NHL Building Blocks – December 16
Three games on tonight’s slate. There are some high-octane offenses to stack, but where can we go with the popular options and where might we get different? 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 – December 16
The Goalie: Jake Oettinger
In discussion for best goalie in the league, Oettinger (15-7-0 / 2.39 / .911) continues to be elite in all facets (and it helps that Dallas is one of the best defensive teams in hockey as well). Washington’s offense is solid and can shoot, and the Stars are at home as well, so he’s someone I can see being viable in small- and large-field tournaments.
The Center: Leon Draisaitl
Playing possibly the best hockey of his career (?); five goals and eight helpers in his last five games and is leading the league in goals with 22. Edmonton is at home and Florida’s defense has been perhaps unsurprisingly average at best this season.
The Wing: Mikko Rantanen
Three assists last game and has three goals and eight helpers during his five-game point streak; solid matchup on this small slate and always has elite upside skating with Mac. Leads the team in goals with 18 and is tied for second in the league in scoring with 46 points.
The Defenseman: Quinn Hughes
I think most people will lean Makar on this slate, but Hughes has nearly as high an upside normally, and against a bad Avs defense, it might be higher tonight. Last season’s Norris winner has 34 points in 29 games and leads the team in shots with 93.
The Value: Anton Lundell
Slides up to center L1 in Barkov’s absence while still centering PP2 and kills penalties, and he’ll be needed all over against a high-upside Oilers offense. 19 points (eight goals) in 30 games on the season.
The Stack: VAN (Pettersson-Boeser-Hughes)
There are arguably more high-profile stacks on the slate, but this is a spot that I think we can get different-ish on while still not sacrificing upside. Colorado hasn’t appeared to have solved its defensive issues yet, and I’m happy to keep attacking them until they do, especially when a productive trio like this is lower-owned. Debrusk is a cheap fourth piece, so don’t forget to mix him in.
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May 20, 2024; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) handles the puck against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period in game seven of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports