SAT. OCT. 12
Player to watch for goal: Matthew Knies, F, TOR (vs. PIT) — The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has eight shots on goal through his first two games of the season, including four from high-danger areas per NHL EDGE stats (ranking in 98th percentile of category). Knies is playing on the top line with elite forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, and the Pittsburgh Penguins have allowed nine goals in their first two games.
Player to watch for point: Nikolai Kovalenko, F, COL (vs. CBJ) — The Colorado Avalanche rookie has been elevated to the top line with elite forwards Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen in the absence of Jonathan Drouin (upper body; out for next few games). Kovalenko had two shots on goal in 14:57 in his NHL debut against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. It’s worth noting Ross Colton is expected to take Drouin’s spot on the first power play with MacKinnon, Rantanen and high-scoring defenseman Cale Makar.
Player to watch for shots on goal: Viktor Arvidsson, F, EDM (vs. CHI) — The Edmonton Oilers are in a potential bounce-back spot (after losing season opener 6-0 at home to Winnipeg Jets) when they host the Chicago Blackhawks, who have allowed seven goals over their first two games. Arvidsson was held without a point in his Oilers debut but had two shots on goal in 15:56 playing on the second line with elite center Leon Draisaitl and also the second power play. Arvidsson has dealt with injuries in recent seasons but has a high ceiling in shots on goal with four seasons of at least 227 in his NHL career. Chicago will be on short rest after playing Friday.
Player to watch for power-play point: Connor Zary, F, CGY (vs. PHI) — The Calgary Flames forward scored the overtime goal in their season-opening win against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday and is playing in the top six and on the first power play in the absence of injured Yegor Sharangovich (lower body; week to week). Zary also had a power-play assist and three shots on goal in the opener with exposure to fantasy-relevant skaters Nazem Kadri, Jonathan Huberdeau, Andrei Kuzmenko and MacKenzie Weegar on the first unit. The Philadelphia Flyers will be on the second of back-to-back games.
