There's a lone game in the NHL with the Caps hosting the Canucks at 2 p.m. EST. Washington is a notable favorite on home ice with Vancouver sporting a three-game losing streak with just five total goals during the skid. It's also worth noting both teams are playing the second leg of back-to-back sets. Here's a look at recommendations and fades from the player pool.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
Picks
Alex Ovechkin, WAS vs. VAN ($34): This is a breakout spot for Ovechkin, and his shot volume provides a high fantasy floor. And while he's recorded a respectable four tallies and three helpers through his past nine outings, he's only posted one multi-point showing. Vancouver also ranks last in the league in penalty-kill percentage.
Ilya Samsonov, WAS vs. VAN ($30): There's nothing to be excited about Samsonov's recent form. He's posted an uninspiring .877 save percentage and 3.40 GAA through his past seven starts and also hasn't started since Jan. 7. This represents a bounce-back opportunity with Vancouver ranking 28th in goals per contests and losers of three straight.
Alexei Protas, WAS vs. VAN ($10): The Russian rookie recorded an assist yesterday and is projected to stick in a top-six role with Nicklas Backstrom ($19) and Tom Wilson ($14) while also skating on the No. 2 power-play unit. Protas opens up the cap space to just about take your pick through the rest of your lineup.
Pans
Thatcher Demko, VAN at WAS ($32): With an .848 save percentage through three consecutive defeats, Demko should probably be considered a risky option at this salary. After all, the Capitals rank sixth in goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five.
J.T. Miller, VAN at WAS ($19): It's been a rough road trip for Miller as he's failed to find the scoresheet and recorded a minus-3 rating during Vancouver's active slump. The Caps have been tidy defensively this year sitting eighth in goals against per game and ninth in penalty-kill percentage.
Quinn Hughes, VAN at WAS ($18): The power-play quarterback has also been quiet during Vancouver's winless stretch, and similar to Miller has recorded a negative plus-minus.
T.J. Oshie, WAS vs. VAN ($17): An upper-body injury forced Oshie out of yesterday's win over the Isles, so he's a candidate to miss today. There are probably enough options in the player pool to take a wait-and-see approach with the veteran and wait for him to prove his health.
