DFS advice for the Opening Night of the NHL season
By Neil Parker
RotoWire Hockey Writer
The National Hockey League’s new season kicks off Wednesday with a four-game slate, featuring the defending champion Blackhawks playing host to the Rangers, hopeful Stanley Cup contenders again, in the marquee matchup of the night.
The hunt for value plays is critical to assembling competitive daily lineups, and here are six viable targets to open wiggle room under the cap in Yahoo Daily Fantasy Hockey.
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GOALIE
Karri Ramo, CGY vs. VAN ($28) – Ramo locked the door on the Vancouver Canucks in Game 7 of the opening round of the playoffs last season, and Calgary plays host to the Canucks again as favorites Wednesday. Ramo went 8-3-3 at the Scotiabank Saddledome last year, and he capped off the 2014-15 season with a .919 save percentage over his final 19 games. Add his cap-friendly salary to his likelihood of grabbing the six-point win bonus, and there’s oodles to like about Ramo as your No. 2 goalie Wednesday.
Players to Avoid: Henrik Lundqvist ($37), Jonathan Bernier ($28)
CENTER
Alex Galchenyuk, MON at TOR ($15) – Entering his fourth season in the league, Galchenyuk is shifting to the second-line center position — a significant positive for him. With the Canadiens widely viewed as the superior team in Wednesday’s game, Galchenyuk is a high-floor option at a discount, especially with the generous two-point plus-minus bonus. Landing on the scoresheet with a few shots will tip the scales enough to return a huge profit.
Players to Avoid: Derick Brassard ($21), Jeff Carter ($20), Tyler Bozak ($14)
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WING
Teuvo Teravainen, CHI vs. NYR ($13) – The Chicago brass held the reins tight for the entire 2014-15 season, as Teravainen played just 34 games while averaging only 12:47 of ice time. His minutes increased slightly in the playoffs, and he returned 10 points — four goals — through 18 postseason games, including a multi-point showing in both the Western Conference finals and the Stanley Cup Finals. He skated with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa on the No. 1 line in training camp, and Teravainen stands to have an excellent Opening Night, especially relative to his cap hit.
Kevin Hayes, NYR at CHI ($14) – Hayes finished his 2014-15 season with 11 goals and 17 helpers over his final 35 games, and then he posted seven more points during the Rangers’ playoff run. The sophomore is expected to join Derek Stepan and Chris Kreider on the second line, so that trio will avoid the top checkers from Chicago on Wednesday. Additionally, the new-look Blackhawks could have some chemistry issues after an extensive roster upheaval during the offseason.
Players to Avoid: Daniel Sedin ($23), Marian Gaborik ($18), Brad Boyes ($16)
DEFENSEMEN
Dougie Hamilton, CGY vs. VAN ($18) – A top-tier talent with a second-tier cap hit, Hamilton owns the skillset to move the needle across all the scoring categories. The injury to T.J. Brodie (hand) has opened the door for Hamilton to join Mark Giordano on the top pairing in Cowtown, and they could be the top pairing in the league. Hamilton posted 42 points with more than two shots per game last year, and he enters his fourth season in the league at just 22. The arrow is pointing straight up.
Jeff Petry, MON at TOR ($13) – Petry had an excellent playoff stretch with the Habs last year, especially in the peripheral statistics, and he’ll receive power-play opportunities, potentially on the top unit. The veteran posted a respectable seven points through his 19 games with Montreal after being acquired at the trade deadline. In a juicy matchup and with a discount-sticker price, Petry is a high-floor player who also owns considerable upside.
Players to Avoid: Alexander Edler ($20), Dan Girardi ($17), Kevin Klein ($15)
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