NHL Building Blocks – January 31
Last slate before the All-Star break. Great stuff so far this first half, and we’ve got three games to finish it off. Let’s dive in!
The premise of each article in this series is to feature starting spots (building blocks) for your lines. These are plays that are cash-viable as well as GPP-worthy and can be considered in all contest formats.
Starting Lineup – January 31
The Goalie: John Gibson ($8100 DK / $7500 FD)
Feels yucky to go with this one, but I don’t mind some of Gibson tonight facing the lowly Sharks who played last night and who are still in possession of the league’s worst record and goals scored average. He’s actually been okay this season, record aside (9-18-1 / 3.09 / .900), but that’s more because the Ducks as a whole aren’t that good.
The Center: Dylan Larkin ($8000 DK/ $8800 FD)
Like the Wings’ captain tonight against a very below-average defense. Team leader in goals (22) and points (46) in just 44 games and sees time in all three situations.
The Wing: Brady Tkachuk ($7500 DK/ $8800 FD)
Not expecting another eight-shot performance like the other night, but can still put the puck on net in a hurry; leads the team in goals (21) and shots (199), and Detroit’s defense is average at best.
The Defenseman: Roman Josi ($7300 DK / $8500 FD)
Incredibly sound floor and nice ceiling in any matchup; 44 points in 50 games to go along with 89 blocks and 162 shots. 13 points in his last 10 games (six in his last five). Consistent as they come.
The Value: Shane Pinto ($4200 DK / $5100 FD)
Centering PP1 and cheap. Two points and 12 shots in five games since coming back from suspension (gambling).
The Stack: DET1 (Larkin-DeBrincat-Raymond-Seider-Walman)
A nice upside stack here as the Senators have statistically one of the worst defenses in the league, and the Wings can score the puck very well (3.51 goals per game, fifth in hockey). The Wings have also won nine of their past 12 games and have some momentum going into the break. Add in Gostisbehere and Compher for secondary exposure.
The Builder: DET/OTT o6.5
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
