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.
Sam Rinzel, D, CHI at FLA (38% rostered) – FanDuel $5,400
The one thing the Blackhawks weren’t bad at last season was the power play – they ranked seventh at 24.9 percent – and now they’ve got a proper QB in Rinzel. He joined the team late last season following two years at the University of Minnesota, and didn’t miss a beat with five assists in nine games.
The Panthers are stingy so the matchup is difficult, but only one other defenseman who plays PP1 – Kris Letang at $5,200 – comes with a lower salary, and it’s debatable if Letang’s matchup is easier.
Kris Letang, D, PIT at NYR (32% rostered) – FanDuel $5,200
As noted previously, Letang is the only other defenseman playing PP1 with a relatively lower DFS salary, though I do think his role is limited with Erik Karlsson playing on the same unit. Letang scored 12 of his 30 points on the power play last season, and note the Rangers had the fourth-worst net penalties differential last season, meaning they go on the PK a lot more often than they do on the PP. The Pens should get at least a couple PP opportunities.
Brandt Clarke, D, LA vs. COL (19% rostered) – FanDuel $5,200
Clarke is only an option if Rinzel and Letang are not available. He’ll most certainly play fewer minutes, and his biggest strength – offense – likely won’t be realized because the Kings are slated to play five forwards on their top PP unit with Clarke and Drew Doughty sharing duties on the second unit. I think the Kings have the easiest goalie matchup for Tuesday’s games, but Clarke may not see the ice often enough to capitalize.
Remember to bookmark The Hockey News Fantasy site for stats, news, analysis, rankings, projections and more, including the Sleepers and Keepers fantasy hockey podcast!