This series uses the FantasyLabs Tools to analyze five key NHL players in the day’s slate. The series does not provide play or fade recommendations. It provides analysis.
Tonight we have a six-game slate that begins at 7:00 pm ET.
Kris Letang: Defense, Penguins ($6,200 DraftKings, $7,200 FanDuel)
Kris Letang enters tonight’s slate as the highest-rated player in the CSURAM88 Model as Pittsburgh visits Florida. The Penguins are tied for the highest implied total on the slate at 3.1 goals, and the Panthers have given up 4.0 goals per game this season, which ranks 30th in the league. Letang, who hits on 11 Pro Trends on both platforms, has a strong peripheral floor, ranking second among defensemen in shots+blocks per game at 4.66 while averaging over 25 minutes of time on ice per game. Additionally, Letang anchors the Penguins’ top power play unit, which is in a great spot against the league’s 25th-ranked penalty kill. The Panthers have allowed 11 points to defensemen through five games.
Brent Burns: Defense, Sharks ($7,200 DraftKings, $7,400 FanDuel)
On yesterday’s Inside the Lab, the guys highlighted the recent play and ownership of Brent Burns. Specifically, they spoke to how high Burns’ peripheral floor truly is. Sure, it is impressive that he ranks first among all players with 5.63 shots+blocks per game and logs huge minutes (26:04 per game). Even more impressive is that he has averaged 4.2 fantasy points per game on DraftKings while scoring no goals and registering just two assists. The Sharks are on the road against New Jersey, which played an overtime game in Ottawa last night. Burns’ ownership could be low given his lack of scoring and the savings offered by pivoting to Letang. A breakout performance from Burns is going to happen at some point. Against a Devils team that has the 27th-ranked penalty kill and surrenders 35 shots per game (26th), that breakout game could come tonight.
Jack Eichel: Center, Sabres ($6,900 DraftKings, $7,800 FanDuel)
Jack Eichel and the Buffalo Sabres haven’t had much to cheer about during their dismal start. However, DFS players who have played Eichel have benefited despite the Sabres’ lack of success. Eichel has averaged 4.57 points per game on DraftKings, where he hits on seven Pro Trends. He ranks in the 99th percentile in shots on goal, and the Sabres join Pittsburgh and Winnipeg with a slate-high implied total of 3.1 goals. Historically, players ranking above the 90th percentile in shots with similar PPG averages, salaries, and implied team totals have seen a +0.53 DraftKings Plus/Minus. The Sabres’ top-ranked power play from a year ago returned to form last game, scoring three goals against Las Vegas. The Sabres will look to continue that success against the league’s 22nd-ranked penalty kill.
Evgenii Dadonov: Winger, Panthers ($4,600 DraftKings, $4,500 FanDuel)
Evgenii Dadonov has been a bright spot for the Florida Panthers over the team’s first five games. The Panthers and Penguins are both ranked in the bottom three in goals against per game, likely contributing to the slate’s highest over/under total of 6.0 goals. In its four road games this season, Pittsburgh has given up 21 goals and allowed 34 shots per game. This lines up well for the Panthers, who lead the league with 41.8 shots per game. Further, the Penguins have taken a league-high 39 minor penalties this season, presenting opposing teams with plenty of opportunities to exploit their average penalty kill. Thus, Dadonov, who is playing on the Panthers’ top power-play unit in addition to playing on the first line, should have plenty of opportunities to create offense.
Daniel Sedin: Winger, Canucks ($3,800 DraftKings, $5,700 FanDuel)
Daniel Sedin is an interesting option, especially on DraftKings, since there aren’t many low-priced playable forwards. Sedin has a 100 percent Bargain Bating on DraftKings. Though not as likely as it once was, the possibility of Sedin exceeding value is certainly still there. Sedin takes on a Sabres team that is 26th in the league in goals against per game at 3.86. He also skates on the Canucks’ top line and top power play unit, which faces a penalty kill that has allowed five power play goals over the last three games.
Updates
After this piece is published, FantasyLabs is likely to provide updates regarding projected lines and starting goaltenders. Be sure to stay ahead of your competition with our Team Lines page.
