Holy smokes everybody it is time for NHL to start back up. If you didn’t already know, the DFS Army is changing the fantasy preparation game in a big way this year. Here at the Army we have a plethora of new/returning coaches, a more effective version of our cheat sheets, and our IT experts have tweaked our domination station to be even more accurate and user friendly. Come gain access to our discord, communicate with the top coaches in the game, and make fun of me whenever you want! Now, onto the slate!
Slate Overview:
Fairly simple 5 game slate here with some pretty clear chalk, as well as some sneakier spots. Writing about the chalk is no fun for me, but it needs to be mentioned when it is this clear cut. The overwhelming chalk of the slate will be the Leafs at home against the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have not yet played a home game, and the Leafs have been scoring at will to start the season. Auston Matthews has 2 games and 2 hat-tricks. In bigger tournaments we will have to find different ways to get unique if we’re going with the Leafs. They are good chalk though. To a lesser extent, the Devils will be chalky at home against the Panthers and their terrible defense. Ilya Samsonov is probably the chalkiest goalie on the slate, and Sergei Bobrovsky may be my favorite GPP goalie on the slate.
Correlated Snipe #1 – Dylan Larkin – Alex Debrincat
The Red Wings have been historically dominant in Columbus, and even through their lesser years, have put up some high totals. So far this season Columbus got lit up by Philly’s big boys (which is embarrassing), and got a little lucky defensively vs the Rangers. The Rangers scored 3 goals, got 2 goals taken away for offsides, and thoroughly outshot Columbus throughout the contest. Maybe Elvis Merzlikins is starting a bounce-back season, but it is impossible to know this early on. I am predicting a close barn-burner in this game, and for Merzlikins to regress back to the mean a bit. Larkin and Debrincat have looked good to start the year, and Larkin low key has a rivalry vs some of the old Michigan Alumni there. Pairing with Moritz Seider or Shayne Gostisbehere makes sense if you are going for maximum upside.
Oct 14, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin celebrates a goal by right wing Alex DeBrincat against Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Jonas Johansson during first-period action on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Detroit, Michigan. Mandatory Credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier-USA TODAY Sports
Correlated Snipe #2 – Mika Zibanejad – Chris Kreider
The Rangers are not happy with their result in Columbus, and are returning to their home fans at MSG. I have been an advocate for this Coyotes team that the Rangers are playing, but the situation is what it is. I think the Rangers fly under the radar a bit, and have super sneaky high upside. Karel Vejmelka is a good goalie, and Arizona has an all around improved roster; however, a random Monday night at MSG vs a group of battle-tested and pissed off veteran contenders is a tough task to beat with such a young team.
Grinder #1 – Dmitry Kulikov – 2nd D-pair, 1st PK, Kulikov is cheap value for a slate with expensive studs. Maybe a blicked shot bonus
Grinder #2 – Ivan Provorov – A much better 2nd game. Another D-man, but Provorov I think is running the top PP unit for Columbus.
Grinder #3 – Adam Fantilli – That first goal is coming soon. 3rd overall pick and stud. Good chemistry with Patrik Laine
Grinder #4 – Kaapo Kakko – Not on the PP1, but is paired with Zibanejad and Kreider. If not stacking NYR, Kakko could work as a one off punt play.
Bankroll Grinder – I’m seeing the Devils moneyline, Toronto -1.5, and Washington/Calgary under 6.5, at a cool +400 on a 3 leg parlay. Remember to check out the Sharp App!
