This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
It's a two-game slate with Blackhawks at Predators at 7:30 p.m. EST and then Senators at Canucks at 8:00 p.m.
The Preds and Hawks will finish off their back-to-back, and the odds should still favor the Preds. They needed overtime to clinch the win, but outshot the Hawks 39-20 and controlled much of the game, finishing with a 61.9 CF% before heading into OT. The Hawks should be better this time around, but note they've only won the possession battle three times this season: twice against the Panthers and once against a shorthanded Red Wings squad.
Likewise, the Sens should come out with a better effort against the Canucks after losing 7-1 on Monday. However, expect the Canucks to be favored once again with a deeper and more experienced lineup. The Canucks needed that win badly and carry some momentum into the middle frame of their three-game series, though a 5 p.m. local start time might throw them off a little bit. The Canucks lost 5-2 against the Canadiens on Saturday when they started at 4 p.m. local time.
All fancy stats courtesy Natural Stat Trick.
GOALIES
Thatcher Demko, VAN vs. OTT ($7,700): Win and you're in, so Demko should draw the start with Braden Holtby starting Thursday to split the back-to-back games. Demko looked very good against the Sens, allowing just one goal on 36 shots. The Canucks defense looked much improved with veteran Jordie Benn in the lineup.
Juuse Saros, NSH vs. CHI ($7,300): There's some trepidation because he allowed eight goals in two games against the Stars, but at 5-on-5 Saros has actually been pretty good, ranking fifth in GSAA. The shot differential may be closer, but the Preds should still have the edge. The Hawks are missing their top left winger (Alex DeBrincat) and top power-play quarterback (Adam Boqvist).
VALUE PLAYS
Mattias Janmark, CHI at NSH ($3,600): With no DeBrincat, Janmark moved to the top line opposite Patrick Kane and played 18 minutes. He's a low-ceiling offensive player but certainly put in a prime position to extend his goal-scoring streak to four games.
Drake Batherson, OTT at VAN ($3,800): The 7-1 loss on Monday was the first time Batherson didn't register a shot on goal, but he led all Sens forward with 17 chances. He's been a fixture on the top line and his speed presented problems for an older, slower Canucks defense.
Nils Hoglander, VAN vs. OTT ($3,400): Hoglander collected an assist off an impressive diving play and now has three points in three games. His ice time remains limited as the Canucks bring him along slowly, but Hoglander has clearly shown his top-six upside and will likely be a staple on Bo Horvat's wing for most of the season while seeing time on PP2.
LINE STACKS
Predators vs. Blackhawks
Matt Duchene (C - $5,100), Luke Kunin (W - $4,400), Mikael Granlund (W - $4,800)
It's a relatively inexpensive line stack and they looked very good against the Hawks, generated 14 chances and just six against. Head coach John Hynes spreads out his ice time so they're not at a huge disadvantage to Ryan Johansen's line. Both Duchene (PP1) and Granlund (PP2) play big roles on special teams.
Canucks vs. Senators
Bo Horvat (C - $6,800), Nils Hoglander (W - $3,400), Tanner Pearson (W - $4,400)
They were dominant and clearly the Canucks' best line on Monday with a 66.7 CF% and accounted for two of their even-strength goals. The Sens defense is not deep and no doubt they will continue to be pre-occupied by Elias Pettersson's line, which means Horvat's line may draw easier matchups. Horvat destroyed the Sens in the faceoff dot, winning 13 of 22, one of which directly led to Olli Juolevi's goal.
DEFENSEMEN
Roman Josi, NSH vs. CHI ($6,300): Josi is undoubtedly the best play of the night. He plays big minutes and contributes in all categories. On a night short on elite defensemen, Josi is a cut above the rest.
Quinn Hughes, VAN vs. OTT ($5,700): It's power play or nothing for Hughes, who has struggled a little bit at even strength. There were plenty of penalties in their first game, so this one may feature the same. His production tends to be a little more volatile than Josi's, hence the slight discount in salary.
Duncan Keith, CHI at NSH ($5,500): Keith's quarterbacking the power play with Boqvist out of the lineup, sliding back into a role he's very familiar with. Don't expect any goals because he doesn't shoot or rush the puck like he used to, but he's still got excellent mobility and passing. Keith can contribute in multiple categories and will play a lot of minutes.
Connor Murphy, CHI at NSH ($4,200): Murphy is a potential value play, leading all Hawks defensemen in shots (13), points (5, tied with Keith), ice time (23:13 TOI/GP) and blocked shots (14). With a dearth of options, Murphy gets to play a lot. His fantasy floor is high because of his peripherals, but don't count on the points; his career high is 19.
