NHL Grind Down: Thursday, January 26th - Page Two
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Calgary Flames at Ottawa Senators
| Calgary Flames | Ottawa Senators | ||||||||
 | Chad Johnson |  | Mike Condon | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 24-24-3 | 26-15-5 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.53 | 2.84 | 20.60% | 80.50% | Team Stats | 2.63 | 2.59 | 17.80% | 82.20% |
Just after the Thanksgiving holiday, Calgary looked to have hit their stride and seemed poised to be in the playoff hunt as spring approaches. They rattled off six straight wins at one point, but then all of their momentum just stopped. Flash forwards 45 days and they’ve now dropped four straight games (6 of their last 7) and have yet to win back-to-back games this month. This poor stretch has landed them on the outside of the playoff picture currently, but they’re still very much alive. Tonight they’ll look to slow down the surging Ottawa Senators and stop their losing skid before they have to dwell on it all weekend. Up-front, Glen Gulutzan has plenty of weapons at his disposal, but finally looks ready to rejoin Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan on the top forward line. These two terrorized opposing goaltenders at times last season and playing alongside each other should benefit both players. In the first meeting between these two teams this season, Monahan scored a goal and Gaudreau dished out a pair of assists. Behind those two, the trio of Matthew Tkachuk, Mikael Backlund and Michael Frolik been consistently solid over the last month. Backlund actually leads the team with 33 points and Tkachuk is having a great rookie season with 31 points in 47 games. On defense, both Dougie Hamilton and Mark Giordano look like fine options as their offensive abilities should matchup well against the up-tempo Senators. Hamilton was a force in that first meeting with two goals and an assist and has been hot lately with one goal and eight assists over the last ten games.
Don’t look now, but after defeating the Washington Capitals 3-0 on Tuesday night, the Ottawa Senators have now won six of their last eight games to climb all the way into second place in the Atlantic Division. They own a solid 14-7-5 record at the Canadian Tire Centre this season and have a fine matchup awaiting them this evening as the free-falling Calgary Flames come to town. Calgary has been outscored 20-7 during their current four game losing streak and just can’t seem to get solid goaltending from either Brian Elliott or Chad Johnson. Throw in the fact that they’re also the most penalized team in the NHL this season (224 minor penalties) and Ottawa looks set to put some crooked numbers on the score board. Erik Karlsson leads the team with 39 points in 46 games this season and sits with Brent Burns in the elite tier of defensemen to target this evening. He saw a six game scoring streak snapped in their last game, but lit the lamp in the first meeting between these two teams and even leads the entire NHL in blocked shots for good measure. Mike Hoffman missed Tuesday’s game with an illness, so you’ll need to monitor his status as game-time approaches. If he suits up he’s a terrific option as he’s racked up seven goals and two assists in the last seven games and owns 11 goals and ten assists in 22 home games. Meanwhile, Kyle Turris has also been rolling (5 goals and 4 assists in 10 games this month) and centers Ryan Dzingel and Bobby Ryan on the top forward line. This leaves the trio of Zack Smith, Derick Brassard and Mark Stone to play together on the second line and all seven forwards see a healthy dose of playing time on the power-play.
Calgary Flames
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -16, 108.84 CP60
Elite Options
None
Sean Monahan ($6,800 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.09 CF60, 2.46 xGF60, 97.11 PDO
Dougie Hamilton ($5,700 FD, $4,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 67.11 CF60, 3.01 xGF60, 96.44 PDO
Secondary Options
Mikael Backlund ($6,300 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 63.02 CF60, 2.81 xGF60, 99.01 PDO
Matthew Tkachuk ($5,800 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 67.5 CF60, 2.98 xGF60, 99.17 PDO
Mark Giordano ($6,400 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.24 CF60, 2.6 xGF60, 99.48 PDO
T.J. Brodie ($4,300 FD, $3,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 51.59 CF60, 2.11 xGF60, 95.25 PDO
Expected Netminder
Brian Elliott – My Ratings (out of 10): 4 Cash, 5.5 GPP
Ottawa Senators
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 47.87 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 0, 114.02 CP60
Elite Options
Mike Hoffman ($6,700 FD, $5,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.99 CF60, 2.39 xGF60, 104.14 PDO
Kyle Turris ($6,100 FD, $5,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.27 CF60, 2.43 xGF60, 101.27 PDO
Erik Karlsson ($7,500 FD, $6,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.04 CF60, 2.47 xGF60, 99.95 PDO
Secondary Options
Derick Brassard ($5,900 FD, $4,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 63.19 CF60, 2.64 xGF60, 99.64 PDO
Mark Stone ($6,500 FD, $5,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.76 CF60, 2.79 xGF60, 100.77 PDO
Bobby Ryan ($5,100 FD, $4,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.09 CF60, 2.34 xGF60, 100.81 PDO
Zack Smith ($4,700 FD, $4,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.11 CF60, 2.49 xGF60, 101.1 PDO
Dion Phaneuf ($4,700 FD, $4,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.19 CF60, 2.41 xGF60, 99.53 PDO
Expected Netminder
Mike Condon – My Ratings (out of 10): 6 Cash, 6.5 GPP
Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Florida Panthers | ||||||||
 | Ben Bishop |  | Roberto Luongo | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 22-22-5 | 20-19-10 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.71 | 2.90 | 22.70% | 80.50% | Team Stats | 2.27 | 2.67 | 15.20% | 84.30% |
If you would have told me the Tampa Bay Lightning might enter the All-Star break sitting in last place in the Atlantic Division, I would have thought you were nuts. Nonetheless, here we are with them sitting tied in the cellar with the Detroit Red Wings at 49 points through 49 games. The Steven Stamkos injury is clearly a major explanation for their poor start, but it’s still surprising considering that they were able to make a deep run in the Eastern Conference Playoffs without their captain last season. They did pick up an impressive win over Chicago on Tuesday, but with a 3-7-1 record during the month of January, it looks like John Cooper’s club has thrown in the towel on their ’16/17 campaign. Offensively, Nikita Kucherov has been their one huge bright spot. The 23 year-old has posted 43 points in 42 games and almost single-handedly makes his line mates Ondrej Palat and Vladislav Namestnikov fantasy relevant. Behind those three, Jonathan Drouin still looks like a potential star in this league in the very near future. He’s been somewhat non-existent over the last week but still owns 11 goals and 12 assists in 24 games since the beginning of December. On defense, Victor Hedman is doing all he can to help this team turn things around. He’s posted 38 points in 46 games, quarterbacks the top power-play unit and is averaging nearly 25 minutes of ice-time per game this season.
Much like their cross-state rivals, the 2016-17 season has been one the Florida Panthers will like to quickly forget. They’ll enter this game having dropped four straight games and own an ugly 5-6-5 record over their last 16 games. They have averaged just 2.00 goals per game thus far during the month of January and have not been able to overcome key injuries to top-talents Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov. They lost all four games on their recent road-trip, capped off by an embarrassing loss in Arizona on Monday night. This is not a team (or game for that matter) that I want much exposure to tonight, but Florida does have some options on my GPP radar. Vincent Trocheck centers the top forward line alongside Reilly Smith and Jussi Jokinen and the 23 year-old has been playing very well lately. He’s racked up ten goals and added seven assists over his last 14 games. Alternatively, both Jaromir Jagr joins those three on the top power-play unit and has grown a nice rapport with Jonathan Marchessault on the second line. On defense, both Keith Yandle and Aaron Ekblad have shown plenty of offensive potential and see the lions share of the playing time with the man-advantage. With Tampa Bay’s penalty kill nothing better than mediocre, they’re both interesting GPP plays as they figure to be very low owned.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -15, 109.44 CP60
Elite Options
Nikita Kucherov ($7,600 FD, $6,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.11 CF60, 2.88 xGF60, 102.18 PDO
Victor Hedman ($6,800 FD, $5,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.25 CF60, 2.46 xGF60, 99.7 PDO
Secondary Options
Ondrej Palat ($5,900 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.71 CF60, 2.52 xGF60, 98.13 PDO
Jonathan Drouin ($6,400 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.49 CF60, 2.48 xGF60, 98.85 PDO
Tyler Johnson ($5,700 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.62 CF60, 2.28 xGF60, 97.81 PDO
Anton Stralman ($4,500 FD, $3,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.52 CF60, 2.73 xGF60, 99.61 PDO
Expected Netminder
Ben Bishop – My Ratings (out of 10): 5 Cash, 6 GPP
Florida Panthers
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.24 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -19, 110.26 CP60
Elite Options
Vincent Trocheck ($6,800 FD, $6,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.08 CF60, 2.4 xGF60, 98.42 PDO
Secondary Options
Jaromir Jagr ($5,500 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.41 CF60, 2.72 xGF60, 101.5 PDO
Jussi Jokinen ($5,100 FD, $4,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 63.19 CF60, 2.5 xGF60, 95.75 PDO
Jonathan Marchessault ($5,500 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.71 CF60, 2.24 xGF60, 97.74 PDO
Keith Yandle ($5,300 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.48 CF60, 2.31 xGF60, 99.42 PDO
Aaron Ekblad ($5,700 FD, $4,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.95 CF60, 2.41 xGF60, 96.22 PDO
Expected Netminder
Roberto Luongo – My Ratings (out of 10): 5.5 Cash, 6.5 GPP
St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild
| St. Louis Blues | Minnesota Wild | ||||||||
 | Carter Hutton |  | Devan Dubnyk | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 24-19-5 | 31-11-5 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.83 | 3.04 | 22.50% | 83.60% | Team Stats | 3.26 | 2.26 | 21.10% | 84.00% |
There might not be a more confusing team to try and figure out right now than the St. Louis Blues. They looked completely lost in their own end (mainly in net) heading into Tuesday’s clash with the NHL’s highest scoring offense in the Pittsburgh Penguins, and what did they do? Walked away with a 3-0 shutout victory as Carter Hutton turned away all 34 shots thrown his direction. It was obviously a much needed win for this hockey club, and Ken Hitchcock knows that picking up another impressive win tonight in Minnesota could be just want his team needs to finally get on a roll and make some noise in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, Minnesota does happen to be the best defensive team in the Western Conference (2.26 goals against per game) and Devan Dubnyk seems to be inching closer and closer to a Vezina Trophy. Offensively, the St. Louis offense runs through Vladimir Tarasenko. However, he’s been rather quiet lately (just three assists in his last eight games) and Bruce Boudreau figures to do everything possible to make someone else beat him tonight. With that said, it finally looks like Tarasenko will be reunited with partner Jaden Schwartz (and Patrik Berglund) and that makes both players very intriguing GPP options. With Tarasenko likely receiving a ton of Minnesota’s attention, the key for St. Louis to pick up two points tonight likely lies in the hands of Robby Fabbri, Paul Stastny and Alex Steen on the second line. Things are pretty straight-forward on the St. Louis blue-line. Kevin Shattenkirk, Alex Pietrangelo and Colton Parayko are fine options on a nightly basis, but considering the tough matchup and Minnesota’s solid 84% penalty kill, they’re probably a bit too expensive for my liking in cash games.
Regardless of the outcome tonight, the Minnesota Wild are going to hit the All-Star break as the leaders in the Central Division. They’ve posted a ridiculous 20-3-1 record over their last 24 games and look like legit Stanley Cup contenders this season. While St. Louis has taken two of the three meetings between these teams this season, Minnesota has had their number in recent years and own a very impressive 16-6-0 record at the Xcel Energy Center. The goaltending situation in St. Louis has been shaky to say the least lately, and Minnesota certainly has enough firepower to make it a long night for Carter Hutton. Bruce Boudreau has shaken up his line combinations a bit recently, but the result is still three very balanced scoring lines. Big-time names like Eric Staal and Zach Parise are still very dangerous and fine options, but it’s actually been some of their younger talent leading the charge lately. Mikael Granlund has thrived this season alongside fellow ‘Fin Mikko Koivu and is now tied for the team lead with 40 points. He’s picked up at least one point in each of the last eight games and has amassed six goals and 20 assists over his last 23 games. Add in the fact that he has eight goals and 14 assists in 22 home games, and he better have Ken Hitchock’s attention. Meanwhile, former first-round pick Charlie Coyle continues to make big strides. The 24 year-old breached the 20+ goal plateau for the first time last season and is well on pace to do it once again. Ryan Suter remains the backbone of the Minnesota blue-line, but he has plenty of help around him. With Jonas Brodin sidelined, both Mathew Dumba and Jared Spurgeon should see a few added minutes and run the show from the point of the second power-play unit.
St. Louis Blues
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.72 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -6, 103.09 CP60
Elite Options
Vladimir Tarasenko ($8,200 FD, $7,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.6 CF60, 2.74 xGF60, 100.64 PDO
Secondary Options
Jaden Schwartz ($5,900 FD, $4,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.39 CF60, 2.48 xGF60, 102.54 PDO
Alex Steen ( FD, DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 47.4 CF60, 1.95 xGF60, 99.37 PDO
Robby Fabbri ($4,900 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.11 CF60, 2.26 xGF60, 99.32 PDO
Kevin Shattenkirk ($6,400 FD, $4,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.13 CF60, 2.36 xGF60, 98.78 PDO
Colton Parayko ($5,300 FD, $4,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.31 CF60, 2.18 xGF60, 99.58 PDO
Expected Netminder
Carter Hutton – My Ratings (out of 10): 4 Cash, 6 GPP
Minnesota Wild
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 47.94 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 34, 111.13 CP60
Elite Options
Eric Staal ($6,500 FD, $6,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.32 CF60, 2.79 xGF60, 100.55 PDO
Mikael Granlund ($6,800 FD, $5,800 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.62 CF60, 2.64 xGF60, 107.01 PDO
Ryan Suter ($5,900 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.12 CF60, 2.54 xGF60, 105.54 PDO
Secondary Options
Zach Parise ($7,000 FD, $5,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.6 CF60, 2.7 xGF60, 99.9 PDO
Mikko Koivu ($6,300 FD, $5,500 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.14 CF60, 2.64 xGF60, 106.39 PDO
Charlie Coyle ($6,200 FD, $5,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.75 CF60, 2.39 xGF60, 101.29 PDO
Nino Niederreiter ($5,300 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.52 CF60, 2.5 xGF60, 105.28 PDO
Matt Dumba ($4,800 FD, $4,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.7 CF60, 2.32 xGF60, 106.15 PDO
Expected Netminder
Devan Dubnyk – My Ratings (out of 10): 7.5 Cash, 8 GPP
Columbus Blue Jackets at Nashville Predators
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Nashville Predators | ||||||||
 | Sergei Bobrovsky |  | Pekka Rinne | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 32-11-4 | 23-17-8 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 3.30 | 2.32 | 25.00% | 83.60% | Team Stats | 2.75 | 2.58 | 17.70% | 82.90% |
For the first time in years, the Columbus Blue Jackets are going to hit the All-Star break very proud of the results from the first half. However, if you take away their historic 16 game winning streak (which is rather silly to ignore, I’m aware), they’d be just 16-11-4. There is no doubt that this is a very good hockey club, but are they great? I’m not entirely convinced. They didn’t look great in their 4-2 loss in New York on Tuesday (had just 23 SOG) and it’s never easy leaving the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with two points. A lot of Columbus’ success this season can be attributed to their forward depth, and while they do have three capable scoring lines, it’s the top line that deserves the most attention. On that line, the team’s leading scorer Cam Atkinson is joined by Alexander Wennberg and Nick Foligno. With 24 goals and 22 assists in 47 games, Atkinson is in the midst of easily the best season of his young career. Meanwhile, former first round pick Wennberg has shown tremendous playmaking ability and is thriving as the top line center. He’s tallied 22 points in 23 road games this season and is somehow still reasonably priced on several sites. On defense, Zach Werenski deserves a bit more Calder Trophy love than he’s currently getting (though he’ll never beat out Laine or Matthews). He’s cooled off a bit lately, but still holds the reigns as the point man on the #1 power-play unit and has racked up 27 points through 47 games. Alternatively, Seth Jones has the added motivation of facing the team that traded him away he sees plenty of run with the second power-play unit.
After winning three straight games to close out their road trip, Nashville return to the Music City and promptly lost a 5-4 overtime decision to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday night. They’ll look to get back to their winning ways tonight as the Columbus Blue Jackets invade the Bridgestone Arena. Things won’t be easy for them as the Blue Jackets have allowed just 2.32 goals against per game this season. The big story here is Ryan Johansen taking on his former team. He leads the Predators with 36 points in 48 games and centers their very dangerous top scoring line alongside Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson. Johansen has racked up a goal and five assists in his last three games and should have plenty of extra motivation considering his rather unfriendly departure from Columbus. James Neal joins Johansen and Forsberg on the top forward line, and while he’s had a very disappointing year by his standards, he’s still a very dangerous scoring threat. Neal has scored goals in each of the last two games and unloaded ten shots in the process and Nashville would really benefit if he started putting up the offensive numbers we’ve grown accustomed to in years past. Roman Josi remains out of action, but Nashville is very pleased to have P.K. Subban back on the ice. He’s been held off the score sheet since his return, but it’s only a matter of time before he starts putting up some big offensive numbers. Josi’s injury also opens the door for Mattias Ekholm and Ryan Ellis to grab some extra minutes. Neither oozes offensive ability, but their expanded roles does open up some value.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 50.25 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 25, 112.5 CP60
Elite Options
Cam Atkinson ($7,400 FD, $7,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.24 CF60, 2.54 xGF60, 102.02 PDO
Zach Werenski ($5,500 FD, $5,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.53 CF60, 2.37 xGF60, 100.75 PDO
Secondary Options
Brandon Saad ($6,200 FD, $5,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.76 CF60, 2.88 xGF60, 102.55 PDO
Alex Wennberg ($6,100 FD, $5,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 56.81 CF60, 2.37 xGF60, 101.83 PDO
Nick Foligno ($6,500 FD, $5,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.02 CF60, 2.6 xGF60, 101.83 PDO
Seth Jones ($5,200 FD, $5,000 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.5 CF60, 2.38 xGF60, 100.53 PDO
Expected Netminder
Sergei Bobrovsky – My Ratings (out of 10): 5.5 Cash, 6.5 GPP
Nashville Predators
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 51.2 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 13, 114.87 CP60
Elite Options
Ryan Johansen ($6,700 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 68.65 CF60, 2.7 xGF60, 100.79 PDO
Filip Forsberg ($7,200 FD, $5,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 62.45 CF60, 2.62 xGF60, 101.2 PDO
P.K. Subban ($6,300 FD, $5,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 63.29 CF60, 2.85 xGF60, 97.84 PDO
Secondary Options
Mike Fisher ($5,100 FD, $4,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 49.88 CF60, 2.32 xGF60, 100.68 PDO
James Neal ($7,000 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.86 CF60, 2.56 xGF60, 98.89 PDO
Viktor Arvidsson ($5,400 FD, $5,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 69.34 CF60, 2.82 xGF60, 101.78 PDO
Mattias Ekholm ($4,400 FD, $3,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.64 CF60, 2.49 xGF60, 101.02 PDO
Ryan Ellis ($5,100 FD, $4,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 58.58 CF60, 2.51 xGF60, 101.23 PDO
Expected Netminder
Pekka Rinne – My Ratings (out of 10): 6 Cash, 6.5 GPP
Winnipeg Jets at Chicago Blackhawks
| Winnipeg Jets | Chicago Blackhawks | ||||||||
 | Connor Hellebuyck |  | Corey Crawford | ||||||
| Record | Record | ||||||||
| 22-25-4 | 30-15-5 | ||||||||
| Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% | Stats | GF/GP | GA/GP | PP% | PK% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Stats | 2.80 | 3.08 | 17.70% | 76.80% | Team Stats | 2.74 | 2.52 | 17.60% | 75.80% |
The Jets dropped a tough 4-3 decision to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday and face the tough task of heading to the Madhouse on Madison to close out the first half of the season against the Chicago Blackhawks. While they have really struggled lately (2-5-1 record in their last eight games) they have actually defeated the Blackhawks in all three prior meetings this season. With that in mind, if you’re going to target the Hawks, it make sense to go after their main weakness; an ugly 75.8% penalty kill. Both of Winnipeg’s power-play units have plenty of offensive weapons, but a few stand out as the top targets. Blake Wheeler headlines the top power-play unit where he’s posted a team high 12 power-play points this season. Up-front, he’ll be joined by the very dangerous young duo of Patrik Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers as well as veteran Bryan Little. Laine immediately found his way back on the score sheet in his long-awaited return on Tuesday and Little has been scorching hot lately as he’s scored five goals and added a pair of assists during his current four-game point streak. Meanwhile, Mark Scheifele leads the team with 46 points in 48 games and headlines the second power-play unit. Scheifele saw his five game scoring streak on Tuesday night but still owns an impressive six goals and seven assists in 12 games this month. On defense, Dustin Byfuglien runs the show on the top power-play unit and the former Blackhawk has picked up six assists over his last four games. Alternatively, Jacob Trouba has flashed some offensive upside lately and he facilitates things from the point of the second power-play unit.
Chicago saw their three game winning streak snapped in a 5-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday night, but with an extended west coast road-trip awaiting them immediately after the break, they should be highly motivated to take care of business at the United Center this evening. As mentioned above, they’ve really struggled against Winnipeg thus far this season, but the Jets have allowed 3.08 goals against per game this season and it’s unlikely they can thwart Chicago’s top two forward lines for much longer. Patrick Kane may not be on the same blistering scoring pace he set last season, but he still leads the team with 48 points in 50 games this season and is a threat to put the puck in the net every time he hopes over the boards. Artemi Panarin and Artem Anisimov on the top forward line and #1 power-play unit and they remain fine plays on a nightly basis as long as that holds true. Captain Jonathan Toews is often tasked with some added defensive duties (and that will likely be the case tonight as well) but he’s erupted for two goals and four assists in the last two games and we know he possesses the skill level to keep things rolling. Unfortunately skating alongside Richard Panik and Ryan Hartman is not ideal for his future scoring success but it does make Panik and Hartman viable value options. On defense, it’s pretty much the same story every night. Both Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are rock solid options in all formats and share the duties on the point of the top power-play unit.
Winnipeg Jets
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 49.88 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential -11, 105.31 CP60
Elite Options
Mark Scheifele ($7,700 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 53.5 CF60, 2.5 xGF60, 102.13 PDO
Blake Wheeler ($7,300 FD, $6,200 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.56 CF60, 2.77 xGF60, 96.47 PDO
Secondary Options
Nikolaj Ehlers ($6,700 FD, $5,700 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.63 CF60, 2.54 xGF60, 100.95 PDO
Patrik Laine ($7,200 FD, $6,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 50.59 CF60, 2.45 xGF60, 103.12 PDO
Bryan Little ($6,100 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.38 CF60, 2.93 xGF60, 97.27 PDO
Dustin Byfuglien ($6,400 FD, $5,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.07 CF60, 2.58 xGF60, 98.97 PDO
Jacob Trouba ($5,200 FD, $4,600 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 52.55 CF60, 2.57 xGF60, 98.61 PDO
Expected Netminder
Ondrej Pavelec – My Ratings (out of 10): 4 Cash, 5.5 GPP
Chicago Blackhawks
Team Metrics – 2016-17 – 50.3 CF%, 5×5 Goal Differential 10, 109.88 CP60
Elite Options
Patrick Kane ($8,500 FD, $7,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 57.85 CF60, 2.32 xGF60, 101.84 PDO
Artemi Panarin ($7,600 FD, $6,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 60.87 CF60, 2.43 xGF60, 103.79 PDO
Duncan Keith ($6,500 FD, $5,300 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.09 CF60, 2.36 xGF60, 101.47 PDO
Secondary Options
Jonathan Toews ($7,200 FD, $6,100 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 61.26 CF60, 2.58 xGF60, 100.34 PDO
Marian Hossa ($6,500 FD, $5,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 54.34 CF60, 2.42 xGF60, 102.25 PDO
Artem Anisimov ($6,600 FD, $5,900 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 55.5 CF60, 2.36 xGF60, 104.72 PDO
Brent Seabrook ($5,400 FD, $4,400 DK) – 16-17 Metrics – 59.49 CF60, 2.36 xGF60, 101.19 PDO
Expected Netminder
Scott Darling – My Ratings (out of 10): 7.5 Cash, 8 GPP