This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
Longevity is key in the lone matchup. Both teams will be coming in on back-to-backs with the Caps getting home-ice advantage. Vancouver is coming off a 4-1 loss to Carolina and Washington posted a 2-0 shutout against the Isles.
CAPTAIN
Alex Ovechkin, WAS vs. VAN ($15,500): Ovi has recently slowed down with only a goal and two assists over his last five appearances, but did direct 18 shots on net. He's clearly doing what's needed to score, but isn't getting the bounces his way. This shouldn't be a problem against a team that isn't built to handle Ovechkin's physical play, so he should have a solid chance to produce.
Elias Pettersson, VAN at. WAS ($9,000): Is this the same Pettersson we know and love? No. Is this the same Canucks team we're used to? No. However, Boudreau is willing to make changes to try and fix the problems. One change that needs to be taken advantage of is Pettersson moving to the first line as a WING. This will give the pivot a chance to play with less responsibility. He's also the lowest-salaried player to captain in the top-six.
UTIL PLAYS
Alexei Protas, WAS vs. VAN ($6,500): Protas doesn't have much to offer besides the occasional points and shots. But with T.J. Oshie day-to-day and possibly out today, it might give Protas another shot on the power play. He's already playing with playmaker Nicklas Backstrom and only needs a few shots to hit value, so this is a perfect punt play to fit in.
J.T. Miller, VAN at. WAS ($13,500): If we're looking for Vancouver's best player, that would be Miller who leads the team in scoring but has only managed a pair of helpers and nine shots across his last five outings. However, any success the Canucks can build usually goes through him. The only issue is Miller's salary is quite steep even for someone who carries a weaker offense.
John Carlson, WAS vs. VAN ($12,000): Carlson has struggled with his production for the majority of the season with a few spurts here and there. But he's still been shooting and blocking shots with 11 and eight of each in five contests. Carlson gets to go against a shaky Canucks' D and could break back more frequently into the point column.
Tyler Myers, VAN at. WAS ($8,000): Myers has been stringing together a decent season when considering all of the club's circumstances. The big defender has bounced all over the lineup while consistently blocking shots and firing pucks when possible. Across his past five appearances, Myers has posted seven shots and 10 blocks. He's got the opportunity to do both again and easily reach value against the high-paced Capitals.
