Welcome to the weekend, everyone. There are 10 games to draw from tonight. So, let’s take a gander at the top contenders for the starting six of your NHL daily fantasy team:
C- Marcus Johansson, WAS
Marcus Johansson had himself a good game back after needing some extra time off after the All-Star break to nurse an injury. MoJo had a goal and two assists as the Capitals’ third line shredded the Nashville Predators. The most adversarial thing working against Johansson lately is his ability to stay on the ice, as he has only played in three games since January 19th. In games he has played, Johansson has been a tremendous depth piece to the Capitals. He has seven points in his last six games, including four goals and three assists. Johansson has been skating with the third line alongside Tom Wilson and Jason Chimera. The Caps will need all hands on deck tonight as they visit the Stars in Dallas. Johansson could very well be the X-factor Washington needs, especially on the top powerplay unit.
LW- Jeff Skinner, CAR
Jeff Skinner had his five-game point streak snapped against Pittsburgh last night. But the 23-year-old has already matched last year’s point totals, and since December has been one of the most consistent offensive contributors for the Canes. He has picked up the pace after a slow start to the year, tallying 19 goals with 12 assists total. In his last six games he has two goals and four assists with a +4 rating and 22 shots on goal. The Hurricanes will be taking on the New York Islanders at home tonight, looking to regain a bit more traction in their hunt for the playoffs. Their last two games have been frustrating 2-1 losses in the skills competition. They have scored just one goal in three of their last four games. If anyone can wake the offense up, it is Skinner. He will be buzzing around the net tonight with Victor Rask and Phil Di Giuseppe on his line.
RW- Jordan Eberle, EDM
Jordan Eberle and Connor McDavid have meshed at an unreal level since McDavid’s return from the injured reserve. Eberle netted his first career hat trick against the Toronto Maple Leafs Thursday, with McDavid collecting five points on the night. The right winger has 10 points in six games with McDavid as his center- seven goals, three assists. Three of those goals have come on the powerplay. He also has 24 shots on goal, the highest number of any six-game stretch for him this season. He has been in a much better position to score, and finally has someone of his caliber setting him up on the regular. The Edmonton Oilers will be looking to break in Ondrej Pavelec, who will be making his return from injury in Edmonton tonight. Connor Hellebuyck was solid in his first NHL stint, but Pavelec could be in for a rude welcome if he’s not careful.
D- John Klingberg, DAL
John Klingberg is making sure the league knows his name. He has hit the 40-point mark in his second of two seasons in the NHL, registering 10 goals and 36 assists this year. In his last five games, Klingberg has four goals and two assists on 17 shots and a +3. He is a fantasy darling, and has been seeing about 25 minutes per game. He is on the top pairing with Alex Goligoski, both at evens and on the top powerplay unit. Dallas has won five of their last six, and has already won once against their opponent tonight- Washington- this season. If John Klingberg is not a top choice for your daily fantasy blueline every day, he should be.
D- Marc-Edouard Vlasic, SJS
Yes, much to everyone’s surprise I’m sure, I am not picking Shayne Gostisbehere for my daily fantasy lineup. That is not to say I don’t think that he won’t play well against the Devils tonight, but his point streak has reached double digits now. He no longer needs my endorsement. Another defenseman on a point streak deserves a look tonight: Marc-Edouard Vlasic. Vlasic has six assists in as many games, two of them being primaries. Vlasic has seven goals and 23 assists on the year. He’s been hot before, but is making the most of his ever-increasing ice time. He hit the 30 minute mark for the first time this season Tuesday. Give Vlasic the start tonight, he could be picking a few more apples for you.
G- Ryan Miller, VAN
I normally don’t much care for putting the same goaltender in the net twice in a row. I’m basically resigned to the fact that goaltenders are voodoo. However, competition is key, and there is no one going up against weaker competition than Ryan Miller tonight. Miller stopped 33 of 34 shots for a 2-1 victory over the Arizona Coyotes. If he can go through the motions tonight, both he and the Canucks should come away with an easy win. When playing a minor league caliber offense, it’s hard not to pick the opposing goalie. Go with Miller between the pipes tonight.
