There are two series clinching game scenarios today with the Vegas Golden Knights again trying to finish off the Chicago Blackhawks and the New York Islanders with their first chance to end the Washington Capitals playoff hopes. The Flyers will try and maintain their lead over the Canadiens while the Flames versus Stars war rages on. Who will be the first team sent out of the bubble this round?
We have a free pick for you today from the Montreal Canadiens. You may have heard his name already as he is making waves as a 21 year old but Nick Suzuki ($4,400 DK, $4,700 FD) is the real deal. It looks as though his line’s production has earned them first line status. With the increased minutes and his buy price staying low go out there and get yourself some easy value.
Goaltending DFS Picks For 8/18/20
Let’s be honest here about Robin Lehner’s ($8,300 DK, $8,700 FD) last loss. The two goals were incredibly lucky with one of them going off the back of his head. Corey Crawford played out of his mind but Vegas was clearly the better team. The Blackhawks have a young and bright future but this might be it for them.
For a Capitals team that played so well in the regular season they just don’t seem to be fully engaged in this postseason. No doubt Alexander Ovechkin and crew will do everything in their power to win but Semyon Varlamov ($7,700 DK, $8,400 FD) and the Islanders have a stranglehold over this series. Not only is their defensive system working but their offense is putting up goals to match. Either way it will be a great game but the edge goes to Long Island.
Center DFS Picks For 8/18/20
The matchup between the Flames and the Stars has all the makings for fireworks. For our centers today we are going for one from each. Let’s start with Sean Monahan ($5,300 DK, $6,600 FD) who is Calgary’s top line center. Flanked by Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm these guys are in their prime. All three can find the back of the net and will look to lead the charge. Monahan had two power play assists last game and wants more.
On the other side of the ice Tyler Seguin ($6,100 DK, $7,200 FD) has moved back into his natural center role. Over the course of the season he has bounced between that and wing trying to play whatever role necessary for the success of the team. He has Jamie Benn and Alexander Radulov on his wings and they are both tough customers. It will be an interesting matchup between them and Monahan’s scrappy line. Just for the entertainment alone Seguin is a solid value pick.
Winger DFS Picks For 8/18/20
While we may be high on the Islanders for this tilt it is unlikely they pull off the shutout. We haven’t had a chance to take Alexander Ovechkin ($8,600 DK, $8,400 FD) yet and now is the time. He will not go quietly into the night. At the very least expect a lot of shots with one or two sneaking through to keep the Capitals in this one. It will be a sad day when he is no longer in the league but he is still here today and will be a force to be reckoned with.
It was a toss up for us between Reilly Smith ($5,600 DK, $5,500 FD) and Jonathan Marchessault ($6,600 DK, $6,900 FD) but for the savings we are going for Smith. With a two goal game recently under his belt he is feeling himself and will be playing with fire every shift. That isn’t to say Marchessault isn’t worth it so if you have some extra coin laying around and like his game go for it. That line would love to finish the job against the Hawks tonight.
Defencemen DFS Picks For 8/18/20
Sticking with the Islanders defensive minded system we are putting our weight behind Ryan Pulock ($5,600 DK, $5,200 FD) again. He comes modestly priced for a power play specialist. He is a physical presence with shoot first ask questions later mentality. With six points in eight games so far he is a steady force and one that we trust.
Speaking of another consistent scoring defenseman we are back taking a good look at Miro Heiskanen ($5,400 DK, $5,100 FD). That is a steal for the Stars top point getter. The only time he has not recorded a point is when Dallas has been shut out. When they are scoring he is scoring.
Avoid DFS Picks For 8/18/20
It’s hard to say that Patrick Kane has been underperforming with a point per game pace but if you look at the underlying stats he is not playing up to his potential. Half of his points are coming from secondary assists and he only has one goal so far. It is an elimination game and we all know how clutch he is in the playoffs but it is hard to stomach such a high investment in him right now. Prove us wrong Kaner we love seeing you at the top of your game.
Have a blast out there guys and keep those picks coming. It is almost time for round two where the stakes will only get higher.
