It’s a three-game slate in the NHL on Wednesday with Tampa Bay, Vegas and New York all favorites to win. However, there’s likely an underdog or two to prevail and extend their respective series. After all, if all three favorites win, they’ll advance to the second round. Here’s a look at the daily fantasy landscape ahead of the action.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
Top Line Stacks
Ondrej Palat ($4,800) - Brayden Point ($6,500) - Nikita Kucherov ($8,200)
Tampa Bay’s No. 1 line has been solid through the first five games of the series posting a combined eight goals along with nine assists, and Tampa Bay can close out the series with a win. It would be surprising if the Lightning didn’t have an impressive showing. Plus, the Panthers have also allowed a healthy 20 goals through five playoff games.
Alex Tuch ($5,000) - Chandler Stephenson ($4,500) - Mark Stone ($6,700)
This is an affordable stack and Stephenson, Tuch and Stone have combined for seven goals, six assists and 15 individual high-danger scoring chances through the first five games of the series. The trio also drove possession with a 67.7 Corsi For percentage at 5-on-5 during Game 5 with 21 shot attempts through 12:28 of shared ice time.
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Superstar to Build Around
Sidney Crosby, PIT at NYI ($7,500) - With just a single goal and assist through the first five games of the series against the Islanders, Crosby hasn’t moved the fantasy needle relative to his potential. However, there’s been some poor puck luck. Crosby has registered 24 shot attempts and six individual high-danger scoring chances, and he’s still locked into a go-to role. With the season on the line, it would be surprising if No. 87 didn’t have a big showing on Wednesday.
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Value on Offense
Anthony Cirelli, TB vs. FLA ($3,200) - This is a reasonable price to take a flier on Cirelli. He’s centering an encouraging line with Steven Stamkos ($6,300) and Alex Killorn ($3,900) on his flanks, and Cirelli also skates with the No. 2 power-play unit. His postseason numbers have also been solid with two goals, two assists and 14 shots through five games.
Owen Tippett, FLA at TB ($3,100) - The 22-year-old winger has two multi-point games during the postseason and has clicked with linemates Jonathan Huberdeau ($6,600) and Sam Bennett ($5,500) for an elite 7.31 goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 during the series. The upside is worth chasing, and there’s also potential Tippett flies under the radar a bit with Tampa Bay as such significant favorites.
Stud Goalies
Marc-Andre Fleury, VGK at MIN ($8,200) - A tough first period last time out resulted in the first poor postseason showing for Fleury. He’s positioned for a rebound showing on Wednesday, and even after allowing three goals on just 13 shots, the veteran netminder still boasts a high-end .946 save percentage and 1.40 GAA through the first five games of the series. Plus, Vegas allowed the fewest goals per game and had the best penalty-kill percentage in the league during the regular season.
Spencer Knight, FLA vat TB ($7,500) - Undefeated at the highest level, Knight has contest-winning upside at this salary. While there’s obviously oodles of risk with Tampa Bay a notable favorite to win Game 6, Knight has posted a .934 save percentage and 2.03 GAA through his five professional starts. Plus, the Panthers have given the Lightning trouble all season.
Value on Defense
Brandon Montour, FLA at TB ($3,700) - Projected to continue quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit, Montour is worth a long look. He’s affordable and has registered 17 shots, 23 attempts and five individual high-danger scoring chances through the first five games of the season. There’s probably also added contrarian value here.
Power-Play Defenseman
Kris Letang, PIT at NYI ($5,800) - The veteran has picked up all five of his points in just two of the five games of the series, which reinforces his upside. Letang has also chipped in 11 shots and seven blocks so there’s a decent statistical floor accompanying his go-to role. Letang has averaged 28:41 of ice time per game during the postseason.
Shea Theodore, VGK at MIN ($5,400) - With a declining salary, Theodore is easier to recommend. He’s fallen off the map offensively and has now gone 10 consecutive games without finding the scoresheet dating back to the regular season. The power-play quarterback finished second in points and paced all regular NHL defensemen in points per 60 minutes this year, though, so statistical correction is coming.
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