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Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Wednesday, April 19 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockey and apply to 5v5 situations):
Dynamic Duos
- LW Zach Parise (47K) & C Eric Staal (46K), Wild (at Blues): The Blues own the worst 5v5 Corsi rating of all 16 playoff teams, yet they lead the Wild, owners of the best CF%, three games to none. Minnesota is averaging nearly a full expected goal per 60 minutes more than St. Louis and roughly 1.5 more scoring chances per 60. Lean on Minnesota's most experienced forwards, as will head coach Bruce Boudreau.
- LW Alex Ovechkin (65) & C Nicklas Backstrom (59K), Capitals (at Maple Leafs): The Capitals' first line of Ovechkin, Backstrom and RW T.J. Oshie led the team with 21.31 percent of the 5v5 playing time in Game 3. Even still, head coach Barry Trotz said he's committed to playing Ovechkin more in Game 4. He has two goals on 15 shots on goal through three games. Backstrom has two goals and an assist on eight SOG.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
Bargain Plays
- LW Clarke MacArthur (25K), Senators (at Bruins): MacArthur was held without a shot on goal in the Senators Game 3 victory, but he was able to tally three SOG in each of the series' first two games. He played 16:45 in Game 2 and 14:17 in Game 3, primarily on a line with C Jean-Gabriel Pageau and LW Tom Pyatt. He is also seeing time on the top power-play unit as the fourth forward.
- D T.J. Brodie (25K), Flames (vs. Ducks): Brodie has played 65.28 percent of the power-play time and 29.22 percent of the 5v5 time through the first three games of the series. He has been producing on offense, with four assists through the three games. At the minimum salary, he is a much better target than the higher-priced forwards, as he receives much of the same opportunity.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
Top Fades
- C Evgeny Kuznetsov (57K), Capitals (at Maple Leafs): More ice time for Ovechkin, and subsequently Backstrom, will mean less time for Kuznetsov. His TOI already dipped in Game 3, his lowest of the series thus far, though he did register his first goal of the postseason. He possesses a salary similar to Backstrom, with the latter being the preferred target.
- LW Jason Zucker (35K), Wild (at Blues): Zucker played just 15.2 percent of 5v5 minutes in Game 3. His 13:15 of total ice time was his least playing time since Game 81 of the regular season. His salary hasn't dipped very much, despite a lack of playoff production. Opt for the more proven options from Minnesota.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
Contrarian Options
- RW Michael Frolik (38K), Flames (vs. Ducks): Frolik has just one assist in the three games thus far, but he tallied a series-high three SOG in Game 3. He has played no less than 18:39 in each of the three games. His 5v5 line has been the most used by Calgary, while he has also played 13.9 percent of the power-play minutes.
- LW Nick Ritchie (27K), Ducks (at Flames): Ritchie play 13:38 in Game 3, his highest total of the playoffs. He responded by scoring his first goal, though he tallied just one SOG for the second consecutive game. He played just 10.59 percent of the 5v5 minutes, but he remained opposite RW Corey Perry with Antoine Vermette centering the third line.
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