SLATE PREVIEW
It's a Game 7 Special with the Wild visiting the Golden Knights. Minnesota has won two in a row to claw back into the series with seven goals in the last two games after only potting four over the first four. Vegas is clearly the better team, but suddenly have had trouble against Cam Talbot and Minnesota's balanced four-line attack, which featured seven different goal scorers across Games 5 and 6.
GOALIES
As per usual with FanDuel showdown formats, no goalies will be available for selection.
VALUE PLAYS
Ryan Hartman, MIN at VGK ($7,500): The stats don't show it, but Hartman has been excellent for the Wild with him ranking fourth among Wild forwards in 5v5 xGF, according to Natural Stat Trick. He's centering the third line, but also has Kevin Fiala on his wing and sits third in TOI/GP among Minnesota forwards.
Matthew Boldy, MIN at VGK ($6,000): Boldy was called up to the playoff roster and has yet to see action, but his high profile and goal-scoring ability have people wondering if his NHL debut is a matter of when, and not if. The former Boston College star posted 31 points in his final NCAA campaign before joining AHL Iowa where he dropped 18 points in 14 contests. If Boldy draws into the lineup, he'll likely be featured on one of the two power play units.
LINE STACKS
Wild at Golden Knights
William Karlsson, (C - $11,000), Reilly Smith (W - $8,500), Jonathan Marchessault (W - $14,500)
It makes sense with Max Pacioretty out of the lineup that Vegas's best line has been the one that's been together since the franchise started. Karlsson's line is operating at 64.06 5v5 CF% for the series, even though the trio have only combined for seven points. Their lack of finish is hurting the team, but at least they've been the best unit at controlling play and generating scoring chances.
DEFENSEMEN
Shea Theodore, VGK vs. MIN ($11,500): Through six games and 22 shots, Theodore still has zero points. He's underperforming his 5v5 xGF by 2.54 goals with a team-low on-ice 2.86 S%, according to Natural Stat Trick. It seems like insanity to keep picking Theodore, but at some point he should be able to break through. With only Utility spots needing to be filled, he's one of the few defensemen who offer comparable upside to top-six forwards.
Jared Spurgeon, MIN at VGK ($9,000): Spurgeon's ability to move the puck and power play role gives him more upside than other Wild defenders. He registered his first two points in the series in Game 6 just as the Wild offense came alive. And even if Spurgeon doesn't notch any points, he's at least been a reliable source of blocked shots.
