I’m going to start taking more of a cash game/single entry approach to my articles from here on out so there could be a better understanding of how to construct lineups with the information provided. With that being said, we have four games on the slate tonight and I’ll help you sort through the options on the table tonight.
Key Three Skaters
My top three skaters on the slate
Dylan Larkin (DET)
Larkin has been priced up a bit but is clearly the best player on the Red Wings as they host the defensive doormat that is the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago has allowed 25 goals in their last six games and in a matchup where the Wings had 45 shots against Chicago last week, I’m expecting a massive effort from Larkin.
Mark Scheifele (WPG)
The Jets laid a massive egg in this same matchup last week, a matchup against Colorado in which they have dominated for some time now. With that poor effort behind them, look for Scheifele who has points in five of his last six games against Colorado to get back on track.
Sean Monahan (CGY)
Monny has been one of the better centers in the league centering one of the more dominant lines in all of hockey. The matchup isn’t friendly as the Islanders have been very stout defensively this season, but Monny has proven that he can dominate a tough matchup, especially on home ice.
Top Positional Plays (Outside the Key Three above)
Center
Jonathan Toews (CHI) – Toews has goals in five of his last six games and should be a popular option tonight in a game that could see a lot of goals from both sides.
Bryan Little (WPG) – There’s a lot of value attached to Little in a good spot against Colorado who has been bad against centers all season. If you’re looking for a value center ice-man, Little is the first guy you should consider.
Dylan Strome (CHI) – It may be chasing points to some degree here, but Strome has been great for the better part of a month for Chicago and is seeing time on the top power-play unit.
Wing
Johnny Gaudreau (CGY) – Gaudreau has been money all season long and with his salary more than manageable for what he can provide I really like this play, even in a tough matchup.
Alex Debrincat (CHI) – I prefer to not pay up for Patrick Kane tonight with other options on the board. Debrincat comes in $1,200 less than Kane and has been on fire.
Anthony Mantha (DET) – Love Mantha and his value playing with Larkin on the top line and top power-play unit against one of the worst penalty kills in the league.
Matthew Tkachuk (CGY) – Moved up to the top line with Monny and Johnny during this morning’s skate. Good value and on the top power-play unit.
Patrik Laine (WPG) – I’ve been saying that Laine is due for a big game and this is a good spot to fire him up.
Kyle Connor (WPG) – Great value at $5,900 skating on Scheifele’s line. He should be very popular and I prefer him over Blake Wheeler’s high-priced salary even though Wheeler has dominated the Avs in the past.
Defense
Jacob Trouba (WPG) – He’ll get a big bump in ice-time with Dustin Byfuglien out, just as he did when Byfuglien was hurt earlier this season. Colorado has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to defensemen over the past month.
Shea Theodore (VGK) – Great value against the Bruins who have been weak against defensemen of late.
Duncan Keith (CHI) – Points in three of his last four games.
T.J. Brodie (CGY) – Expected to be back tonight, $4,000 and involved in the offense correlating with the first line.
Mike Green (DET) – Chicago has allowed 21 points (nine goals) to defensemen over their last nine games.
Nick Leddy (NYI) – He’s very boom or bust but at his price skating on the top power-play unit there is some upside for the puck-moving defenseman.
Samuel Girard (COL) – $3,100 skating on the top pairing and top power-play unit.
Cash / Single-Entry Game Combo’s
My favorite Center-Wing combos, in order to consider starting your cash/single entry contests with.
Detroit Red Wings: Dylan Larkin – Anthony Mantha
Winnipeg Jets: Mark Scheifele – Kyle Connor
Calgary Flames: Sean Monahan – Johnny Gaudreau
Chicago Blackhawks: Dylan Strome – Alex Debrincat
Top Goalies
Marc-Andre Fleury (VGK)
Connor Hellebuyck (WPG)
GOOD LUCK!!
