There are eight games on the schedule tonight. There are a lot of high over/under marks tonight, with potential for lots of goals and some big blowouts. Let’s take a look at some of the prime candidates for the starting six of your NHL daily fantasy team that may be flying under the radar:
C- Jack Eichel, BUF
Jack Eichel’s coast-to-coast goal against the Colorado Avalanche perfectly encapsulates what makes him so tantalizing a player. Eichel receives the puck in the neutral zone and decides to circle around his own end, taking the play into his own hands. He has already assumed the confident role of quarterback for the Sabres’ breakouts. Recognizing that the Avalanche are mid-change, Eichel uses his speed to streak up the center of the ice and keep the puck on his forehand. He could dump and chase or drop it back for one of his wingers, but he still has momentum and no one chasing him. He then unleashes an absolute laser of a wrist shot for the goal. That one play is everything that makes Jack Eichel great. Patience, speed, instincts, and a deadly scoring touch. Eichel has 17 goals and 21 assists on the year. His speed will torch the Ottawa Senators tonight. Get Jack Eichel in your starting six.
LW- Jamie Benn, DAL
Jamie Benn went through a little bit of a dry spell (by Jamie Benn standards) in the month of January, but is back on track. He is on a five-game point streak, during which he has a goal and five assists. He and Tyler Seguin are a natural dynamic duo, but the real surprise of the Dallas Stars’ top line has been the addition of Patrick Eaves. Eaves has actually looked like a natural, planting himself in the right place at the right time, and using his deceptively quick release to grab four goals and three assists in five games skating with Benn and Seguin. In Jason Spezza’s absence, Lindy Ruff’s line juggling has paid big dividends. Benn is a no-brainer for your fantasy team most any night, but he will have to be “the guy” tonight as the Stars take on the Blues.
RW- Mike Santorelli, ANA
Mike Santorelli has been one of the primary beneficiaries of Ryan Getzlaf’s incredible point-scoring tear. Getzlaf has notched six multi-point games in his last nine, and has made his wingers considerably better in the process. Left winger David Perron has been on fire since joining the team, lodging 12 points in as many games. Santorelli has had three goals and an assist in his last three, and has been breaking free for a lot more open-space chances. It’s to the point where Santorelli has to be vying for more ice time, as he is still seeing 10 minutes or less for the Ducks. He has been taking more shifts, but in shorter bursts. Santorelli will be cheap for your daily fantasy team, he would be a very nice sleeper pick as the Ducks look to rout the Oilers tonight.
D- Cam Fowler, ANA
Cam Fowler has had back-to-back stellar nights from the Ducks’ blueline, notching five assists in just two games. He has been finding the seam with impeccable accuracy, and taking advantage of some lapses in coverage. Three of those assists came against the Calgary Flames, and tonight the Ducks will be looking to exploit even more stringent coverage by the Edmonton Oilers. Fowler’s offensive burst has brought his point totals up to a respectable 17 on the year, with three goals and 14 assists. Perhaps putting together another solid night tonight will get Fowler back on track for his usual totals of 35-40 points per season. Fowler is on the upswing. Take full advantage.
D- Tyler Myers, WPG
Tyler Myers is the bold pick of the night. Myers has just one assist in his last 14 games, but he eats up so much ice time and has been getting so many shots to the net that eventually, something has to give. He has five goals and 14 assists on the year. In his last five games, Myers has gotten 16 shots on net while averaging about 23 minutes of ice time. The Jets have been winning some games lately, and for whatever reason, play much better on the road. Tonight they will be in Carolina. Tyler Myers is not the sexiest fantasy player available, but he could be the mother of all sleepers.
G- Cory Schneider, NJD
It stands to reason that your starting goaltender for your daily fantasy team should be the winning goaltender of the lowest scoring game of the day. Cory Schneider has not allowed more than two goals in a game since January 21st, and has only done so twice in 2016. His goals-against average of 1.98 is best in the NHL, and he is third in save percentage with a .931. He is putting himself in early Vezina Trophy consideration, though he has stiff competition this year from the likes of Petr Mrazek and the Holtbeast in Washington. New Jersey will be taking on the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. Their last meeting was a defensive battle which ended in a 2-1 overtime victory for the Devils. With both teams struggling to find their offensive stride without some key players, Schneider is looking like your best bet for daily fantasy goalie. He will face a flurry of shots, but he’s been too hot to ignore.
