Tuesday’s intriguing from an NHL perspective. There are 10 games on the slate, creating a mixture of favorable DFS opportunities and matchups to be avoided unless you are feeling bold and contrarian. Here are my players to target, and to eschew, for your lineups.
GOALIE
Tristan Jarry, PIT vs. ARI ($31): The Penguins needed Jarry to turn things around in their quest for a “Last Dance” style run for their franchise icons. Fortunately, he’s done it, as he has a 2.48 GAA and .918 save percentage. The Coyotes are middling in terms of goals per game, but are in the bottom five in shots on net per contest. On top of that, they are on the road for the second leg of a back-to-back.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Andrei Vasilevskiy, TAM at VAN ($35): Vasilevskiy’s been playing better, though a terrible outing against the Stars is still hurting his ratios as he’s only made seven appearances since returning from his injury. Those numbers may take another hit Tuesday, though. Perhaps Vasilevskiy shows that Vezina-winning form as time goes on, but the Canucks are tops in the NHL in goals per game at 3.82.
CENTER
Vincent Trocheck, NYR vs. TOR ($20): Ever since Trocheck moved to New York’s second line, where he gets to skate next to Artemi Panarin, he’s been on fire. He has 21 points over his last 15 games. The Maple Leafs are on the second night of a back-to-back, and Joseph Woll is currently week-to-week with an ankle injury. Woll was keeping Toronto‘s goalies above water, but now Martin Jones is the backup, and he has a career .905 save percentage.
CENTER TO AVOID
Ryan O’Reilly, NAS vs. PHI ($19): O’Reilly’s first season with the Predators has been a success, with 12 goals and 10 assists through 28 games. Maybe his 17.6 percent shooting is a little high, but it isn’t hugely inflated. However, the Flyers have been strong defensively. They’ve allowed a mere 28.4 shots on net per game, and Carter Hart has been playing well. He has a .919 save percentage, which paired with stingy defense has helped him post a 2.42 GAA.
WING
Jonathan Marchessault, VGK vs. CGY ($23): Marchessault has been racking up goals recently, with five over his last five games. The key with the reigning Conn Smythe winner is that he also shoots a ton. He’s put 94 shots on target through 29 contests. Calgary is on the road for the second game of a back-to-back, and with Jacob Markstrom hurt the goaltending situation has taken a hit as well.
Cole Perfetti, WPG at SAN ($18): Perfetti has been a bit of a power-play specialist…