Unearth hidden defensive gems poised for big nights. The Capitals' Jakbo Chychrun leads the charge, but don't overlook value plays.
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 are rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and can be selected in standard fantasy leagues and/or for daily fantasy games.
Jakob Chychrun, D, WSH vs. NYI (99% rostered) – FanDuel $5,900
A lot of shots on goal and a modest amount of blocks gives Chychrun a pretty high floor, and at this salary is a viable value play in DFS games. John Carlson still commands PP1, but Chychrun has been used in front of the net at times, which is a great way to collect shots and goals rather than shooting from the blue line. The Isles have been a good matchup for Chychrun throughout his career with 10 points in 15 games.
Brayden McNabb, D, VGK vs. COL (19% rostered) – FanDuel $4,300
No points for McNabb with this streaming/DFS play, but there’s more than a good chance that he blocks a lot of shots. Vegas’ top pair will see a ton of ice time against a dangerous offensive team that leads the league in shots per game. This should be a fast-paced game with tons of scoring chances going either way.
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, D, DET at ANA (3% rostered) – FanDuel $4,200
He’s listed as “Axel Sandin” on FanDuel, so just be aware of that. Both of Sandin-Pellikka’s points have come on the power play and now faces a very middling Ducks PK. I think you can get a modest amount of shots and blocks for a very low cost and some PP2 exposure for a young defenceman who has a hot hand.
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