After a wild lead-up to the Christmas Break, we seem to be returning to a regular schedule. We have four games starting at 3 p.m. EST with the Flames and the Capitals in plus-matchups.
Chicago's the only team on the second-half of a back-to-back. Colorado enters with a below-average goals against (3.36) and will visit the stingy Ducks, while Vegas will look to their depleted fourth-best offense (3.5) against the Jets.
DISCLOSURE: Things may not be the same at puck drop due to COVID-19. Make sure to monitor the news feed and play at your own risk.
GOALIES
Jacob Markstrom, CGY at CHI ($7,500): Markstrom hasn't been stellar with suspect save percentages in his last two appearances. Fortunately, he'll be playing against the poor Blackhawks attack only averaging 2.23 goals. The Flames seemed to have recovered from their COVID crisis and are slated to play with a full lineup, though their opponents are rotating players in and out of the lineup.
VALUE PLAYS
Nicolas Roy, VGS vs WPG ($4,200): Roy has benefited from Vegas's many absences this season. Mark Stone and Max Pacioretty are out once again and Roy finds himself on the top power-play. Over his last five outings, he's produced three points and 13 shots.
Cole Perfetti, WPG at VGS ($3,000): The Jets' prized prospect saw his time at the World Juniors get cut short, but it may have been a blessing in disguise. Perfetti had been recalled to the taxi squad and then found himself on the third line and top power-play. He's also shown he can skate with NHL-caliber players and at the minimum salary only needs a couple shots to hit value.
LINE STACKS TO CONSIDER
Flames at Blackhawks
Elias Lindholm (C - $7,100), Johnny Gaudreau (W - $7,400), Matthew Tkachuk (W - $7,300)
The Flames' top unit has been on fire of late with a combined six goals, nine assists and 48 shots in the past five games. Going against a lackluster Chicago team who is struggling to produce goals and keep them out, this represents a prime spot to spend up.
Golden Knights vs Jets
William Karlsson (C - $4,600), Reilly Smith (W - $5,400), Jonathan Marchessault (C - $7,500)
Once again, Karlsson, Smith and Marchessault are being highlighted in the line stacks. Due to the many injuries and COVID-19 issues, they're now the Golden Knights' top trio and have posted a 4-4-8 line with 42 shots across the last five contests. The Jets have also had their own concerns and this matchup could be fast-paced with plenty of goals.
DEFENSE
Rasmus Andersson, CGY at CHI ($4,200): Andersson has been hot lately racking up double-digit fantasy points in all but one appearance from his last five with a combined four assists and 12 shots.
Dougie Hamilton, NJ at WAS ($7,000): Dougie remains a pivotal piece to the Devils' success and will be instrumental if they want to beat the Caps. Over his last five outings, he's managed four point, 20 shots and six blocked shots. Hamilton doesn't always hit his ceiling, but should produce a decent enough floor against an attack-heavy opponent.
