The first opportunity to advance to the next round starts today in the Vegas Golden Knights versus the Chicago Blackhawks game. Vegas is up three games to none and is looking to close this one out as soon as possible? Will the Blackhawks keep their season alive? Are any of their players worth rostering today? Check out today’s article to see what we think.
For our free pick today we are going to be looking over to the continuing collapse of the Washington Capitals. They are down two games to none to the New York Islanders and need a big win to stay alive. One of the guys who is likely to try and put a stop to that is Anthony Beauvillier ($4,800). The Islanders first round pick in 2015 is quietly putting up nearly a point per game in these playoffs and is worth a solid look.
Goaltending DFS Picks For 8/16/20
Yesterday Marc Andre Fleury stood tall against the Blackhawks and took home the win. With these games being back-to-back and the Golden Knights having put Robin Lehner ($8,300) in net most days we figure he is the option today. Lehner will be the freshest player on the ice and has been playing lights out. We think he will get it done and advance Vegas.
This is honestly a tough pick as we expect the Capitals to give everything they have but Semyon Varlamov ($7,700) and the Islanders system seems to be clicking. Their coach Barry Trotz emphasizes keeping shots low and making sure they are low danger when they happen. It has been working for them and we think it will keep working today.
Center DFS Picks For 8/16/20
We were stoked the other day when we put Bo Horvat as one of our top picks and he delivered. He scored two goals with one of them being the game winner. While we are still high on him we are going to shift the pick over to other top Canucks center Elias Pettersson ($6,500). He has scored some of the most creative goals we have seen this month and always finds himself in the right place. We are feeling him stepping up to not let Horvat get all the glory.
While the Blackhawks may be headed out of the bubble after today there is one guy who will do everything in his power to put the team on his back and keep them going. Jonathan Toews ($5,700) will be a man on a mission tonight. We are just looking forward to watching him try and take over. Toews is a playoff monster and is the guy on the Hawks we expect to put up the most points for your fantasy team.
Winger DFS Picks For 8/16/20
We feel pretty good about Robin Lehner’s chances tonight but who is he going to be getting the goal support from? Mark Stone ($7,000) does it all for you. He will get shots on goal, he will block shots, and he will probably be involved in some of the Knights points. Stone is sitting at 13 points in 10 games and scored the ever elusive shorthanded goal yesterday. He is a beast and needs to be in your line up.
We head back now to the Islanders and a discount winger from a top line. Jordan Eberle ($5,500) looks to help Mat Barzal and Anders Lee show why they deserve the most minutes on the ice. The Islanders depth has been doing the most damage and this line is primed to break out. Save the $400 over Lee and the $1,300 over Barzal and let Eberle get you that value you are searching for.
Defencemen DFS Picks For 8/16/20
Another skater who does it all is Montreal Canadiens Shea Weber ($5,900). The big man puts his body on the line every game and will put it in front of shots and through opponents bodies. He is one of the guys that makes us wish hits counted as a fantasy stat. But don’t worry he still pads other categories with a booming shot that is feared around the league.
It has been a long time coming but it looks as though Shayne Gostisbehere ($3,900) is healthy again and as dangerous as he was a couple of years ago. He picked up a couple of assists in the game against the Lightning and is seeing his stock rise. He is worth taking a shot on at that value and might surprise you.
Avoid DFS Picks For 8/16/20
Alexander Radulov did have a good game recently but you should tread with caution around him. The 34 year old had a pretty disappointing season and is clearly coming to the end of his contract and his days in the NHL. He may be able to go out on top but we are holding off for now until we see some more consistency in his game.
Keep the good times rolling and get those lineups set. We are in for a couple days of elimination hockey and can’t wait to see all the action unfold.
