This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
It's a relatively busy Monday with six matchups on the docket, including three teams that may figure prominently in the upcoming draft lottery: the Senators, Canucks and Coyotes. The Sens and Canucks face intriguing tests because their opponents, the Devils and Kings, respectively, are .500 teams and both teams are in desperate need of some positive momentum. Let's take a look at some recommendations…
GOALIES
Ilya Samsonov, WSH vs. ANH ($8,200): The Caps' consecutive losses was a tiny blip on an otherwise outstanding season, and Samsonov has lost just once in his past eight starts. The Ducks' goaltending hasn't been as good as it was earlier in the season, and John Gibson has lost five of his past six starts, with the only win coming via shootout after he allowed four goals against the Kings.
Braden Holtby, DAL vs. ARI ($8,100): Either Holtby or Jake Oettinger would be very good plays and very popular picks. The Stars have really turned a corner and become a very strong defensive team once again, winning eight of their past nine and not allowing more than two goals in any game.
Mackenzie Blackwood, NJ vs. OTT ($7,100): The danger with the Sens is their talented young forwards, and against bad goaltending they could easily score at least four goals. The Devils have allowed 18 in their past three games, including consecutive three-goal losses for Blackwood. However, Blackwood can also beat any team on any given night, and the Devils definitely have the edge when it comes to goaltending. Blackwood's a dicey play but the Devils should have a clear advantage.
VALUE PLAYS
Evan Rodrigues, PIT at SEA ($5,100): Rodrigues is filling in for Bryan Rust on the top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel, who scored a hat trick against the Canucks. It's a great spot to be in, and Rodrigues isn't just a passenger; he trails only Guentzel in shots on goal among Pens forwards and continues to have a very productive season.
Connor McMichael, WSH vs. ANH ($4,000): The return of T.J. Oshie means the Caps have mixed up their lines again, and McMichael finds himself back at center but on the second line ahead of Lars Eller. Conor Sheary will patrol the other wing, giving McMichael two veteran players who have the ability to score goals. Both wingers have two points in their past three games.
Sam Steel, ANH at WSH ($3,700): Steel will continue to center the first in Ryan Getzlaf's absence, though it seems like he won't get anything more than 15-16 minutes per game. Scoring against the Caps may be very difficult, but given the role Steel will play, he'll likely get the best offensive opportunities.
Tyson Jost, COL at PHI ($3,600): Nazem Kadri was a late scratch on Saturday, forcing the Avs to play Nathan MacKinnon over 27 minutes with Jost finishing with 14:19 and a goal on two shots. He edged Alex Newhook, his toughest competition for minutes right now at center, by a little over two minutes, and seems the logical player to move up the lineup.
Vasily Podkolzin, VAN vs. LA ($3,600): Podkolzin played on the second line with J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser and scored the Canucks' lone goal Saturday against Pittsburgh, his second goal in five games. The Russian winger has been one of the few bright spots this season and his role continues to expand. Playing on the power play now gives him extra fantasy value.
Morgan Frost, PHI vs. COL ($3,400): Frost will center the third line with Kevin Hayes back in the lineup and the Flyers will be on home ice, which means Alain Vigneault will get last chance and the matchups he wants. The Avs will be shallow at center if Kadri doesn't play, and Frost should gain an even bigger advantage if top defenseman Cale Makar doesn't dress, either.
LINE STACKS
Devils vs. Senators
Nico Hischier (C - $4,600), Jack Hughes (C - $6,600), Pavel Zacha (W - $4,500)
It was a good sign Hughes scored a goal so quickly upon his return, and the Devils have elected to stack their top line against a team that struggles to defend and prevent goals. It's a potentially high-scoring game, and no other Devils line has as much talent or upside as this one. Note that Hughes is playing left wing on this line even though he's listed as a center. Hughes is expected to play center in the long run, but perhaps John Hynes is still waiting to ease him back in.
Stars vs. Coyotes
Roope Hintz (C - $6,600), Jason Robertson (W - $5,900), Joe Pavelski (W - $5,600)
The Stars are basically leaning on only this line for offense. Hintz has been one of the hottest players lately while Robertson and Pavelski continue to be very reliable sources of goals. The Coyotes are no match for the Stars on home ice. Hintz has nine points in six games, Robertson is a five-game point streak and Pavelski is on a four-game heater.
DEFENSEMEN
Kris Letang, PIT at SEA ($6,600): Letang had three assists in his last game and extended his point streak to three games. The Pens' top pairing is leaned on heavily, so look for Letang to provide good value despite being one of the most expensive defensemen available.
Quinn Hughes, VAN vs. LA ($6,300): Hughes has been one of the few bright spots for the Canucks, and the more offensively-inclined Bruce Boudreau should know how to further unlock his potential. It'll be Boudreau's first game behind the bench, but no doubt Hughes will play a big role in their transition game and on the power play. Plenty of offensive defensemen, including Mike Green, have had career seasons under Boudreau.
Vince Dunn, SEA vs. PIT ($4,100): Dunn has taken a lot of the duties left by Mark Giordano, and for the most part he's responded well. The Kraken will likely shield Dunn from Crosby's line, and with last chance on home ice will likely try to get Dunn on the ice for offensive situations. Dunn has played over 20 minutes in each of his past four games.
