DFS: 5 Bold NHL Predictions
Here are some DFS-relevant predictions for the week ahead.
1. Sidney Crosby Will Resemble Sidney Crosby Again
One of the biggest statistical oddities of the season has been the struggles of the player widely regarded as the best in the world. Never in Crosby's 10 seasons did he fail to produce better than a point-per-game, but so far in 2015-16, he's put up a mere (for him) 15 in 23 games.
Recently, though, he's been returning to form. Crosby is on a five-game point streak, with three goals, three assists and 17 shots in that span. With his top line duties and first unit power play time, he looks a good bet to continue justifying his high DFS price throughout Pittsburgh's California road swing this week.
2. A Goaltending Controversy Will Engulf Toronto
Given the struggles of erstwhile number one netminder Jonathan Bernier and the recent injury to James Reimer, rookie Garret Sparks will make his NHL debut Monday against Edmonton.
This seems almost too easy. Sparks, who has performed well in the AHL this season, with a 8-2-1 record, 1.90 GAA and .938 save percentage, will win his first two starts against relatively weak opposition (the Oilers and Wednesday's opponent, the Jets) and the country's largest media market will work itself into a frenzy, anointing the rookie as the Leafs' latest savior.
Sparks is likely be low-priced when he gets added to all DFS sites, making him a value play during his initial success.
3. Shayne Gostisbehere Will Remain a Bargain
The offensive defenseman's price has been slow to rise from its initial bargain-basement level, but he's been taking advantage of first power play unit duties in the wake of Mark Streit's long-term injury, registering five points and 21 shots in eight games, including two overtime-winner goals.
With three games, including the defensively-suspect Ottawa and Columbus on Philadelphia's slate for the week, Gostisbehere will remain one of the biggest steals in daily fantasy.
4. Chris Stewart Will Make an Impact in Anaheim
Stewart is priced like an elite player, but hasn't yet produced like one, having scored only seven points in 23 games and yo-yoing between the top and bottom lines.
Despite an average ice time of only 11.2 minutes, he's managed to fire just over 1.5 shots per game. He's obviously a very risky pick, but given that the Ducks have four home games this week, including a plum matchup Monday with the defensively-challenged Canucks, Stewart could build on the goal he scored Friday.
5. The Sabres Will Go Undefeated This Week
It's admittedly not the most daunting three-game stretch (at Detroit, vs. Arizona, at Edmonton), but the Sabres have won two straight and have established themselves as far more competitive club than shown in last season's Philadelphia 76ers-esque tank job.
Even with Jack Eichel, the fruits of all that losing, in the fold, Buffalo doesn't score much, only averaging 2.21 goals per game, but its competitiveness has been build on its defensive solidity, with the team only allowing the fifth-fewest shots per game (28.3) and ranking middle-of-the-pack in goals allowed (2.54 per game).