Justin Rosser February 16, 2021
NJD(+115) VS NYR(-135)
Starting goalies:
Mackenzie Blackwood(NJD)
Igor Shesterkin(NYR)
My Pick: New York Rangers
Summary: New Jersey has not played hockey since Jan 31, that’s half a month. Even with a Rangers team sans Panarin, I have to take the team with their sea legs under them. The Devils are also without Nico Hischier, Travis Zajac, Nikita Gusev and Dmitri Kulikov due to not being cleared yet.
NYI(-130) VS BUF(+110)
Starting goalies:
Ilya Sorokin(NYI)
Carter Hutton(BUF)
My pick: New York Islanders
Summary: New York handled them the other night coming off the postponements similar to New Jersey. Buffalo looked out of sync, they could play more competitive tonight, but I think the Islanders are just the better team this year. Sorokin has a lot to prove, losing the goaltender battle with Semyon Varlamov early in the year in what many people had thought Sorokin might put up a fight for the starting role.
WAS(+105) VS PIT(-125)
Starting goalies:
Vitek Vanecek(WAS)
Tristan Jarry(PIT)
My pick: Pittsburgh Penguins
Summary: This matchup is extremely close, really the separating factor for me, is Vitek Vanecek. I don’t think he is a good goaltender at all, not to say Jarry is jaw dropping himself. But in what I see another high scoring affair, I think Jarry will make the bigger saves on the night and pull out another win against Ovi and the crew.
COL(-105) VS VGK(-115)
Starting goalies:
Philipp Grubauer(COL)
Marc-Andre Fluery(VGK)
My pick: Vegas Golden Knights
Summary: Two powerhouse teams meet again after a very goal shy 1-0 victory for Vegas. This game could go either way, Vegas has been a strong team this year and I’m comfortable with rolling with them. Colorado is without stud Gabriel Landeskog.
MIN(-135) VS LAK(+115)
Starting goalies:
Kaapo Kahkonen(MIN)
Jonathan Quick(LAK)
My pick: Los Angeles Kings
Summary: Another team that has not played in an extended period of time due to postponements. LA are the home team and have been playing better lately. I will always lean away from a team that has missed half a month on their first game back. This game could still go Minnesota’s way, but I rather go on the team that’s been playing and there is no rust to shake (especially goalies), plus you get better odds.
Justin Rosser February 16, 2021
Fantasy Marksmen 