This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
We are finally getting closer to a legitimate full slate on a Sunday. However, until then, we will treat ourselves to these smaller slates with some creativity. There are three NHL games starting at 6 p.m. EDT or later, and that's the focus of today's article.
SLATE PREVIEW
We are finally getting closer to a legitimate full slate on a Sunday. However, until then, we will treat ourselves to these smaller slates with some creativity. There are three games starting at 6 p.m. EDT or later, and that's the focus of today's article. Four teams are playing on the second of back-to-backs: Minnesota, Nashville, Detroit and the Islanders
GOALIES
Kaapo Kahkonen, MIN vs. NSH ($8,500): Kahkonen did not have a great first season in the NHL with a 2.88 GAA and a 0.902 save percentage last year. However, Minnesota also struggled as a team, and things are looking brighter to start this season. Kahkonen is also going against a Nashville squad that loves to shoot the puck no matter the quality of the shot.
VALUE PLAYS
Anders Lee, NYI at VGK ($5,200): Even though the Islanders will be playing the back half of a back-to-back, they face a Vegas squad that has struggled to keep pucks out of its net and does not have an answer to a more physical presence. Lee should thrive against their smaller wingers.
Henrik Borgstrom, CHI vs. DET ($3,000): When it comes down to it, value is normally found in the bottom six. Borgstrom has a lot of untapped potential that was never unlocked in Florida. Now he finds himself centering Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome in Chicago, and this is an attractive matchup against a Red Wings squad that both played Saturday and lacks depth.
LINE STACKS TO CONSIDER
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings
Joel Eriksson Ek (C - $4,800), Kirill Kaprizov (W - $7,400), Mats Zuccarello (W - $4,600)
Kaprizov has yet to score a goal this season, but he does have five assists and he is surely due for his first goal. This is the perfect chance for him and the rest of the top-line to shine against a mediocre-at-best Nashville defense.
Vegas Golden Knights vs. New York Islanders
William Karlsson (C - $5,800), Jonathan Marchessault (W - $5,900), Reilly Smith (W - $4,600)
With Semyon Varlamov still not ready to make his season debut, the Islanders will likely run out Cory Schneider after Ilya Sorokin played Saturday. Schneider has barely seen the ice in the NHL over the past few seasons and is expected to be rusty. Look for this line to be plenty active Sunday.
DEFENSE
Seth Jones, CHI vs. DET ($6,300): Jones has 17 shots and eight blocked shots as well as three assists in five appearances. Not only does he play a big role in the offense, but his peripherals are just as good.
Nicolas Hague, VGS vs. NYI ($3,600): With teammate Alec Martinez likely out due to a lower-body injury, Hague will step into his role at even strength and on the power play. Through four appearances, Hague has one goal, one assist, seven shots and six blocks. Those are some solid numbers from a third-pairing defenseman. With the elevated role, it will not be surprising to see Hague produce even more.
