It’s a relatively slow night around the NHL, as there are only four games on tap for tonight. The featured game is the Wednesday Night Rivalry NBCSN game, Bruins-Flyers. With that in mind, let’s take a look and see who should be in your starting six for your daily fantasy challenge:
C- Sean Couturier, PHI
Couturier has been the key cog that has gotten the Philadelphia Flyers’ second line going this season. Couturier has Brayden Schenn and Michael Raffl on his wing, and the past few games has been a revelation for that line. Couturier has 4 goals and 2 assists in his last five games. He’s a dangerous player to play against given his defensive prowess, as his name has recently been kicked around in consideration for the Selke Trophy. A possession force of nature, Couturier is hot. He should be a nice pickup for your starting six.
LW- Johnny Gaudreau, CGY
Johnny Hockey is always a safe pick for your daily fantasy team. On pace for 80 points this season, Gaudreau has a goal and two assists in his last two games. He will be taking on a tired Panthers team, who will be playing their third game in four days. Who knows what the aftereffects will be of their extracurricular activities from Monday’s game against the Canucks, too. Gaudreau will be the guy to penetrate the Panthers’ defense if it is going to be anyone. Look for him to be a factor tonight. Obviously.
RW- Corey Perry, ANA
Another man who is an obvious factor whenever he plays. Perry has been one of the few bright spots right on the Ducks this season. Even though the team has struggled to put goals on the board, Perry is still on pace for yet another 30 goal season. He has three in his last four games, and will be taking on a Senators team that allows a lot of high danger scoring chances. There won’t be a whole lot of scoring in tonight’s game, but what little scoring there will be will likely come from the stick of Anaheim’s star winger. Get him in the starting six tonight.
D- Michael Del Zotto, PHI
Del Zotto has picked up his play the past couple of games. Perhaps it is the liberating absence of Luke Schenn from the defensive core of the Flyers that defensemen are able to put up more points. Del Zotto needs the puck in order to succeed, and changes in both Ron Hextall’s roster and Dave Hakstol’s coaching system have helped generate offense through the blueline. Once Shayne Gostisbehere is healthy again, the Flyers will get even more chances from their defensemen. For now, it will run through Del Zotto. Del Zotto was a +3 in goals in their victory over the Isles, notching assist. He had two goals against the Wild. He’s gotten the puck and has made the most of it.
D- David Savard, CBJ
Columbus has a real chance to pick up the pace offensively tonight against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have to get past James Reimer, who has been stellar at 5v5 this season. But Reimer has gotten no goal support lately, and he can’t stop everything forever. Savard, who has 15 assists on the season, tallied his first goal of the season last night against the Islanders. He’s good for about 21 minutes a night too, so Savard may be a good assist man to have on your team tonight.
G- John Gibson, ANA
John Gibson has not been stellar in his last three starts. But in fairness, neither has his team. Gibson on the season has put up impressive numbers, keeping a winning record on a losing team of 9-6-2. He has a .926 save percentage and a measly 1.84 goals against average- the best in the National Hockey League. Gibson’s quickness in net and sharp glove will cause fits tonight for one of the league’s coldest offenses. Neither team will be scoring much, and both goalies will be facing probably 25 or so shots, which is enough to make it worth your while. Put Gibson in your starting six and make sure you don’t blink when watching Ducks-Sens tonight. You may miss the only goal of the game.
