Chandler Stephenson Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

Obviously Evgeny Kuznetsov is an elite talent, but it certainly helps to play alongside Alex Ovechkin — one of the best players in the NHL over the last decade-plus. Chandler Stephenson has been playing on the right side of this dynamic duo, which is acceptable as a cheap third-wheel to add to the stack. However, a mini-stack of Kuznetsov and Ovy is an elite play as they obviously stick together on the top power play unit.

Whether it's Chandler Stephenson or Brett Connolly, it doesn't really matter who is on the right side of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Alex Ovechkin as those are the two that we are focusing on. Both Kuznetsov and Ovechkin are off to solid starts with four goals and nine points for Kuz and four goals and seven points for Ovy in the teams first five games. The duo make for a great mini-stack as they stick together on the top power play unit with Nicklas Backstrom, T.J. Oshie and John Carlson. The Washington Capitals host the New York Rangers which should be for an easy matchup for them despite the dominant play by Henrik Lundqvist in the early going.

The Washington Capitals have started off hot, averaging four and a half goals per game in their first four contests. They host the speedy, high event Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, which should generate a plethora of scoring chances on both sides. The over/under for the game opened at a whopping seven goals. With the Cap’s second line focusing on slowing down the leafs, Alexander Ovechkin and his line mates Chandler Stephenson and Evgeny Kuznetsov will draw a favorable matchup on home ice. With the Leafs allowing four goals per game with their up tempo play, this line has multi-goal upside tonight. Stephenson doesn’t correlate on the top power-play unit, but his value does make this line easier to stack. While salary makes it tough, John Carlson is also an elite addition to this stack as he plays on the top power-play unit.

(UPDATE: Chandler Stephenson is expected to take Brett Connolly’s spot on the top line.)

Chandler Stephenson may not be flashy or highly touted, but the 23-year-old is making his presence known in our Nation's Capital. Stephenson currently finds himself playing alongside T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Backstrom on Washington's second forward line and he's taking advantage of the opportunity. He's posted a goal and added four assists in just seven games this month and lit the lamp five times in just six games for the AHL's Hershey Bears prior to his promotion. His fantasy viability is tied directly to his linemates, but his solid production should prevent Barry Trotz from tinkering at this point. With the Colorado Avalanche having allowed 3.44 goals against per game and owning an NHL high 62.90 CA/60, Stephenson should find plenty of opportunities to exceed value.