GOALIE
Martin Jones, SJ vs. CAR ($8,200): I cringe thinking of Jones as one of the surer bets tonight, but choices are limited with just three games on tap. To be fair, Jones was excellent in his previous start against the Habs, stopping 40 shots in a 3-1 win playing the second half of a back-to-back. Carolina's underlying possession numbers continue to be good, but they're treading water with a negative goal differential and five wins in their past 10 games.
CENTER
Adam Henrique, ANA vs. CHI ($4,200): The veteran center is on a five-game point streak with a goal and four assists, and with Ryan Kesler still trying to regain his form, Henrique has continued to play a big role for the Ducks. The team addressed their lack of depth on the wing by acquiring Daniel Sprong from the Penguins yesterday and he's expected to start on Henrique's right side, bringing in some more finishing ability to the lineup.
Dylan Strome, CHI at ANA ($3,500): The good news is that Strome and Alex DeBrincat are re-united, but the bad news is they've both been dropped to the third line with Patrick Kane getting brand new linemates in David Kampf and Dominik Kahun. However, Strome continues to be a tease at this price. He scored on the power play on Monday, giving him three points in four games as a Blackhawk.
WING
Leon Draisaitl, EDM at STL ($6,900): Talk about opposites: Draisaitl is on a four-game assist streak and the Blues just placed their best defenseman on injured reserve. While the Oilers are showing signs of turning it around under Ken Hitchcock, the Blues continue to trend in the wrong direction. Expected starter Jake Allen has allowed two goals in three of his past four games and holds a .896 save percentage this season. Draisaitl has scored seven points in eight games against the Blues in his career.
Andrei Svechnikov, CAR at SJ ($4,700): The production hasn't been up to snuff with just one goal in four games, but the 18-year-old rookie continues to get consistent minutes, including over two minutes per game on the power play. The Sharks won their most recent game but overall have lost four of their past five games with 21 goals allowed. Based on PDO, the Hurricanes have terrible luck but the Sharks' luck has been worse.
Robert Thomas, STL vs. EDM ($3,600): With the Blues making Thomas unavailable for the World Juniors, it's a clear sign they see him playing a big role for at least the next couple months. Thomas is currently on the top line averaging over 15 minutes per game, and his playing time may increase with Alex Steen and Robby Fabbri getting injured. Vladimir Tarasenko is struggling, so the Blues will give Thomas and Jordan Kyrou a chance to lead the offense.
DEFENSE
Vince Dunn, STL vs. EDM ($4,000): He's already quarterbacking the top power play unit but with Alex Pietrangelo out of the lineup that opens up some more even-strength ice time for Dunn as well. The Blues power play ranks ninth while the Oilers penalty kill ranks 27th, so the Blues have the clear advantage on special teams. Cam Talbot is likely going to get the start so that's even more good news for Dunn.
Josh Mahura, ANA vs. CHI ($2,700): He has just three NHL games under his belt but the 20-year-old rookie is already averaging over 18 minutes per game and getting plenty of time on the power play. Mahura is an offensive defenseman similar to Shea Theodore, though without the same kind of upside, but is nonetheless getting a lot of opportunities. He has an assist and six shots on goal and faces a Blackhawks penalty kill that ranks 29th in the league.
