On this 9-game slate, there is more than enough value to fit in the studs we want to play, so you’ll have multiple options at each tier that are appealing. One of my very favorite plays on the slate is a defenseman that I tend to use a lot in GPPs, plus we also have a $2,800 winger that is playing on Nashville’s top line tonight. Awesemo will give his take on each player, and then I (Tommienation1) will follow up with some analysis.
Top-Tier
Patrik Laine ($7,200 DK/$7,800 FD)
“Playing in a game with a 6.5 total, Laine gets an “A” points grade as he should get favorable even-strength matchups, shoots at one of the highest rates in the league, and gets power play time.”
This is a pretty cut-and-dry play tonight, as Laine should be healthily owned in both cash and tournaments. The Leafs are on a back-to-back, and should matchup either the Kadri or Matthews line (both of which allow over 12.5 High-Danger Chances Against per 60 minutes. Despite his recent results (zero points in his last five games), Laine has 25 shot attempts and 13 individual Scoring Chances, and if he continues to play like this, he should find his way onto the scoresheet tonight in what projects to be a shootout.
Dougie Hamilton ($5,100 DK/$5,600 FD)
“Hamilton regularly sees over 20 minutes of ice time, and most of that should be spent trying to limit Connor McDavid, which we know gives up a lot of chances.”
Dougie Hamilton (“A” points grade and value on both sites) is one of my favorite defensemen on the slate because of his even-strength matchup against the McDavid line. McDavid’s line, while awesome offensively, allows 36.4 Scoring Chances Against per 60 minutes and 15.9 High-Danger Chances Against per 60 minutes at even-strength. His shot volume is the highest in the league as of late, attempting 52 shots over his last five games, and he’s also on the top power-play which further boosts his value.
Values
Eeli Tolvanen ($2,800 DK)
“Tolvanen will make his NHL debut tonight, and should play solid minutes skating with the top line of Ryan Johansen and Viktor Arvidsson at even-strength as well as power-play time against the Sabres.”
In cash games and tournaments on DK, it’s going to be tough to leave Tolvanen off any lineup tonight at $2,800. He posted 21 goals in 51 games in the KHL this year, and now will get a chance as a top line winger in his first game against the Sabres, who have allowed the 3rd-most road Scoring Chances Against per 60 minutes this month. He doesn’t have to do much at this price to be worth rostering, and if you fade him in tournaments, a big performance at this price and increased ownership could sink you.
Michael Frolik ($4,200 DK, $4,500 FD)
“Frolik, like Hamilton, should see a lot of time against the leaky McDavid line which is a favorable offensive matchup. Despite the Flames’ recent struggles, their implied total is over a goal above their monthly 1.7 average.”
Frolik (“B” points grade and DK value) provides some much-needed value outside of Tolvanen, and he should come at a fraction of the ownership. With Tkachuk and Monahan out, Frolik has slid onto the power-play, attempting 17 shots over his last three games despite no points to show for it. This is a spot where Frolik could get on the scoresheet, as the Oilers have allowed the 2nd-most Scoring Chances Against per 60 minutes and most High-Danger Chances Against per 60 minutes in the month of March.