The greatest playoffs in all of sports open on Wednesday with an attractive lineup of games and fantasy possibilities. We are quite bullish on the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames on Wednesday night and that is translated into our Pick Six and sleeper lineup.
LW – Johnny Gaudreau – Calgary
The Flames host the Vancouver Canucks with a starting time of 10:00 p.m. ET with coverage on CBC and USA Network. Gaudreau is a Calder Trophy candidate as NHL Rookie of the Year based on his outstanding play, especially down the stretch when it mattered most during the Flames playoff push. Gaudreau finished with 24 goals and 40 assists on the season with a plus-11and had three goals with three assists with a plus-five in his last five games to rate as a top clutch performer.
C – John Tavares – New York Islanders
The Islanders are at the Washington Capitals with a starting time of 7 p.m. ET and coverage on USA Network. Although we are bullish on the Capitals that does not mean that Tavares is going to be shutout from the score sheet. Tavares led the Isles with 38 goals, 48 assists, and had 13 power play goals to go with 18 power play assists. Tavares also emerged as an inspiring leader that is a Hart Trophy candidate as NHL Most Valuable Player. Even if the Caps prevail as we expect in this series Tavares can be a major presence that will help steal a couple of games for the Isles.
RW –Marian Hossa – Chicago
The Blackhawks are at the Nashville Predators with a starting time of 8:30 p.m. ET with coverage on NBCSN. We respect what Nashville has accomplished this year but like the veteran playoff presence of the Blackhawks. Hossa scored three goals in four games against the Preds this season and finished the year with 22 goals, 39 assists, with a plus-17. Hossa added six power play goals and 11 power play assists on the season. With Patrick Kane questionable players like Hossa will have to fill the void, even if the Hawks sniper does return to action. Hossa is one of the battle tested Chicago veterans that knows what it takes to succeed in the playoffs.
D – Dennis Wideman – Calgary
The truculent Flames are built for playoff success as a gritty team of heart, soul, and character. Calgary could have quit after team captain and number one defenseman Mark Giordano was lost for the season due to injury. Wideman picked up the slack as a key cog in getting the Flames into the post season. Wideman finished with 15 goals, 41 assists, and a plus-six on the season.
D – P.K. Subban – Montreal
The Canadiens host the Senators with a staring time of 7 p.m. ET. With top scorer Max Pacioretty questionable with an upper body issue, that leaves the door open for Subban to generate more offense. We are bullish on both the Canadiens and Subban in their opening round series against Ottawa. Subban is in the conversation for being the best defenseman in the game with the ability to dominate like few other players. Subban finished with 15 goals, 45 assists, and a plus-21 on the season and will loom large as a potential Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff Most Valuable Player.
G – Carey Price – Montreal
Hockey’s best goaltender is a major reason why the Canadiens can make a deep run. Price dominates like few other goaltenders, even in this era in which netminders have never been better or more important. Price had nine shutouts to go with his .933 save percentage on the season. Price is one of the reasons that Ottawa is likely to get a stark reality check in the playoffs after a brilliant and inspiring playoff push.
Sleeper – Lars Eller – Montreal
Although Montreal is derided for having a popgun offense we think they are capable of more production that what was shown in the regular season. Eller is among the reasons why we believe that the Habs will take out the Senators in short order. Eller had 15 goals on the season and finished strong with three goals in his final five games.
