NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 10/8
*The slate, with it being Columbus Day, has a 1:00 P.M. lock time. There are three games on the slate with the late game not included. Top Goalies Tuukka Rask (BOS) Rask should be the clear chalk in a home matchup against the Ottawa Senators. With the Bruins being heavy favorites most people playing will gravitate towards him and his more-than-affordable salary on both sites. In most cases, I am all for fading a chalky Tuukka Rask who is known to have some horrific games in decent spots. He looked like absolute dog shit on opening night but with the tough road matchup, banner raising nonsense, and a charged up Capitals team I’m willing to give him a pass. Rask was 3-0 with a .959 save percentage and a 1.00 GAA in three starts against the Senators. This is a rare spot where I’m ok eating Rask chalk. Martin Jones (SJ) Jones has made two starts already and I would expect him to start today against the Islanders as well. Jones hasn’t looked particularly good in his first two starts seeing limited work against the Ducks and Kings. Today, though, he should see some more action and shots in front of him facing a team that is going to want to push the envelope with the puck up and down the ice. Jones should get into a rhythm early and keeps the Isles at bay. Key Three Skaters David Pastrnak (BOS) Pasta has nine shots and a goal in his first two games of the season and had a goal and two assists against the Ottawa Senators in four games last season. Since the beginning of last season, the Sens have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to right-wingers. Skating on a dynamic line and seeing top power-play minutes against a poor defensive team, Pasta will produce big-time today. Jack Eichel (BUF) Jack was active last night, much more active than the Sabres’ opening night performance against the Bruins. The Sabres captain had a goal (empty net), an assist (on a beautiful power-play), four shots on goal, and two blocks in 25 minutes of ice-time. Since the beginning of last season, the Golden Knights have allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing centers. Buffalo should look to push the issue in this game with Vegas playing their second road game in the last three days, again keep in mind that this is an afternoon game and that the Knights flew West coast to East coast to battle the Wild, had an off-day, now play here against Buffalo. Erik Karlsson (SJ) It’s not often that you’ll see me include a defenseman in this section, but on a short slate in this matchup, I have a tough time not locking in EK65. The Islanders have been absolutely putrid since the beginning of last season against the defense position allowing the third-most fantasy points to blue-liners, including 54 goals and 171 assists. EK has six goals, 16 assists, and 64 shots in 25 games against the Islanders. He’ll make his presence felt today against the vulnerable Isles. Favorite Line Stacks Boston Bruins First Line Marchand – Bergeron – Pastrnak At time this trio was broken up last season, which I could never understand, but they are together for now at even strength as well as on the power play. This is as close to a perfect hockey line as you can find. Marchand is the gritty, aggressive, pain in the ass on the defensive and offensive zones that no one seems to like. Bergeron is the playmaking center that isn’t afraid to shoot while regularly shutting down opposing top-line centers with his incredible defense. Pastrnak is the young, 22-year-old kid with all of the speed and talent in the world with an incredible shot that he can get off in any situation from anywhere on the ice. These three will be popular, but they should give the Sens fits today. Buffalo Sabres First Line Sheary – Eichel – Reinhart This line presents a ton of value and shouldn’t be as popular as the Bruins top trio. With that said, it’s possible to get both lines into the same lineup. This line was put together after the Sabres’ embarrassing home effort in their opener against the Bruins. They responded with a productive showing against the Rangers as they combined for three goals and two assists and all three contributed to a power-play goal early in the game. I expect these three to push the issue with their speed and ability to get to the net against Marc-Andre Fleury who’s looked shaky allowing six goals on 46 shots against in two games. Top Positional Plays Not including players mentioned in “Key Three” or “Favorite Line Stacks” sections Center Logan Couture (SJ) – Should step in on the top line with Joe Thornton heading to I.R. William Karlsson (VGK) – Never discount Wild Bill’s talent centering a very good top line. I, personally just think Vegas as a whole underwhelm’s tonight, but their top line can’t be ignored. David Krejci (BOS) – Cheaper exposure to Boston who I think score at least four tonight. Krejci centers the second line. Matt Duchene (OTT) – Ottawa’s best player and a way to combat Rask chalk if you decide to fade. Wing Joe Pavelski (SJ) – Hasn’t been the goal scorer we’re accustomed to seeing but Pavelski is still a very good player on the first line of a dynamic offensive team. Evander Kane (SJ) – His speed and shot volume always present upside. Jeff Skinner (BUF) – Skating on the second even-strength line but top power-play unit. Generates a lot of high-danger scoring chances and shoots a ton. Jonathan Marchessault (VGK) – Part of that Vegas line that’s centered by Wild Bill. Kyle Okposo (BUF) – Great value skating on the second line and top power-play unit . Ryan Donato (BOS) – Moved up to the second line and is positioned in front of the net on the top
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 10/5
Top Goalies Jonathan Quick (LAK) People seem to forget that Quick was on top of the world a few years back as one of the best goaltenders, if not the best goaltender in the NHL. After getting hurt two years
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 10/3
We’ve finally made it, people. It’s opening night in the National Hockey League and while the preseason was a fun ride, I’m more than ready for the puck to drop on the regular season tonight. This write up will cover both DraftKings and FanDuel and unless noted, all players mentioned are usable on both sites. As promised, moving forward these write-ups will be narrowed down as opposed to the preseason version where I was highlighting my favorite plays along with clarifying who was playing for their respective teams each night. Without further ado, let’s get going! Top Goalies Frederik Andersen (TOR) Andersen is my top goalie on both sites tonight coming in at $8,400 on both DK and FD. Last season he faced the Canadiens three times winning all three games, stopping 95 of 100 shots he faces (.950) with a 1.66 GAA and a shutout. This Montreal team was already pinned as being a poor team before trading Max Pacioretty and now that he’s gone they are dissembled down to virtually nothing. Couple that with the absence of Shea Weber and a very good Toronto team in front of him, Andersen stands out as a top option in all formats tonight. Mike Smith (CGY) Mike Smith is an interesting goalie as he’s been around for a very long time now. His best days came with the Coyotes; notably during the 2011-2012 season when he won 38 games. Fast forward to two seasons ago when he made the All-Star team with the ‘Yotes and was considered a good tournament play on most nights as he has been known to stand on his head at times. With this Calgary team, a team that will more than likely run a slower pace with new Head Coach Bill Peters, Smith figures to see fewer shots against on a nightly basis. Vancouver averaged just 30 shots on goal per game last season, fourth fewest in the league. Plain and simple, a team that will try to limit shots against facing a team that near the bottom in shots per game suggests the Smith could see limited work in this spot. Limited shots against will suppress his upside and if he happens to let one or two of those shots squeak through, then it’s a failed proposition to me in tournaments. Smith is ok as a pivot off of Andersen on DK for salary purposes where he’s $900 cheaper and on FD for ownership purposes where his salary is close enough to Andersen’s that I think people may gravitate toward the Toronto netminder. However, I don’t expect him to blow the doors off here with a big night unless he pitches a shutout. I think he wins, I also think he lets a couple of goals in which is one of the reasons I have him below Andersen. Martin Jones (SJS) Jones is a DK play to consider for me tonight at $8,200. There isn’t a chance in hell that I would play him on FD for $8,800. Jones has shown to be a solid goaltender, dependable in most spots, but very rarely the guy that will take the game over between the pipes. He was very good against this Ducks team last season with a .940 save percentage. The Sharks should win and Jones is a fine play, but he’s a clear third option for me tonight. Key Three Skaters This section will cover my three favorite skaters for a particular slate overall. Auston Matthews (TOR) Matthews will center Toronto’s second line and skate on the top power-play unit. He’s less expensive on both sites than his teammate John Tavares and, in my eyes, is in just as good a spot as him. The phenom has killed Montreal early on in his career with seven goals, two assists, and 23 shots on goal in seven games against Montreal. With Tavares taking over most of the top-line defensive responsibilities this season, more than likely, Matthews is primed for a big year while not having all of the pressure of producing. Sean Monahan (CGY) In what looks to be a major pricing gaffe, Monahan is just $5,900 on DK, sixth-lowest at the center position. He centers the Flames’ first line with running mate Johnny Gaudreau on one of his wings. Monahan had a goal and two assists in four games against Vancouver last season, and although he figures to see Bo Horvat matched up against him who’s a good defender, Monahan’s salary is just to good for me to ignore. Evander Kane (SJS) Kane was having a very good season at the start in Buffalo last year before slowing down, getting hurt, and then getting traded to San Jose. The speedy winger was a productive high-volume shooter with the Sabres with 3.70 shots per game but when he came to San Jose he took his game to another level. In 17 games with the Sharks, Kane buried nine goals, dished out five assists, and averaged 4.70 shots per game. I expect him to have big-time production in his first full season with the Sharks and in this matchup, his speed will be an x-factor. Top Teams to Target Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens With the Maple Leafs acquisition of John Tavares in the offseason, they now have two of the leagues top centers at their disposal along with Auston Matthews. With JT centering the first line at the outset with Mitch Marner and Zach Hyman at his wings, this figures to be a line that will be one of the stronger trio’s at even strength this season. Matthews will center the second line, a task that was up to guys like Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak last season. With Bozak gone, Kadri drops down to the third line making Auston the focal point centering Patrick Marleau and Tyler Ennis (for now). The Leafs will miss the net presence of James van Riemsdyk who was sixth in the league last season with 5.54 high danger scoring chances per 60
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 9/29 Preseason
*Note – These write-ups will be more detailed during the regular season as skater lines, data, and other factors are more clearcut. Games on the Slate Toronto Maple Leafs at Detroit Red Wings Tampa Bay Lightning at Florida Panthers Montreal Canadiens at Ottawa Senators Columbus Blue Jackets at Chicago Blackhawks Anaheim Ducks at Los Angeles Kings Top Goalies Jonathan Bernier (DET) In a matchup against the Leafs who will rest pretty much every notable skater on their roster, Bernier stands out here at home in a game that I don’t expect to see a lot of fireworks from. Cam Ward (CHI) Cam Ward was every bit of Scam Ward in his last start but I expect him to bounce back tonight against Columbus with most of their top skaters getting the night off. Carey Price (MTL) Look for Price to get the full game tonight against the Senators in this the Canadiens final preseason game. He’ll look to bounce back from his previous effort in which he allowed 5 goals on 26 shots against Toronto. In his two previous games this preseason, Price allowed four goals on 40 shots against. Key Three Skaters This section will cover my three favorite skaters for a particular slate overall. Vincent Trocheck (FLA) Centering the second line for the Panthers, Trocheck brings a lot to the table with his speed and plenty of opportunities with his heavy amount of ice time. He boasts a high volume of shots and skates in all situations including seeing time on the top power-play unit and penalty kill. In a game that should see plenty of scoring, look for Trocheck to be involved. Patrick Kane (CHI) Columbus is resting virtually all of their top players tonight after last nights goal-scoring barrage against the Penguins. Kane should be able to exploit the Jackets’ defense and take advantage of their backup goaltender with plenty of scoring opportunities. Anze Kopitar (LAK) Kopitar is often overlooked playing out West but the fact of the matter is that he’s one of the best two-way centers in the game while seeing ice-time in every situation for the Kings. In five games against the Ducks, last season Kopitar had two goals and five points while averaging 23 minutes of ice time. Sneaky Skater Mathieu Joseph (TB) The 21-year-old prospect has three goals, four assists, and 14 shots on goal in five preseason games thus far for the Lightning. It’s unclear as to which line Joseph will skate on tonight, but with Nikita Kucherov out, there’s a chance we see him skate on Stamkos’ line. Top Positional Plays Center Aleksander Barkov (FLA) Steven Stamkos (TB) Jonathan Toews (CHI) Matt Duchene (OTT) Brayden Point (TB) Jeff Carter (LAK) Nick Schmaltz (CHI) Dominik Kahun (CHI) Wing Mike Hoffman (FLA) Evgenii Dadonov (FLA) Alex DeBrincat (CHI) Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA) Dustin Brown (LAK) Jonathan Drouin (MTL) Ondrej Palat (TB) Tyler Toffoli (LAK) Paul Byron (MTL) J.T. Miller (TB) Filip Zadina (DET) Alex Iafallo (LAK) Brandon Saad (CHI) Tomas Tatar (MTL) Alex Killorn (TB) Defense Victor Hedman (TB) Drew Doughty (LAK) Keith Yandle (FLA) Duncan Keith (CHI) Jeff Petry (MTL) Mikhail Sergachev (TB) Brent Seabrook (CHI) Ryan McDonagh (TB) Henri Jokiharju (CHI) Favorite Line Stacks Florida Panthers Second Line Huberdeau – Trocheck – Hoffman Los Angeles Kings First Line Iafallo – Kopitar – Brown Chicago Blackhawks First Line DeBrincat – Toews – Kahun
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 9/27 Preseason
*Note – These write-ups will be more detailed during the regular season as skater lines, data, and other factors are more clearcut. Games on the Slate New York Rangers at Philadelphia Flyers New Jersey Devils at Winnipeg Jets Ottawa Senators
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 9/26 Preseason
*Note – These write-ups will be more detailed during the regular season as skater lines, data, and other factors are more clearcut. Games on the Slate New York Islanders at New York Rangers Detroit Red Wings at Boston Bruins Buffalo
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 9/25 Preseason
UPDATES HIGHLIGHTED IN RED *Note – These write-ups will be more detailed during the regular season as skater lines, data, and other factors are more clearcut. Games on the Slate Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning Carolina Hurricanes at Nashville
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 9/24 Preseason
UPDATES HIGHLIGHTED IN RED *Note – These write-ups will be more detailed during the regular season as skater lines, data, and other factors are more clearcut. Games on the Slate New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers Boston Bruins at
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 9/22 Preseason
*Note – These write-ups will be more detailed during the regular season as skater lines, data, and other factors are more clearcut. Games on the Slate Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres Boston Bruins at Detroit Red Wings Ottawa Senators
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 9/21 Preseason
*Note – These write-ups will be more detailed during the regular season as skater lines, data, and other factors are more clearcut. Games on the Slate Washington Capitals at Carolina Hurricanes Chicago Blackhawks at Ottawa Senators Buffalo Sabres at Toronto