This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
March Madness has been completely insane, but the NHL has brought plenty of excitement in its own right. Saturday could be quite the exciting day, as there are 10 games in the evening (not to mention two in the afternoon not included for daily fantasy purposes). Here are some lineup recommendations from those 10 contests.
GOALIE
Florida Panthers, FLA vs. ARI ($17,300): The Coyotes are 10-18-7 on the road and have only averaged 2.46 goals per game this season. Although the Panthers' overall defensive numbers aren't great, since the All-Star break they have a 2.56 GAA. That's largely thanks to Roberto Luongo, who has a 2.48 GAA and a .926 save percentage since returning from injury.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS at MON ($13,600): Most pertinent is that Backstrom has averaged 3:30 per game on the power play and notched 21 points with the extra man in 73 games. Why is that worth focusing on? Because the Canadiens have the 30th-ranked penalty kill, and it's dead last since the All-Star break. To sweeten the pot further, the Habs will be on the second night of a back-to-back.
Mathew Barzal, NYI vs. CHI ($13,000): Barzal is still working hard to lock up the Calder, as he has a five-game point streak. That has helped give him 76 points in 74 games, including 24 with the extra man. Although the Islanders are poster boys of defensive ineptitude, the Blackhawks are coming for that crown. Since the All-Star break they have a league-high 3.73 GAA.
WING
James van Riemsdyk, TOR vs. DET ($13,400): Van Riemsdyk has started a team-leading 63.5 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, and it has paid off in spades. The 28-year-old has notched 34 goals on 219 shots, including eight in his last five outings. March has been less kind to the Red Wings. They have a 4.00 GAA in 11 games this month with a 3.08 GAA overall.
Jeff Skinner, CAR at OTT ($12,500): Skinner has started 65.7 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, tops on the Hurricanes. An 8.7 shooting percentage has hurt his numbers a bit, but the winger has put 253 shots on net in 74 games. Plus, he just tallied two goals in his last outing. The Senators have a 3.42 GAA, second highest in the NHL, and that number rises to 3.57 at home, also second highest in the league.
Alex DeBrincat, CHI at NYI ($8,800): DeBrincat notched a hat trick a few games ago which gave the rookie 25 goals this season. Admittedly, outside of that game the goals have been hard to come by for the 20-year-old, but this matchup could be good for what ails him. The Islanders have a 3.61 GAA and have allowed 35.7 shots on net per game. They also have the league's worst penalty kill. If you are worried about this game being in Brooklyn, don't. New York has a mind-boggling 3.78 GAA at home.
DEFENSEMEN
Sami Vatanen, NJD vs. TAM ($9,500): The Lightning have a 3.44 GAA since the All-Star break, owing in part to the fact they have allowed 34.6 shots on net and posted the 30th-ranked penalty kill in that time. Vatanen, for his part, has averaged 2:34 per game with the extra man and tallied 11 power-play points in 49 games with the Devils. He's also played quite well recently, totaling eight points in his last 11 contests.
Neal Pionk, NYR vs. BUF ($7,300): Injuries to the New York blue line have opened the door for Pionk to suddenly get a significant role with the Rangers. He's also red hot, as he has a six-game point streak, including eight assists. Now Pionk faces a Sabres team with a 3.26 GAA that is on the second night of a back-to-back. If you are looking for an interesting bargain option, this could be your man.
