Up-front, the top two forward lines should both be on your radar. Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski join forces on the top forward line with Logan Couture headlining a very capable secondary scoring line alongside Mikkel Boedker and Kevin Labanc. The Pavelski line tends to draw a bit more attention, but don’t sleep on Couture and company as Boedker has already lit the lamp three times against the Oilers this season and is riding a four game point streak that has seen him rack up two goals and four assists.
Edmonton Oilers
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 50.85 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 14, 109.35 CP60
Elite Options
Connor McDavid ($8,900 FD, $7,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.69 CF60, 2.99 xGF60, 103.1 PDO
Leon Draisaitl ($6,900 FD, $6,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.24 CF60, 2.65 xGF60, 101.95 PDO
Secondary Options
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ($5,600 FD, $4,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.41 CF60, 2.35 xGF60, 97.64 PDO
Jordan Eberle ($6,600 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.41 CF60, 2.83 xGF60, 100.76 PDO
Patrick Maroon ($6,000 FD, $5,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.78 CF60, 2.92 xGF60, 103.84 PDO
Oscar Klefbom ($5,300 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56 CF60, 2.44 xGF60, 99.04 PDO
Andrej Sekera ($4,700 FD, $4,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.26 CF60, 2.53 xGF60, 101.86 PDO
Expected Netminder
Cam Talbot – My Ratings (out of 10): 5 Cash, 6 GPP
San Jose Sharks
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 50.43 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 13, 113.48 CP60
Elite Options
Joe Pavelski ($7,800 FD, $7,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.26 CF60, 2.63 xGF60, 102.12 PDO
Logan Couture ($6,800 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.32 CF60, 2.83 xGF60, 103.83 PDO
Brent Burns ($8,100 FD, $8,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 64.56 CF60, 3.11 xGF60, 103 PDO
Secondary Options
Patrick Marleau ($5,800 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.93 CF60, 2.78 xGF60, 101.14 PDO
Joe Thornton ($5,500 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.55 CF60, 2.66 xGF60, 99.49 PDO
Mikkel Boedker ($4,100 FD, $3,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.4 CF60, 2.63 xGF60, 100.72 PDO
Marc-Edouard Vlasic ($4,800 FD, $4,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 51.22 CF60, 2.22 xGF60, 101.15 PDO
David Schlemko ($3,700 FD, $3,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.41 CF60, 2.55 xGF60, 101.59 PDO
Expected Netminder
Martin Jones – My Ratings (out of 10): 5.5 Cash, 7 GPP