NHL Building Blocks – April 8
Two games to start off the week as we wind down the regular season. Let’s dive in!
The premise of each article in this series is to feature starting spots (building blocks) for your lines. These are plays that are cash-viable as well as GPP-worthy and can be considered in all contest formats.
Starting Lineup – April 8
The Goalie: Ilya Samsonov ($8200 DK / $8500 FD)
Should be the popular goalie on the slate. The Leafs are close to being locked into the fifth seed in the East, and they’re at home tonight against the Penguins who are suddenly in the mix for one of the last spots. Toronto’s defense has been solid lately, allowing just 11 total goals in their last five games (winning four of them), and Pittsburgh’s offense has underachieved this season, ranking 20th in goals per game and an abysmal 31st in power play. Samsonov is 8-2 in his last 10 starts and is rounding into playoff form.
The Center: Sidney Crosby ($8200 DK/ $8600 FD)
Five goals and two assists in his last five games and has willed the Penguins back into contention. 40 goals and 85 points on the season (three assists away from 1000 for his career) as well.
The Wing: Mitch Marner ($6500 DK/ $8200 FD)
Back from injury and had an assist and two shots in 17+ minutes; should see closer to his normal 20 tonight. Skating on L2 with Tavares and on the normal PP1 line; also kills penalties. 77 points in just 63 games.
The Defenseman: Brayden McNabb ($3600 DK / $4600 FD)
Two assists to go along with eight shots and 12 blocks in his last five games; solid floor in a tough matchup tonight.
The Value: Bobby McMann ($4100 DK / $4800 FD)
L2 with Tavares/Marner; also centering PP2 and killing penalties (which could be needed against a desperate Penguins team). Two goals and 13 shots in his last five games.
The Stack: PIT1 (Crosby-Rust-O’Connor)
The Penguins have won six of their last seven games to get right back in the thick of the playoff race, currently one of five teams within three points of each other fighting for the final two spots. Toronto’s defense is attackable, and Pittsburgh has averaged over four goals a game during this 6-1 stretch. Sid is willing this team into contention, so I like going with his line here; mix in Malkin and Bunting (both L2) and Karlsson as power play pieces.
The Builder: none
Dec 10, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) celebrates with Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) after their game against the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports