Givanni Damico | February 1st, 2019
The Blue Line Report, giving you today’s top core players along with stacks and top goalie plays.
Core Four Skaters:
Sidney Crosby (PIT) vs. OTT
I will continue to pick on Ottawa because of their terrible defense. Crosby had a great all-star game, but let’s be honest, those games were a joke. The NHL ASG is becoming like the Pro Bowl. He did score in his last game and has three points in his last five games. This isn’t very efficient for him, but come on, he’s facing Ottawa.
Johnny Gaudreau (CGY) at WSH
Johnny Hockey is having an amazing year worth 73 points in 51 games. He has six points in his last five games and I expect him to continue his immaculate season. It doesn’t really matter who Calgary faces, they are an offensive force in this league and have been playing very impressively (is that a word?) despite going into the season with a shaky goalie situation. The Capitals are also on a seven-game losing streak, so advantage Calgary.
Jack Eichel (BUF) vs. CHI
The Sabres have been skidding like crazy lately. At one point, they were the best team in the league, and now they’re not in the playoffs. I blame Carter Hutton and Marco Scandella. Anyways, enough of that. Eichel has been the one consistent piece of this team. I like him against the struggling Blackhawks and think this will be a win for the Sabres.
Viktor Arvidsson (NSH) at FLA
I fully expect the Predators to snap the Panthers’ three-game winning streak. Arvidsson has five goals in his last five games and has been the most consistent piece of this team. Florida’s goaltending situation is atrocious and I expect a big night from the Preds.
Stacks of the Night:
PIT PP1 (Crosby, Kessel, Letang) vs. OTT
Possible Additions – Evgeni Malkin (PP1):
Guys, they’re playing Ottawa.
NSH1 (Johansen, Forsberg, Arvidsson) at FLA
Possible Additions – Roman Josi (L1):
As I said, the Florida goaltending situation is very bad. If Nashville has a big night, I fully expect this first line to be the center of the production. If you want a sneaky play, I’d go with Colton Sissons.
BUF1 (Eichel, Skinner, Reinhart) vs. CHI
Possible Additions – Rasmus Dahlin (L1):
Have I made it clear that Marco Scandella sucks? I think Buffalo will be hungry for a win tonight. They didn’t play like it against Dallas, but this team needs to wake up and realize that they are in a heated competition for a playoff spot. Chicago is a team that Buffalo needs to pick up two points against, not one and obviously not none.
CGY1 (Monahan, Gaudreau, Giordano) at WSH
Possible Additions – Elias Lindholm (L1):
This team scores a lot of goals. So does this line. No more explanation is necessary.
Goaltenders:
Matt Murray (PIT) vs. OTT
Pekka Rinne (NSH) at FLA
Ben Bishop (DAL) vs. MIN
Questions and comments?
thescorecrowsports@gmail.com
Follow Us on Twitter @thescorecrow
Follow Us on Reddit at u/TheScorecrow
Follow Givanni Damico on Twitter @giodamico15
Main Credit Image:
