A relatively level playing field was in place on Wednesday. with only the Columbus Blue Jackets having returned from a game the night before and none of the 14 active teams having games on Thursday that could be distracting.
The Bruins’ and Avalanche’s second and final meeting in Colorado was one of the highlights. In an effort to make up for their recent 5-1 loss to Boston, the Avs will face a significant challenge due to the absence of several key lineup members.
The Rangers take on the Golden Knights in a fascinating conference matchup. New York will be looking to make it two in a row on the strip after rebounding from one of their better offensive performances of late.
Given the quality of the competition in Vegas, this is yet another difficult task.
To this point, Columbus is trailed only by the Anaheim Ducks, who have given up 3.96 goals per game. Joonas Korpisalo and co. are not the side that is heavily favored by this math.
Additionally, the Jackets will undoubtedly be worn out from their previous evening’s game against Pittsburgh, which they lost 4-1. In this matchup, a lot of Buffalo skaters could score, including Dylan Cozens, who is ranked in 36.6% of ESPN.com leagues, and rookie Jack Quinn, who is ranked in 4% of leagues.
Andrei Kuzmenko, Vancouver Canucks, middle-tier fantasy forward (58.8%): In Monday’s thrilling 7-6 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, Kuzmenko scored a goal and had an assist after not scoring in three straight games.
The most recent time the Canucks and Sharks played each other (Nov. 27), he also assisted on a goal by Kaapo Kahkonen.
The NHL rookie, who is one of your streakier types and is averaging nearly a point per game, appears to be back on the productive upswing.Vegas Golden Knights’ Paul Cotter (0.2%): The Vegas rookie scored a goal and added an assist in the team’s win over Boston on Monday, filling in for a (mildly) injured Jack Eichel on the top scoring line.
When the Rangers come to Vegas on Wednesday, there will be fantasy material. However, if Eichel returns to his spot in the lineup for this meeting, which is a real possibility, I will be significantly less in love with Cotter. Actually take a look from the get go.
Goalies Charlie Lindgren (projected), Washington Capitals (1.1%): Matt Benning, San Jose Sharks (2.0%) Although Darcy Kuemper’s backup performed admirably in Edmonton on Monday in a 28-save victory, holding Connor McDavid to one shorthanded goal (minus one) and Leon Draisaitl to nothing (minus two). Overall, the Flyers score 2.46 points per game. I think Lindgren has a good chance of getting out of Philly with his fourth goal of the season if the Caps can put up a few.