This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
The NHL is pulling out all the stops for the first Saturday of the regular season. There are 15 games on the docket, which leaves one team out of action. However, the Devils-Avalanche matinee isn't included for fantasy purposes. You won't miss them. Your daily fantasy options are plentiful. Here is some of the cream of the crop.
GOALIE
Ottawa Senators, OTT vs. DET ($16,900):Craig Anderson was great last year, posting a 2.28 GAA and a .926 save percentage. He struggled in the season opener, but that was against Washington. The Red Wings were a punchless offense last season, averaging a mere 2.41 goals and 28.5 shots on net per game. This should be an easier outing for Anderson.
CENTER
Sean Monahan, CGY vs. WPG ($12,800): After giving up 3.11 goals per game last season, the Jets opened this year by giving up seven goals to the Maple Leafs. It would appear their defensive issues have not been solved. In his last three seasons, Monahan has never failed to notch at least 27 goals, and he's tallied at least 17 power-play points per year in that time as well.
Brayden Schenn, STL vs. DAL ($11,600): The Stars played Friday, which means Kari Lehtonen could end up starting. That's the same Lehtonen who hasn't had a save percentage greater than .906 in his last three seasons. Schenn made a real impact in his Blues debut, notching a goal and an assist. Additionally, he played 3:41 on the power play, so Schenn's role seems similar to the one he had with Philly, where he excelled with the extra man.
WING
James van Riemsdyk, TOR vs. NYR ($13,200): The concerns about Henrik Lundqvist stemming from last year's performance (2.74 GAA, .910 save percentage) remain. In the season opener, the 35-year-old Swede posted a .880 save percentage. Van Riemsdyk's minutes were down last season, but he still tallied 29 goals and 19 power-play points. This year, he already has two power-play points, so that's so far so good for JVR?
Evander Kane, BUF at NYI ($12,600): The Islanders are on the second night of a back-to-back, and both of their goalies had to play Friday. If there is one thing you can count on with Kane, it's him putting shots on goal. Last year, he tallied 260 shots on goal in 70 games, notching 28 goals to boot. He registered 11 shots on goal in the season opener, and the Islanders don't seem likely to put the clamps on Kane.
Max Domi, ARI vs. VGK ($9,900): Sure, Vegas pulled off a win in its inaugural game, but it relied on Marc-Andre Fleury making 45 saves. There is still something quite enticing about a matchup against an expansion team on the second night of a back-to-back. Domi had some issues in an injury-shortened sophomore season, but he's off to a good start this season.
DEFENSEMEN
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI vs. VGK ($9,700): Why not throw in another Coyote for good measure? There was some concern that Ekman-Larsson would miss the season opener, but he ended up playing 24:35, including 3:56 on the power play. No worries there. His numbers were a little down last year offensively, but in the two seasons prior he put at least 228 shots on net. Plus, again, this is a matchup against an expansion team on the road for the second night of a back-to-back. The potential is tremendous.
Brent Seabrook, CHI vs. CLM ($9,400): The Blue Jackets may try to start Sergei Bobrovsky on back-to-back nights, but if not Joonas Korpisalo (.905 save percentage last season) will be in net. That would certainly improve Seabrook's odds of finding success. Bad puck luck left him with a 2.3 shooting percentage last year, but this season he already has a goal (and two assists). With 147 blocked shots last year, he could also help you out on the defensive end.
