Bargain Plays - Ride Gardiner on an Expressway to DFS Success
Here are the top sleeper picks for Saturday, February 20:
D Jake Gardiner, Maple Leafs (vs. Flyers)
The departure of Dion Phaneuf opened the door for other Leafs defenseman to log more minutes, and Gardiner has been a main beneficiary. One of the most gifted skaters in the entire league, Gardiner has averaged over 20 minutes of ice time, scoring two goals and adding two helpers during the six-game post-Phanuef era in Leaf Land.
Given his volume of playing time and the offensive upside, Gardiner makes for a great play in all formats with his minuscule price tag.
C Nick Cousins, Flyers (at Maple Leafs)
Due to lack of depth up the middle, Cousins has slotted in as Philadelphia's second-line center. Playing alongisde R.J. Umberger and the ultra-talented Jakub Voracek, Cousins has registered five points in his last seven games while scoring a goal in two straight contests.
He's priced slightly above the very minimum on most DFS sites and could easily return value with a point or a few shots on goal against the abysmal Maple Leafs, who haven't recorded a regulation win at home since January 2.
C/RW Mark Arcobello, Maple Leafs (vs. Flyers)
Speaking of those Maple Leafs, Arcobello happens to slot in as their second line center and will surely see plenty of Cousins. Arcobello has taken full advantage of the opportunity after slugging away in the AHL for most of the season. The journeyman has scored three goals and added one assist on his current three-game point-streak.
Over his past four games, Arcobello has taken 19 shots, giving him an extremely high floor for such an inexpensive player. Philadelphia's D core is nothing to write home about, giving Arcobello an ample opportunity to return value.
G Calvin Pickard, Avalanche (at Oilers)
Though he's not the first goalie you should look to roster Saturday night, Pickard can be your GPP goalie if you're extremely strapped for cash. The young netminder has posted a save percentage above .920 in three of his last four outings.
It'll be tough for Colorado to contain Edmonton's fire power, but Pickard will surely have low-ownership.