Andrew Cogliano Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections
"Shutdown" Line Role Reversal
After missing the most of the early season recovering from injury, Ryan Kesler is finally healthy and has been reunited with speedsters Jakob Silfverberg and Andrew Cogliano on Anaheim's second line. Not typically known for his offensive prowess, the gritty power forward Kesler has assumed a larger role in Anaheim's scoring attack over the past few seasons despite typically playing against the opposition's top scoring threats. Tonight will be a different story however, as Edmonton will likely deploy star forward Connor McDavid away from Kesler at even strength. This benefits Kesler and Anaheim's second line, who will likely take on Edmonton's second line which has struggled in their own zone this season. Also featured on Anaheim's top power play unit, Kesler and Silfverberg should get plenty of quality scoring chances on the man advantage against an Edmonton penalty kill that ranks dead last in the NHL this season.
Anaheim Line 2
Shorthanded to open the year, Anaheim will once again be forced to lean heavily upon their most trusted playmakers. With much of the focus likely centered around veterans Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry on the top line for the Ducks, the second line featuring Rickard Rakell, Jakob Silfverberg, and Andrew Cogliano may actually be a better play, especially in tournaments. Known more for their shutdown capabilities, Anaheim's second line lead all NHL lines in on-ice scoring chances last season on home ice. They draw a juicy matchup against a weak Arizona squad that allowed the most scoring chances per game last year and had the league's worst Corsi % away from home ice. Rakell and Silfverberg are also expected to receive ample power play time in their season opener, and will be taking on an Arizona penalty kill that ranked 27th in the league last year.