Happy Friday, everyone. We are coming down the home stretch, with most teams down to single-digit games remaining. With only three games on the schedule tonight, there will be slim pickings for your NHL daily fantasy team. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at the prime contenders:
C- Jori Lehtera, STL
Jori Lehtera has had an up-and-down year. The 28-year-old has been a pleasant surprise since the Blues added him to the roster last season, proving to be a very serviceable top-six center. However, his point total has taken a turn in the wrong direction this year, dipping from 44 to 32. He has picked up the pace a bit lately, tallying three assists in his last four games. Tonight Lehtera will be skating with the top line alongside Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz as the Blues look to steamroll over the weak Canucks. Lehtera will likely be a cheap add to your daily fantasy team, so put him in your starting six tonight.
LW- Marcus Johansson, WAS
Marcus Johansson has been quiet of late. However, he found the scoresheet for the first time in five games with a primary assist on Alex Ovechkin’s powerplay goal against the Senators Tuesday night. Johansson will be promoted to the second line tonight, joining Andre Burakovsky and Evgeny Kuznetsov. Justin Williams will be skating on the top line, as T.J. Oshie will be out tonight with the flu. The bump in ice time could be exactly what Johansson needs. MoJo has 15 goals and 24 assists on the year. The Capitals are incredibly deep, and Johansson has clicked with Kuznetsov before. He could be a nice under-the-radar pick at left wing tonight for your daily fantasy team.
RW- Kyle Palmieri, NJD
The Jersey Kid has had himself a breakout season. Kyle Palmieri has 29 goals and 23 assists on the year, which is far and a way his career best in both categories. He has four goals and three assists in his last four games, including a two-goal night last night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Palmieri has been remarkable this season, especially in a year where the Devils have been without Mike Cammalleri for half of their games. The 25-year-old has put much of the offensive burden on his back, and has continued to do so without Lee Stempniak in the lineup as well. Palmieri is hot, and could easily strike again against the Washington Capitals tonight at the Rock.
D- Victor Hedman, TBL
Victor Hedman is padding his Norris Trophy candidacy with each passing game. He has four assists in his last three games, giving him 35 helpers and 41 points on the year. Even though the Lightning’s powerplay has taken a nosedive this season, I still maintain that the Hedman-Anton Stralman pairing is the best transition puck-moving duo in hockey. Erik Karlsson and P.K. Subban are great, but they could both use partners that complement their strengths. Hedman and Stralman have incredible chemistry, and it shows in both zones. The Lightning will be going up against the New York Islanders tonight in Tampa Bay. Perhaps the biggest advantage at Hedman’s disposal tonight is the extra day of rest that he and the Bolts have. On two days’ rest, Hedman has 16 points in 17 games. The Bolts are 4-1 in their last five games with an extra day off. Hedman is absolutely a player to watch tonight.
D- Kevin Shattenkirk, STL
Kevin Shattenkirk has had himself a career-best year as far as goal-scoring, and has done so while missing time with injury. The American defenseman currently has 13 goals and 26 assists on the year. In his past five games, he has three goals and an assist with a whopping 20 shots on goal. Shattenkirk is a terrific fantasy player, and will likely be all over the ice against Vancouver tonight.
G- Brian Elliott, STL
Brian Elliott has the easiest job in the world tonight: just don’t suck. Seriously. The St. Louis Blues will be on home ice playing the Vancouver Canucks who are sinking to the bottom like they have a concrete brick tied to their ankles in the English Bay. They have dropped six straight now and are only a point off from becoming the new leaders for the Auston Matthews Draft Lottery Sweepstakes. The Blues should have an absolute layup on their hands tonight. St. Louis has won two consecutive games, and Elliott is 8-0-1 in his last nine decisions. Ells has the chance to grab his 20th win tonight. He should be able to sleepwalk his way to victory. Put Elliott between the pipes tonight.
