Like Oppenheimer, you can be a big winner. Of course, you won’t be winning for your filmmaking (unless you are Christopher Nolan, and if you are, thanks for reading), but hopefully for NHL DFS. There are four games on the slate Monday. Here are my players to target, and to avoid, for your lineups.
GOALIE
Jeremy Swayman, BOS vs. STL ($39): It’s Swayman’s turn in the rotation, and after two games of only allowing a single goal apiece, the Alaskan has a 2.44 GAA and .922 save percentage. Boston hasn’t been as stout when it comes to preventing shots on net as it was during the Patrice Bergeron Era, but St. Louis has only managed 28.5 shots on net per game. Thus, Swayman may not be too busy.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Jordan Binnington, STL at BOS ($29): Binnington has been sturdy this year, with a .911 save percentage that pretty much ensures his best numbers in three seasons, and arguably his best performance since his rookie campaign, given the uptick in offense these days. However, while Boston has slipped a smidge defensively, offensively it has gone nowhere. The Bruins have averaged 3.32 goals per game, top 10 in the NHL.
CENTER
Vincent Trocheck, NYR vs. NJD ($20): Most teams would love to have a second-line center as good as Trocheck. He has 60 points in 63 games, including 13 in his last 10 outings. The Devils have a 3.48 GAA, and don’t think the revamping in net is going to change anything. Jake Allen has an .899 save percentage over his last four seasons.
CENTER TO AVOID
Bo Horvat, NYI at LOS ($19): Horvat has been quite productive centering the Islanders’ top line, but the Islanders are on the road for the second leg of a back-to-back. Not only that, but the Kings have a 2.63 GAA, have only allowed 28.5 shots on net per game, and have the league’s top penalty kill. Eight of Horvat’s 26 goals have come on the power play.
WING
Kevin Fiala, LOS vs. NYI ($23): Fiala has been as hot as anybody in the NHL, as he has eight goals and six assists over his last 10 games. Additionally, on the season he has 24 points with the extra man. That stands out here, as the Islanders have the league’s worst penalty kill.
Jake DeBrusk, BOS vs. STL ($20): DeBrusk has been in form once more, with three two-point games in his last four outings. He’s also put 142 shots on net through 64 games. The Blues have allowed 32.3 shots on goal per contest, so DeBrusk should have the opportunity to stay hot.
WINGS TO AVOID
Jesper Bratt, NJD at NYR ($25): Bratt has 22 goals, but on 199 shots on net. The…