NHL GPP Barn Burner: 4-2-16

Goalies

Eddie Lack is projected to start for Carolina today, and is a cheaper option with upside on today's slate. Of course there is plenty of risk given Lack's lackluster numbers this season. Columbus ranked 25th in goals per game in the month of March, while allowing 3.46. While Vegas has this one as a tossup, I am banking on Carolina to come out on top to get Lack a win. Carolina is allowing 31 shots per game over the past few weeks which gives Lack some decent save upside. Price considered I will be looking at home, and his also helps fit in a few more stud skaters.

Top Skaters

I believe most will be on the Oilers side of this game, but both teams possess poor defensive records this season. Sean Monahan's DK price catches my eye, and he can deliver a solid return on investment. Monahan has been boom-or-bust of late, but does have three multi-point games in the last ten. Edmonton has allowed 2.73 goals per game in the last month, while Calgary has been around that mark as well (2.75) in that span. Edmonton has been middle of the road defensively against opposing centers of late, and I will be attacking with Monahan tonight.

James Neal has been electric over the last ten games, notching 13 points, which has helped Nashville offensively of late. They are averaging 3.27 goals per game over the last mont, ranking fifth in the league during that time. San Jose has been on a run themselves, which might keep people off Neal tonight. He doesn't draw the favorable matchup as a few others on the slate, so he doesn't come across as obvious. Neal generates a ton of shots per game, and is scoring at will right now. Nashville are decent threats according to Vegas to notch three or more goals.

So I was speaking of Columbus struggling again on the defensive side, allowing the second most goals per game to opposing teams in the last month. Carolina could be a sneaky line to take a look at, and they are fairly cheap. However, I am looking at Jeff Skinner on the second line, and while he plays a bit less than some of the other players, he generates a ton of shots. Columbus ranks in the bottom half in fantasy points allowed per game to left wingers over the last three weeks. Skinner has five points in the last five games, and I am looking for that trend to continue.

Dougie Hamilton is another Calgary first liner I am after tonight, especially at a bit of a discount from the other high-priced defenseman. Both these teams have struggled to stay out of the box, and on Calgary's side, Hamilton runs the point on the powerplay. Calgary is in the middle of the league in PP% over the last month, while Edmonton ranks 18th in PK%. Edmonton has allowed the eighth most fantasy points per game to opposing defenseman in the last three weeks, and Hamilton has ten points in the last ten games.

Value Plays

I expect the top line to be the highest owned for Edmonton, while the second line is scattered throughout contests. For cheap exposure to this game, I will be looking at Leon Draisaitl, who has two points in the last three games. Calgary has allowed the fifth most fantasy points per game in the last three weeks to opposing centers.

Marcus Johansson (W - WAS) FD: $4,300 DK: $4,000

Marcus Johansson is skating with the top line at the moment, and I am all over it against Arizona at these prices. The Coyotes have been much better defensively, but have struggled over the long haul. Johansson has 41 points on the season, and I will take a chance on him given the first line opportunity at these prices.

Niklas Kronwall (D - DET) FD: $3,700 DK: $4,000

Not a ton of cheap defenseman I like tonight, but Niklas Kronwall catches my eye on the power-play against Toronto. Detroit has the fourth best power-play percentage in the last month, while Toronto has ranked 17th in PL%. Kronwall has seven assists in the last ten games, with four coming on the man advantage.