Yet another 2-game NHL slate with the Penguins-Capitals at 7ET and Jets-Predators at 9:30 ET. As a reminder on these 2-game slates, I try to get away from the 4-3-1 format if possible in order to assure I get some lineup differentiation. Awesemo will give his take first, then I (Tommienation1) will follow up with additional analysis.
Alex Ovechkin ($7,500 DK/$8,700 FD)
“Ovechkin is a tough fade on a two-game slate with a 2.8 team total in what should be a high-event game.”
If you have the salary, it’s probably a wise idea to get Ovechkin (“A” points grade) in your lineup tonight on either site. The game should be tightly contested, and that means a ton of time for Ovechkin in favorable spots against the 2nd and 3rd lines for the Penguins as well as top power-play time. This could be a spot where he has 7-8 shots on goal after Game-4 where he had zero.
P.K. Subban ($5,300 DK/$5,700 FD)
“Subban quarterbacks the top power-play unit and should see his usual 23-25 minutes of ice time tonight.”
Subban (“A” points grade) leads all Predators defensemen in shot attempts this series with 28 while also leading the team in minutes by over 13. He’s playing some of his best hockey of the season right now even as the boos were raining down on him each time he touched the puck in Winnipeg. Back at home and getting power-play time with the Preds’ top line, Subban projects to be one of the highest scoring defensemen on the slate.
Craig Smith ($4,200 DK/$4,900 FD)
“Smith is more exposure to the top power-play unit for the Predators for very cheap on DK.”
Smith (“A” DK value) will be playing with Kevin Fiala and Kyle Turris at even-strength which is a line I have a lot of admiration for, and he’s on the top power-play as well. He’ll avoid the Jets’ top line at 5-on-5 which I like, and he’s racked up 17 shot attempts, 10 Scoring Chances, and 4 High-Danger Chances in 4 games with only one assist to show for it. As a one-off or in a power-play stack, Smith is a nice value on DraftKings.
Nikolaj Ehlers ($4,600 DK/$5,300 FD)
“Ehlers has played on the top line the last 2 games and is still too cheap for his situation tonight.”
Playing with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler at even-strength will boost pretty much anyone’s value, and a talented player like Ehlers (“B” DK value) should benefit greatly. At $4,600 on DraftKings, he’s one of the cheapest top-line wingers and he gets power-play time on the 2nd unit.
