DFS Tuesday: Pittsburgh Primed For Offense, And Philadelphia Should Roll At Home

Brad Hayward

2023-01-24

I'm looking at an 11-game smörgåsbord menu – pick what you like – and there aren't really any matchups that seem badly unbalanced. Should be a fun night to watch scores (although I'll do so from within the PPG arena in Pittsburgh).

I'm going to go with the Pennsylvania teams, absolutely a first for me, then patch into the lineup some hot options, and a cold one.

Goalie: Carter Hart (DraftKings $7400). Hart is 4-3-0 in 2023, although two of those losses – really bad starts – were to Boston and Toronto. The Kings are not comparable to the elite in the East, and I'll play the Flyers to win at home.

Centers: Evgeni Malkin ($6200), and Scott Laughton ($4900). Pittsburgh's second line has done the lion's share of even-strength scoring lately; see his line-mate on my roster below. Laughton has 10 points in 11 games in the new year, averaging over two SOG and throwing in a blocked shot – a good value pick.

Wings: Kevin Hayes ($6200), Rickard Rakell ($5800), Pavel Zacha ($3300). Hayes has been the hottest of these with 13 points and 43 shots in 2023, though both he and Laughton are technically third-liners. Rakell, signed long-term with the Pens, already has 17 goals, and many of those from in close on the power play. Zacha, five points in his past four games, opposite David Pastrnak. And the Bruins roll on.

Defensemen: I feel good giving Quinn Hughes ($5100) a nod here, as Vancouver gets a win for new coach Rick Tocchet. Devon Toews ($4800) hasn't lived up to his fantasy potential this season – only three goals and two power-play points – but with Cale Makar possibly missing his fourth game, Colorado at home is still tempting and Toews will get his shots and assists.

Utility: … all of which left me the funds for Dylan Larkin ($6100), as the Wings host San Jose. The Detroit captain is over 40 points, averages 3 shots, and the Sharks… well, I'd take the "over" for this contest.

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Options: I'd initially slotted Lucas Raymond ($4300) into Larkin's spot, giving me the funds for Kyle Connor ($7700) over Rakell, so my remorse has already started.

Good luck to all!