There are only three NHL games Wednesday, but there are two nationally-televised games featuring former rivals. The Sabres and Maple Leafs were rivals, right? Detroit and Colorado certainly were. Also, Ottaw plays Anaheim, which is a 2007 Stanley Cup Finals rematch! We all remember that one fondly! Anyway, here are my players to target, and to avoid, for your DFS lineups.
GOALIE
Ilya Samsonov, TOR vs. BUF ($22): This pick proved a little tricky, as both of the Senators’ top-two goalies are banged up, and Toronto is on the first leg of a back-to-back. I imagine the Leafs will save Joseph Woll for the Bruins, though, and let Samsonov start against a team that ranks 23rd in goals per game. The Russian goalie has a .907 save percentage over his last 12 starts, which is a major improvement for him, and thanks to stout play around him he has a 2.48 GAA and 10-2-0 record in that time.
GOALIE TO AVOID
John Gibson, ANA vs. OTT ($30): The Senators are bad, so you might consider rostering the goalie at home against that bad team. However, it’s the way in which Ottawa is bad that matters. The Sens are bad defensively, but have averaged 3.27 goals and 32.3 shots on net per game, both above average. As such, I’d avoid Gibson, who is also fighting off an illness.
CENTER
Adam Henrique, ANA vs. OTT ($24): Henrique may be dealt, but right now he’s centering the top line for the Ducks and, if nothing else, bolstering his return in a potential deal. He has seven points in his last seven games. I noted the Senators were bad defensively, and indeed they have a 3.59 GAA, bottom five in the NHL.
CENTER TO AVOID
John Tavares, TOR vs. BUF ($26): Tavares has a goal in each of his last two games, so his scoring slump is behind him. On the other hand, his minutes are down. He’s averaged 16:01 per contest in ice time over his last six outings, and he’s even been playing some on the third line. The Sabres have become a tougher matchup recently, as Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has an 1.91 GAA and .932 save percentage over his last 20 outings.
WING
Jeff Skinner, BUF at TOR ($21): Skinner has three goals (on 20 shots on net) and three assists over his last seven games. Four of those points have come on the power play as well. While Samsonov has played slightly better recently, he’s still been a below-average goalie, and the Maple Leafs are barely above the bottom 10 on the penalty kill.
Drake Batherson, OTT at ANA ($19): With four goals in his last five games, Batherson has second 20-goal season in a…