Predicting the Top 5 NHL Fantasy Line Combinations This Week
Grant White
Host · Writer
Buffalo Sabres: JJ Peterka - Tage Thompson - Alex Tuch
Schedule: vs. Dallas Stars (Oct. 22), vs. Detroit Red Wings (Oct. 26)
One of the few things that is going right for the Buffalo Sabres these days is the performance of their top line. JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch have been among the top lines in the NHL, a distinction that should follow them into this week.
The Sabres top line is operating at a torrid pace. Already, the trio has accounted for five goals, with all of those tallies coming at five-on-five. Every player has gotten in on the scoring, resulting in an on-ice shooting percentage of 19.2%.
Although it's an unsustainable benchmark to maintain, the Sabres' first line should have no problem extending that hot streak into this week. Buffalo has two home matchups, allowing the Sabres to deploy Thompson and Co. under ideal circumstances.
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Florida Panthers: Carter Verhaeghe - Sam Bennett - Evan Rodrigues
Schedule: vs. Minnesota Wild (Oct.22), at New York Rangers (Oct. 24), at Buffalo Sabres (Oct. 26)
Scoring depth was a big part of the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup-winning run last year, which also makes it harder to keep track of which lines are performing best. One combination that we expect to erupt this week is the trio of Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, and Evan Rodrigues.
Surprisingly, this Panthers' combination has yet to record a goal together at five-on-five. Still, their underlying metrics support that substantial scoring lies on the horizon. Florida's second line has combined for a 54.9% scoring chance rating and a 54.6% expected goals-for rating; however, their scoreless drought has dropped their on-ice PDO to 0.871.
Bennett and Verhaeghe are among the league leaders in shots. It won't be long before their output jumps to match their production.
Los Angeles Kings: Kevin Fiala - Phillip Danault - Trevor Moore
Schedule: at Vegas Golden Knights (Oct. 22), vs. San Jose Sharks (Oct. 24), vs. Utah Hockey Club (Oct. 26)
The Los Angeles Kings change up their line combinations regularly, but they need to find a way to keep Kevin Fiala, Phillip Danault, and Trevor Moore skating on the same line.
In limited action together, the Kings' second line has thrived. They've posted top-tier 63.0% Corsi and 68.8% shots-for ratings, precipitating a generous 61.0% expected goals-for percentage. Still, output has caught up to their gaudy production metrics, with the unit being held scoreless at five-on-five.
Los Angeles returns home this week following a seven-game road trip to open the campaign. We're betting that's the tipping point for getting more scoring out of this line.
Nashville Predators: Filip Forsberg - Ryan O'Reilly - Gustav Nyquist
Schedule: vs. Boston Bruins (Oct. 22), at Chicago Blackhawks (Oct. 25), vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (Oct. 26)
The Nashville Predators have had a tepid start to the year, and that's putting it mildly. The Preds are 0-5-0 to start the season, but thankfully, increased productivity and output are anticipated in the immediate future.
Nashville's top line of Filip Forsberg, Ryan O'Reilly, and Gustav Nyquist is expected to do most of the heavy lifting. In five games played, they've accounted for 28 scoring and 14 high-danger chances at five-on-five. That production has come without compromising their defensive integrity, yielding identical relative ratings of 63.6%.
Like the rest of the team, the Preds' top line is operating below expected levels. Increased scoring is forecasted in the short term, making this the week to prioritize Preds' skaters in DFS tournaments.
New York Islanders: Anders Lee - Jean-Gabriel Pageau - Simon Holmstrom
Schedule: vs. Detroit Red Wings (Oct. 22), at New Jersey Devils (Oct. 25), vs. Florida Panthers (Oct. 26)
Patrick Roy deserves a ton of credit for what he's done with the New York Islanders. Before he stepped in, the Islanders were destined for years of mediocrity as a fringe playoff team. Roy has the team firing on all cylinders, making the Islanders one of the toughest teams to play against in the NHL.
Loaded with talent up front, it's been easy to overlook the accomplishments of the Isles' third line. Anders Lee, Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and Simon Holmstrom have been one of the best two-way lines in the NHL and are projected for increased scoring. New York's third line has registered just one goal at five-on-five, significantly below their expected value.
The Islanders have three team-friendly matchups this week. Watch Lee and company take advantage, particularly on home ice, driving scoring on Long Island.
Buffalo Sabres: JJ Peterka - Tage Thompson - Alex Tuch
Schedule: vs. Dallas Stars (Oct. 22), vs. Detroit Red Wings (Oct. 26)
One of the few things that is going right for the Buffalo Sabres these days is the performance of their top line. JJ Peterka, Tage Thompson, and Alex Tuch have been among the top lines in the NHL, a distinction that should follow them into this week.
The Sabres top line is operating at a torrid pace. Already, the trio has accounted for five goals, with all of those tallies coming at five-on-five. Every player has gotten in on the scoring, resulting in an on-ice shooting percentage of 19.2%.
Although it's an unsustainable benchmark to maintain, the Sabres' first line should have no problem extending that hot streak into this week. Buffalo has two home matchups, allowing the Sabres to deploy Thompson and Co. under ideal circumstances.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Florida Panthers: Carter Verhaeghe - Sam Bennett - Evan Rodrigues
Schedule: vs. Minnesota Wild (Oct.22), at New York Rangers (Oct. 24), at Buffalo Sabres (Oct. 26)
Scoring depth was a big part of the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup-winning run last year, which also makes it harder to keep track of which lines are performing best. One combination that we expect to erupt this week is the trio of Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Bennett, and Evan Rodrigues.
Surprisingly, this Panthers' combination has yet to record a goal together at five-on-five. Still, their underlying metrics support that substantial scoring lies on the horizon. Florida's second line has combined for a 54.9% scoring chance rating and a 54.6% expected goals-for rating; however, their scoreless drought has dropped their on-ice PDO to 0.871.
Bennett and Verhaeghe are among the league leaders in shots. It won't be long before their output jumps to match their production.
