No team has earned more points against the Blackhawks than the Predators since the 2019-20 season.
On every game day this season, THN Fantasy will highlight players and goalies for fantasy managers to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies can be used in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games
5 games on Friday, Feb. 7
* - confirmed
Alex Nedeljkovic, PIT at Igor Shesterkin, NYR (7 p.m. ET)
Ilya Sorokin, NYI at Connor Hellebuyck, WPG* (8 p.m. ET)
Juuse Saros, NSH at Petr Mrazek, CHI (8:30 p.m. ET)
Trent Miner, COL at Stuart Skinner, EDM (9 p.m. ET)
Jake Oettinger, DAL at Darcy Kuemper, LA (10:30 p.m. ET)
Goalies
Alex Nedeljkovic, PIT at NYR (20% rostered)
The Penguins play a back-to-back Friday and Saturday, so it's likely Nedeljkovic gets this game and Joel Blomqvist gets the easier matchup against the Flyers. It just makes sense because Nedeljkovic is playing very well right now, allowing just six goals in his past four starts. He's only won two of those games, including a shutout win, because the Pens aren't providing much goal support, and note they may be without Sidney Crosby, who was injured in their previous game against the Devils.
I think Nedeljkovic could be good for a lot of saves and a high save percentage, but I doubt the Pens can provide enough offense to help him earn the win. The Rangers' problem isn't scoring, especially after acquiring J.T. Miller - it's their defense but, again, it's doubtful the Pens offense can even take advantage.
Petr Mrazek, CHI vs. NSH (11% rostered)
Mrazek is an enticing option even though the Blackhawks have lost six of their past seven. He's also allowed 12 goals in his past three starts, but what gives me some hope is the Predators' own anemic offense and their five-game losing streak. Mrazek lost his previous start against the Preds on Oct. 25, but it was a close 3-2 matchup with the game-winning goal coming via the power play. Historically, the Preds have dominated this matchup with a 20-2-3 (!) record against the Hawks since the 2019-20 season. Only two teams (Wild, Hurricanes) have a better record against them based on points percentage.
Both teams are trending downwards but the Preds have history and a veteran lineup on their side. I don't like Mrazek very much in this matchup, though he'll likely face a lot of shots.
Trent Miner, COL at EDM (0% rostered)
Do not be surprised if Mackenzie Blackwood, who started Thursday against the Flames, gets this start with the Avs in the heat of a playoff race. This should be Scott Wedgewood's start, but he's day-to-day with an upper-body injury and Miner suited up as Blackwood's backup on Tuesday in Vancouver. Miner has just one start this season, a 3-1 loss to the Blackhawks where he allowed three goals on 20 shots, and there's just not much evidence that he can be effective against a dangerous Oilers offense.
This is a challenging matchup for the Avs and it's inadvisable to start any of their goalies. They'll have to choose between Blackwood on short rest, Wedgewood coming back from injury or their untested No. 3 option. Miner has little fantasy value due to his ability and inexperience, and the only way the Avs can win this matchup is if they can provide a ton of goal support, which might prove difficult since their offense has dipped since trading Mikko Rantanen. Hard pass on Miner, and the only Avs starter may be worth starting is a tired Blackwood.
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