Vladislav Namestnikov Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

For whatever reason, though partly aided by the absence of Mats Zuccarello, Vladislav Namestnikov saw over 24 minutes of ice time against the Flyers - by far a season high. While there is no guarantee he will see even 20 minutes tonight, especially with Zuccarello expected to return, Namestnikov realistically will see 15-16 with some power play time. A matchup against the New Jersey Devils is nothing to be afraid of despite them upsetting the Penguins last time out. Namestnikov is just $3,00 on DraftKings which gives him some cash game appeal despite the inherent risk. Namestinkov has 11 shots on goal over his last four games

Anytime you can get a loaded top line as talented as Tampa Bay's at a relatively lower than expected ownership, it creates tremendous leverage in tournaments. With many likely opting for the second line tonight, such should be the case tonight for Stamkos, Namestnikov, and Callahan, who draw a juicy matchup at home against a struggling Toronto defense that owns the second worst xGA/60 since January 1st on tonight's slate. With 33 points in 27 home games this year, Stamkos has been unstoppable for the Lightning this season and will likely stay away from Toronto's shut down line for much of tonight's contest.

Anytime you can get a loaded top line as talented as Tampa Bay's at lower than expected ownership, it creates tremendous leverage in tournaments. Such should be the case tonight for Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Vladislav Namestnikov, who draw a tough matchup on the road against Calgary. With 91 combined points in 27 road games to begin the year, this line has been unstoppable for the Lightning this season. A matchup against a strong Calgary team may seem risky, but Calgary takes too many penalties for their own good and has struggled at times in the penalty kill department this season. This bodes well for the talented trio, who should be very busy on Tampa's fourth ranked power play, setting the stage for a monster performance in a game that could go overlooked.

Despite having 10 games to choose from tonight, the clear top line is Tampa Bay's top line which features Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, and Vladislav Namestnikov. With 54 combined points in their first 16 home games to begin the year, this line has been unstoppable for the Lightning this season. They draw a juicy matchup at home against a weak Ottawa team that has lost five of their last six road games this month while allowing 37 shots on goal during those games. Also featured on the league's top ranked power play unit, I especially like Stamkos, Kucherov, and Namestnikov's chances of breaking through on the power play against an Ottawa penalty kill that ranks 27th in the NHL this season. This will certainly garner their fair share of ownership on tonight's 10 game slate, but their steep price tags throughout most of the industry could lower their ownership; giving you leverage over your price sensitive opponents in tournaments.

If you're looking to take advantage of home ice against a weak team on the road, consider taking Tampa Bay's new top line of Stamkos, Namestnikov and Tyler Johnson. With 38 points in 27 games this season, Stamkos is back to playing at an elite level after missing most of last season due to injury. Also featured on the league's top power play unit, Stamkos and Namestnikov should be very busy on the man advantage against an undisciplined Avalanche team that takes too many penalties for their own good and ranks in the bottom third in the NHL in penalty kill percentage. Further helping the outlook of Stamkos tonight is the fact that home ice advantage will allow head coach John Cooper to keep his most talented playmaker away from Colorado's dangerous top line throughout much of this game, setting the stage for a monster performance for Stamkos and co. in a game Tampa Bay should dominate from start to finish.

If you're looking to take advantage of a poor defensive team on the tail end of a back to back on the road, consider taking Tampa Bay's new top line of Stamkos, Namestnikov and Tyler Johnson. With 37 points in 26 games this season, Stamkos is back to playing at an elite level after missing most of last season due to injury. Also featured on the league's top power play unit, Stamkos and Namestnikov should be very busy on the man advantage against a New York penalty kill that ranks 28th in the NHL and has surrendered six power play goals in their last four games. Further helping the outlook of Stamkos tonight is the fact that home ice advantage will allow head coach John Cooper to keep his most talented playmaker away from two-way forward John Tavares throughout much of this game, setting the stage for a monster performance for Stamkos and crew in a game Tampa Bay should dominate from start to finish.

The Tampa Bay Lightnings number one line (Nikita Kucherov, Steven Stamkos and Vladislav Namestnikov) will certainly be highly targeted tonight and for good reason. The Lightnings top line has been unstoppable this season (Steven Stamkos is leading the National Hockey League in both points and assists, while sniper Nikita Kucherov has scored more goals than anyone else in the game), and now they have a plus matchup on home ice. In addition to that, being at home Coach Jon Cooper will have the last change and be able to deploy his top line against the Chicago Blackhawks weaker lines, avoiding Jonathan Toews in the process. The Blackhawks sit 29th overall in CA/60, 25th in SCA/60, 26th in HDCA/60, and 22nd in GA/60. Chicago has also been quite undisciplined this season, and Corey Crawford (2.19 GAA, .933 SV%) is the only reason why the Blackhawks have not been a complete disaster this year. In cash games, I strongly suggest you get exposure to this explosive and potent line, and they are a must stack in GPPs, especially if you are a entering multiple lineups

Speaking of teams struggling defensively, we can certainly add the New York Rangers to that list. The Blue Shirts defensive game needs a lot of work right now, as evident by their ranking in CA/60 (20th), SCA/60 (26th) and GA/60 (26th). The Rangers are also one of the National Hockey Leagues most penalized teams, and their penalty kill is below average. On top of that, 35-year-old goaltender Henrik Lundqvist no longer looks elite or even average at this point in his career. In other words, we should once again load up on the Tampa Bay Lightnings explosive top line. The Bolts potent top line has been the most lethal lines in hockey his season, and I just cant see the defensively challenged Rangers slowing them down this evening. Look for yet another multi-goal game from this fearsome threesome.

Brayden Point was lost in the rookie mix last season with such strong campaigns from Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine. The young center tallied 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists) in 68 games and should produce if not exceed his total from a year ago. Brayden may be buried on the third line, but he is skating with the underrated Ondrej Palat and also seeing power play time on the team's second unit along with new acquisition Mikhail Sergachev. Brayden Point is an under-the-radar play especially with most gravitating to the top line, particularly Vladislav Namestnikov for salary relief. Brayden Point has put up massive numbers in the minors and despite Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson being ahead of him on the depth chart, he could be in for a breakout season. At discount prices across the industry, Brayden Point is a worthy solo play in tournaments.