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As promised, here is my first NHL Fanduel picks article for the 2015-16 hockey season! I hope you guys are excited as I am that hockey is back, and hopefully we can win some money along the way while enjoying a great sport. Let’s hop into the picks!
Left Wing (LW)
Alexander Steen (STL) – $7,300
The Edmonton Oilers allowed an NHL worst 283 goals last season, and even with the arrival of Cameron Talbot between the pipes I see the defense continuing to be porous. Steen highlights the Blues’ top line and paired with the likes of Paul Stastny and Vladimir Tarasenko he should have plenty of opportunity for a nice first game at home. The Blues stack looks to be an attractive one on Thursday, so lock and load Steen in at LW.
Filip Forsberg (NSH) – $6,300
The Predators are another big favorite at home, and I expect 2nd year stud Filip Forsberg to get in on the action. The young phenom tallied 63 points last season, and he returns to Nashville’s top line with Mike Ribeiro and James Neal. Carolina was a pretty sorry team last season, and they allowed a below average 2.67 goals per game to their opposition. Forsberg had somewhat of a coming out party against the eventual Stanley Cup Champions in the first round of the playoffs, posting 4 goals and 2 assists in that series. I expect him to continue that success early in 2015, and you have to love his price.
Right Wing (RW)
Jakub Voracek (PHI) – $7,500
Even though the matchup isn’t great (on the road against the defending Eastern Conference champion Lightning), if you’re looking for a good under-the-radar cash game play Voracek might be your guy. He plays on the Flyers’ first line with one of the best players in the league, Claude Giroux, and even with Ben Bishop between the pipes they could cause some racket in Tampa Bay. With 81 points tallied last season, you can almost eliminate the thought of a dud performance from your mind.
Bobby Ryan (OTT) – $6,000
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In 78 games last season for the Senators, Ryan posted a decent 54 points and I think he is a solid mid-tier play on Thursday against a Buffalo team that will struggle to find its identity early on in the season. Ottawa is actually favored in this road game, and Ryan should lead the second line to some production.
Center (C)
Tyler Seguin (DAL) – $8,600
The Dallas Stars appear that they are going to score goals in bunches this season, and if you have a solid value goalie for your cash games Tyler Seguin might be your expensive go-to skater of the night. In a line with the elite Jamie Benn and solid Cody Eakin, the Stars should give Marc-Andre Fleury fits all night in their home arena. Seguin was tied for 6th in the NHL last season with 13 power play goals, so clearly he is a potent threat on Dallas’ power play.
Mike Ribeiro (NSH) – $4,400
As mentioned above, Ribeiro finds himself on Nashville’s top line with Filip Forsberg and James Neal. This means there is ample opportunity for some great counting DFS stats. He’s playing at home, with a tantalizing matchup, and his price is awesome. There’s a lot to love with the Predators’ top center tomorrow evening!
Defensemen (D)
Erik Karlsson (OTT) – $7,200
Simply put, Karlsson is a game changer on the defensive end of the rink and he is also one of the most powerful offensive defensemen in the NHL. The Senator put up a cool 21 goals last season, and in a game in which Ottawa is favored Karlsson looks like he’ll be in on the scoring action. He should be a familiar face on defense in cash lineups all season long!
Kris Letang (PIT) – $6,100
The long-time Penguin is poised for another solid season on one of the East’s top teams, and he gets to skate on a line with Sid the Kid and newcomer Phil Kessel. His 0.75 points per game since 2010 is second among NHL defensemen only behind Erik Karlsson (0.82). Letang is coming off a career year in 2014-15, and I expect him to pick up right where he left off in what figures to be a shootout of a first game in Dallas.
Goaltender (G)
Pekka Rinne (NSH) – $9,100
The choice for cash games on Thursday is clearly Rinne, facing the horribly offensive challenged Carolina Hurricanes (2.23 goals scored per game last season) at home. Rinne has a great shot at that coveted 3 point win, and should save most if not all the shots that come his way. A case could be made for using Ben Bishop (TB) or Craig Anderson (OTT) on Thursday, and if you are looking for a bit of salary relief then they might be good options. I am personally rolling with Rinne and not looking back.
Tonight’s Lineup
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