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 small three-game slate that begins at 7:30 pm ET.
Auston Matthews: Center, Maple Leafs ($8,200 DraftKings, $8,100 FanDuel)
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a slate-high implied Vegas total of 2.9 goals, which is low for the highest mark, but it is a small slate. Although the Maple Leafs are averaging 4.67 goals per game, their total is likely low because they are on a back-to-back. Still, Auston Matthews leads the slate with 0.48 goals per game and is tied for second with 3.39 shots per game over the last year. Forwards with similar numbers have historically had a +0.32 DraftKings Plus/Minus and 49.1 percent Consistency Rating. Matthews has points in five of the first six games and has scored fewer than four DraftKings points just once.
Henrik Zetterberg: Center, Red Wings ($5,900 DraftKings, $6,800 FanDuel)
Facing the Maple Leafs in Toronto are the Detroit Red Wings. Henrik Zetterberg is having a bit of a youth rejuvenation as a 37-year-old, starting the season with three goals and seven points in his first six games. He is expected to center sophomore Anthony Mantha and Red Wing veteran Gustav Nyquist. Since the beginning of last season, this line has had a 56.7 Corsi For percentage and been one of the team’s best possession lines. Although they have an implied Vegas total of just 2.7 goals, the Red Wings could surpass that number as the Leafs are expected to put backup goaltender Curtis McElhinney in net tonight. McElhinney has been a poor backup throughout his career, putting up a 2.95 goals against average and a .905 save percentage.
Charles Hudon: Winger, Canadiens ($3,800 DraftKings, $3,500 FanDuel)
The Canadiens are on the tail end of a back-to-back, but they stayed in California after their game against the San Jose Sharks last night and didn’t have to worry about heavy traveling before their game against the Los Angeles Kings tonight. Charles Hudon has been playing on the third line alongside Andrew Shaw and Philip Danault. These are not the sexiest of linemates, but Hudon has also been spending some time on the second power play unit, which should provide an offensive boost. Although Hudon is averaging about 14.5 minutes per game, he has taken at least four shots in five of the Canadiens first six games. Recent shooting spikes tend to be valuable, and it’s likely that the pricing doesn’t reflect Hudon’s shooting volume this early in the season. While the goals have not been there yet this season for Hudon, the shot volume should change that at some point.
Alex Pietrangelo: Defense, Blues ($6,500 DraftKings, $5,900 FanDuel)
Alex Pietrangelo is off to a ridiculous start to the season, averaging 6.2 DraftKings points per game, which is the second-highest mark on the slate, including forwards. The No. 1 overall skater in the CSURAM88 Model, Pietrangelo basically does not get off the ice, averaging 26:29 minutes per game, which is tied for second overall in the NHL. The power play is a great opportunity to pick up points, and he is second on his team in power play time on ice and has picked up three of his eight points with the man advantage. He is likely best used on FanDuel, where he has a 95 percent Bargain Rating.
Alec Martinez: Defense, Kings ($4,500 DraftKings, $4,400 FanDuel)
He was injured to start the season, but in the two games since coming back from injury Alec Martinez has averaged over 23 minutes of ice time per game and played alongside Drew Doughty on the top power play unit. Although they’re just five games into the season, the Kings have moved on from their defensive style of play under former coach Darryl Sutter. They are averaging 2.2 more shots per game and 0.57 more goals per game, and players like Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown have had an offensive rejuvenation. This bodes well for Martinez, who plays with both of these players on the top power play unit. Martinez has generally had a solid floor due to his 3.8 shots+blocks per game, which has historically been good for a +0.36 Plus/Minus and 49.5 percent Consistency Rating on DraftKings. If he can add more offense to his game, then he is in for a career season.
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.
