Bargain Plays: Take a 'Devil May Care' Attitude with Moore and Kennedy
Here are the top sleeper picks for Tuesday's 12-game slate:
D John Moore, Devils (vs. Oilers)
Connor McDavid's return has done little to help Edmonton's defense, as the Oilers have conceded a whopping 13 goals in their last two games - most recently a 8-1 loss in Brooklyn to the Islanders.
Moore is getting back in game shape after an early January stint on injured reserve. He's seen over 20 minutes of ice time in each of the last three games, and has managed seven shots and nine blocks. Those secondary contributions provide a solid floor for his near-minimum price, and given Edmonton's defensive woes, Moore could easily find the score sheet as well.
W Tyler Kennedy, Devils (vs. Oilers)
Kennedy is only a third-line regular at even strength, but sees time on the Devils' 10th-ranked power play unit. He's managed seven shots over his last two games and, despite only having five assists in 27 games this season, figures to stand a decent chance of getting on the score sheet if Edmonton continues to hemorrhage goals.
C/W Mikhail Grigorenko, Avalanche (vs. Canucks)
Grigorenko's first season in Colorado has largely been spent shuffling between the first and fourth lines, but he's back on the top unit alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Matt Duchene.
The former Buffalo first-round pick registered a goal and four shots in a Saturday win over the Jets, and another favorable offensive matchup awaits with a home date against Vancouver, which allows the ninth-most goals per game (2.73) and the sixth-most shots (31.4).
G Jonas Hiller, Flames (vs. Leafs)
Hiller has allowed two goals or fewer in four of his last five starts, and draws a seemingly favorable matchup with the Leafs, who have either scored one goal or have been shut out in four of their last seven games.
Toronto will also be without key contributors Tyler Bozak and Joffrey Lupul, further depriving the league's 27th-ranked offense of what little scoring punch it had. Hiller is also among the cheapest starters on Tuesday's large slate, further helping his cause as a budget selection in goal.