Andre Burakovsky Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

Andre Burakovsky logged his most ice time in a month last time out, in route to a goal on two shots to go along with two blocks. While he is not in the cash game conversation, Burakovsky and the Capitals' top line make for an interesting, low-owned stack against tonight. In a game that should be ripe for goals, especially with streaky Sergei Bobrovsky having allowed three plus goals in four of his last five starts, Burakovsky could pay off again. His value is certainly at an all time high given the injuries to T.J. Oshie and Tom Wilson.

The Washington Capitals' morning skate indicates Andre Burakovsky is set to skate on the top line with Nicklas Backstorm and Alex Ovechkin. While Ovechkin's value is tied to his potency on the power play, we have seen Tom Wilson turn into superman on the top line. Burakovsky has been a major disappointment this season, but he has some skill, and his price (DraftKings - $3,000 & FanDuel - $3,400) makes the Capitals' top line an affordable stack, and one that figures to be underowned in a less-than-ideal matchup against a hot Adin Hill and Arizona team. Furthermore, with Wilson out and Oshie still on the shelf, Burakovsky may get some extra run tonight. He's a worthy target in tournaments given the role.

Finding value tonight is tough, but if there is one spot to look, it is in Washington and second line winger Andre Burakovsky who also sees time on the team's second power play unit, often with Ovechkin staying on the ice. Burakovsky has had a relatively disappointing season as he has been unable to stay healthy, but he has shown signs of life recently, posting two shots on goal and three blocks last time out against the Rangers as well as a two assist night the game before in Montreal. Burakovsky is a cheap way to gain exposure to a surging Washington squad that should pick apart a disastrous defense which has allowed the fourth-most goals per road game (3.39 GA/G) in the National Hockey League.

Last time out, we saw Anaheim's third line pick apart the Chicago Blackhawks as all three goals came from them. Enter Andre Burakovsky, a breakout candidate at the start of the season, who also skates on the Washington Capitals' third line. Naturally this is no indication of things to come tonight, but it is something to consider given both the Capitals and Blackhawks top-six should be pitted against each other. While Burakovsky has failed to stay healthy, he seems to be finding his skates again. Andre has a goal in each of his last two games, both on the road against two tough home teams, the Jets and Wild. He also assisted on an Ovechkin even-strength goal against Minnesota. Burakovsky sees power-play time and costs peanuts across the industry. With Chicago in a deep slump, Andre could easily pay off his salary (FanDuel - $3,900, DraftKings - $3,300, FantasyDraft - $6,500) even with limited minutes.

With seven goals in the first two games, Alex Ovechkin (and his linemates) are going to draw plenty of attention. While I don't fault anyone for that move, a balanced scoring attack is in the long-term best interest of Barry Trotz. This means that his second forward line, consisting of star Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie and Andre Burakovsky will need to start chipping in offensively. After flirting with 40+ points in each of the last two seasons, Burakovsky cashed in over the offseason and expectations have now been elevated for the 22-year-old. The former first round pick has flashed plenty of offensive upside in recent seasons and his advanced metrics (2.28 P/60, 55.27 CF%, 15.59 iCF/60, etc) imply that he should thrive alongside his new linemates.