There are lots of players to choose from tonight for your daily fantasy team. With eight games scheduled for tonight, let’s have a look at who should be in your starting six:
C- Eric Staal, CAR
Eric Staal is one of those names that is going to be at the top of everyone’s “To Be Traded” prediction list. His monster contract is going to make it difficult to find a suitor, but it will be interesting to see how the trade rumors impact his play. They haven’t seemed to recently, as he has four points in three games including an overtime winner against the Columbus Blue Jackets on a beautiful shot. He’s been a leader for a Canes team actually poised to apply some pressure to some big-shot Metro division teams. Give Eric Staal a look against St. Louis tonight.
LW- Daniel Sedin, VAN
Daniel Sedin is on pace for a Daniel Sedin year where he leads the Canucks in goals and points with his brother leading in assists. He lit the lamp twice against the Panthers, and is going to need a big game against the Washington Capitals. He hasn’t looked 35 in a long time. If anything, he looks rejuvenated this season. Go ahead and give him the start tonight at the left wing.
RW- Ryan Strome, NYI
Strome is cementing himself as a Rangers killer. He has been one of the Islanders’ best players each time he plays their now-cross-town rivals. He has three points in four games, though he only has 4 goals and 12 assists on the year. In order for the Islanders to take a big step forward, they are going to need Strome to take a big step forward and return to his 50-point form. A game against the Rangers is just what he needs to really get going.
D- Brent Seabrook, CHI
Seabrook has always been an offensively gifted player, but he is typically overshadowed by his defensive partner Duncan Keith. After Keith suffered an injury, Seabrook ramped up production and is currently on pace for a career high 58 points. He has not hit double-digit goals in his career, though he has totaled nine plenty of times. He currently has seven. Seabrook has a goal and three assists in his last five games. As the Blackhawks take on a Canadiens team that has given up a lot of goals since Carey Price went down, get Seabrook into your lineup.
D- Ryan McDonagh, NYR
The Rangers’ captain has come a long way since the beginning of the year. At this point, it’s no secret that McDonagh is much more productive from a points standpoint when partnered away from possession ball and chain Dan Girardi. Girardi is still at this point questionable to play tonight after leaving the game against Boston early on Monday. The on-the-fly adjustment meant some juggling defensively, but McDonagh was one of the best possession players on the team all the same- a +12 in shot attempts. McDonagh is a beast when paired with Keith Yandle, Dylan McIlrath or even Kevin Klein. Why he continues to be neutered by being paired with Girardi or Marc Staal, who are incapable of getting shots to the opposing net without surrendering at least 10 the other way, is anyone’s guess. Regardless, MacTruck has three assists in his last two games and has been very good at keeping the puck in the zone both at evens and on the powerplay. His confidence is returning. Put him the starting six.
G- Petr Mrazek, DET
Petr “Mrazzle Dazzle” Mrazek will be going up against the Arizona Coyotes tonight in what is more than likely going to be a low-scoring, one-goal battle. The Coyotes are not an incredibly potent offense, though they can be a threat. The key in picking a fantasy goalie is always finding one with a weaker opponent that still can get enough shots on goal to pad the saves and save percentage categories. Mrazek is fifth in the league in save percentage with .930, and he is among the best in the league at stopping medium- to high-danger scoring chances. His energy is infectious. With plenty of goalies to choose from, Mrazek is a fine choice.
