Mathew Barzal and Tonight’s NHL Fantasy Hockey Slate
Good morning, hockey fans! We’ve got an exciting night of NHL action ahead, and I’ve been diving deep into the matchups to identify potential fantasy hockey gems. While some teams are clear chalk plays, there are also hidden opportunities worth exploring. Let’s break down some key players and strategies for tonight.
Team Previews & Player Focus
Columbus Blue Jackets
It’s been a while since I’ve seriously considered a Blue Jackets stack, but tonight they’re back on my radar. Carolina is a viable opponent, especially if Columbus starts Elvis Merzlikins, but my focus is on attacking Brandon Bussi, who has cooled off since March. Columbus offers diverse build paths – a fully correlated top line for power-play exposure, or utilizing the second/third lines as complementary stacks. A four-man stack including Zach Werenski is an option, better suited for multi-entry builds.
Boston Bruins
I’m slightly cautious about Boston playing on the second night of a back-to-back, but their shot volume and top-line appeal keep them in play. If Morgan Geekie is reunited with David Pastrnak, that’s a must-consider trio. Even if they’re split, Boston’s volume remains attractive, potentially shifting my build towards a Pastrňák one-off. Both teams draw penalties, but this matchup leans towards even-strength opportunities. Montreal’s top line is defensively sound, but still concedes quality chances, keeping Boston on my shortlist.
New York Islanders – Featuring Mathew Barzal
Now we’re talking! The Islanders are a strong contender for my single-entry lineups tonight. They’re facing Toronto, who, despite recent wins, have concerning underlying numbers. They’re allowing plenty of scoring chances at even strength and are vulnerable on the penalty kill. Mathew Barzal ($6,400) is a key piece of my strategy, and I’ll be pairing him with Bo Horvat ($6,900). I’m also considering adding Matthew Schaefer or Tony DeAngelo to the mix for a potent Islanders stack. Horvat has been firing on all cylinders, racking up 41 shots on goal in the last 30 days, trailing only Nathan MacKinnon and Matt Boldy.
Defensemen to Watch
For high-end defensemen, Evan Bouchard ($7,200) and Quinn Hughes ($6,700) are hard to ignore, both boasting five power-play points in the last 15 days. The Islanders’ power-play quarterbacks are also in play, along with Charlie McAvoy ($5,500). Lane Hutson ($5,900) offers value despite a price increase, coming off a five-game point streak. For budget options, Mario Ferraro ($2,900) is positioned for shot-block bonuses, and Mattias Ekholm ($3,700) offers similar appeal.
Goaltending Options
Filip Gustavsson ($8,400) leads the pack tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks, a favorable matchup. Sergei Bobrovsky ($8,200) is in a similar position, facing a Vancouver team that doesn’t pose a significant power-play threat. However, Connor Hellebuyck, playing at home and under $8K, is my preferred starter. If you’re fading the Islanders, Anthony Stolarz ($7,600) is a decent option for multi-entry tournaments.
Best of luck tonight! For more fantasy hockey news and insights, follow me on Twitter @ndySanz.
