We are officially in the home stretch, as the final month of regular season hockey is almost upon us. There are 10 games to be played tonight. If you’re a fan of “Parks and Recreation” like me you’ve probably already made a joke that April scheduled so many games tonight because she figured March 31st wasn’t a real date. But I digress. Let’s look at some of the prime contenders for the starting six of your NHL daily fantasy team:
C- Eric Staal, NYR
Tonight will surely be an emotional night for Eric Staal, as he makes an appearance in Carolina in a visitor’s uniform for the first time in his career. Staal, who spent 11 full seasons (and most of this one) in a Hurricanes’ sweater was allowed to travel to Raleigh a day ahead of his Ranger teammates so he could be with his family. Staal will be skating on the third line once again tonight with Kevin Hayes and Jesper Fast. He has had a revolving door of linemates since the move to New York, and his deployment is not nearly as favorable as it was in Carolina both in terms of time-on-ice and time started in the offensive zone, but Staal has looked a lot better since being stuck with Kevin Hayes full-time. The line operated a lot smoother last game against Pittsburgh with staal on the left wing and Hayes at center, though it is unsure whether that plan will be adhered to again tonight. He had a pair of goals against Pittsburgh and was one of the Rangers’ most active offensive players. It may be wise to give Eric Staal a look tonight. Since former players love scoring on the Rangers so much (*coughLeeStempniakcough*), perhaps the hockey gods will throw them a bone.
LW- Zach Parise, MIN
With the Minnesota Wild charging full steam ahead into the postseason, they look to be poised to light the lamp tonight against the Ottawa Senators. Zach Parise has been stellar, netting five goals and adding two assists in his last four games. He is a shot machine, registering 20 in his last five games. He has been leading the way for the Wild. Get him in your lineup tonight.
RW- Tyler Toffoli, LAK
Tyler Toffoli is just one goal away from reaching the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his young career. The Kings’ second-line winger has 54 points on the season and has been gelling with Jeff Carter. Toffoli has three goals and three assists in his last four games. In Kris Versteeg’s absence there has been some lineup shuffling in Los Angeles, with Milan Lucic being bumped down to the second line. The Kings’ second line is big, fast and mean, but more importantly, they are very skilled. Give Toffoli a spot in your starting six tonight as LA takes on the Calgary Flames at home.
D- Casey Nelson, BUF
Casey Nelson has had an immediate impact on the Buffalo Sabres since his insertion in the lineup. The 23-year-old signed last week out of Minnesota State has four assists in his first three games in the NHL. Not bad at all. He’s such a recent addition that he does not even have a picture on his NHL.com profile, but he’s already on a three-game point streak and catching the eyes of his teammates. The Sabres will be at home taking on the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight. In a game that has zero impact on anything other than lottery position, the young guns will get a chance to shine tonight. Nelson is a fun guy to get in the lineup tonight.
D- Jared Spurgeon, MIN
Jared Spurgeon has been one of the most effective players for the Wild in the midst of their six-game win streak. Has three goals and a +7 rating in his last three games. He is also averaging about three shots on goal per game in his last five games. Spurgeon and the Wild will be at home taking on the Ottawa Senators, who despite beating the Jets last night are the definition of “dead in the water.” Minnesota should have no trouble tonight finding the back of the net. Look for Spurgeon to be right in the middle of the action.
G- Henrik Lundqvist, CAR
Henrik Lundqvist’s utter dominance over the Carolina Hurricanes makes him very much so worth the investment for your daily fantasy team. While Martin Jones may have the easier opponent tonight on paper in San Jose, Lundqvist is going up against a team that the Rangers have beaten nine consecutive times. He is 23-9-1 in his career against the Canes, with a 2.03 goals-against average and a .929 save percengate. In his last game against Carolina, Lundqvist stopped 30 of the 31 shots thrown his way. Give Hank the start in goal tonight.
