This article is part of our The Daily Puck series.
It's funny now to look back at what the asking price for Jonathan Drouin was last year. In almost every case, today, you'd take that deal in a heartbeat. Not saying yes to those "high asking prices" now looks ridiculous.
Last night Drouin had another one of those highlight reel goals that wasn't just about the goal but about the 30 seconds preceding the goal. Drouin put in the overtime winner against Colorado with an impressive solo effort.
That highlight doesn't even capture everything he did to make that goal happen. (Here's a longer version.) That play started in the Tampa Bay zone. Drouin helped pressure the puck out of the defensive zone, then put incredible pressure on Blake Comeau through the neutral zone, poked the puck into the offensive zone, and gained control.
The above highlight picks up after Drouin circled the offensive zone and took the puck into the neutral zone himself to regroup for the attack. With 17 goals and 36 points in 50 games, he's been great for Tampa as they've battled through injuries and he's been a solid play for fantasy rosters.
Featured Matchups
Panthers (PP: 27, PK: 3) at Blues (PP: 7, PK: 4), 8:00 p.m.
Expected Goalies:Roberto Luongo (16-14-6, 2.69, .915), Jake Allen (22-15-3, 2.69, .902)
Key Injuries:Robby Fabbri (knee), Paul Stastny (lower body)
This game could be deceiving. It's a meeting of two teams surging up the standings, who are, in many ways, outperforming their season-long numbers.
Over the last nine games, Florida has gone 7-1-1. It'd be easy to think that they're playing outstanding and will be formidable for the Blues in every possible way, but that's not the case. While they've been middling all season, they've ignited their offense. They're averaging 3.89 goals per game, up significantly from their season-long average of 2.53.
The return of Jonathan Huberdeau and Aleksander Barkov has been huge. They both have eight points in the last six games. But the scoring has been spread around. Over that nine-game run, Vincent Trocheck has nine points, Jussi Jokinen has eight, Keith Yandle has six, and there are six players who have put up five, including Jaromir Jagr, Alex Petrovic, Nick Bjugstad, Reilly Smith, Michael Sgarbossa and Jonathan Marchessault.
However, their defense has not been improved. During their run, they've allowed 3.11 goals against per game, which is up from their average of 2.74. That may open the door for another team on a hot streak. The Blues have put up an average of 3.22 goals per game in the nine games since Mike Yeo became head coach while posted a record of 7-2-0. That's a step up from the 2.85 goals per game they're averaging this season. They've also been defensively stout, allowing just 1.44 goals against under Yeo, which is a big improvement on their average of 2.88.
Yes, they're scoring, but a big factor for the Blues has been getting a little goaltending. You don't have to be scared to start Jake Allen any longer. He's been brutal at points this year, but since Yeo took over, Allen has a .934 save percentage.
There's basically been nothing that can stop Huberdeau and Barkov, so your big roster question Monday is whether or not you believe the surging Panthers offense can solve Allen and the Blues defense.
Ducks (PP: 13, PK: 7) at Coyotes (PP: 26, PK: 28), 9:00 p.m.
Expected Goalies:Jonathan Bernier (8-4-2, 2.80, .906), Mike Smith (15-16-6, 2.87, .917)
Key Injuries:Simon Despres (head), Antoine Vermette (suspension), Lawson Crouse (lower body), Louis Domingue (lower body)
Generally speaking, you look at this game and are excited about starting some Ducks. They're playing one of the worst teams in the league. Arizona's defense is porous. Arizona's offense is anemic. Arizona has been garbage.
But it's been a trap to think like that lately. The Coyotes have been on a run and playing above their season numbers. Over the last 12 games, the Coyotes are 7-4-1, which includes wins over the Kings, Penguins and Sharks. Let's break apart what's happening with the 'Yotes.
On the season, they're ceding 3.16 goals per game. On their run, it's down just slightly at 2.83. It's better, but this isn't a defense you can't beat. At the other end, their scoring is up from their season average of 2.32 to 3.25. That's a perfect storm for savvy fantasy owners. The improved Coyotes are going to allow you to mine their depth, but they're aren't so good they'll stop the Ducks from having value.
Additionally, the Coyotes may be lucking out if Bernier is in net. Gibson has been on a solid run with a .932 save percentage since Jan. 31. Bernier's numbers look good, but he's been seldom used, playing just six games since Dec. 21.
Recommended Pickup
Radim Vrbata, RW, ARI — The 35-year-old wing might not be a great long-term pickup, but you may be able to capture lightning in a bottle right now. You see it every year. A couple older players who have spent the season rolling a boulder up a hill on some cellar-dwelling tire fire recognize the opportunity to play for a Cup via trade. Both Vrbata and Martin Hanzal see that light at the end of the tunnel right now and are trying to peacock their way into the hearts of another team.
Those two have been the team's top scorers on their recent run with Vrbata potting a goal and 10 assists over the last 12 games, even though his ice time isn't significant. The same goes for Hanzal, who has six goals and three assists in the 11 games he's played during their 12-game run. Those two have been skating with a healthy Max Domi (five points in eight games since his return). They're affordable and they're on a tear. Take a look at what it costs to get them to add cheap depth on your roster.
