NHL first look: Game-by-game DFS breakdown for Jan. 24

There are 11 NHL games Sunday, with most DFS sites including the seven evening matchups in their featured contests. The Blues and Avalanche are the largest favorites on the docket, whereas the Penguins-Rangers and Oilers-Jets games have the highest over/under totals.

Let’s take a look at each of Sunday’s games.

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New York Islanders (-150) at New Jersey Devils

Semyon Varlarmov is locked in to start the season. The veteran has stopped 81 of 82 shots through his three wins and already has two shutouts. New Jersey has also scored just 2.16 goals per hour to start the season with nine through four games. Additionally, the Islanders held the Devils to just two high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five during New York’s 4-1 win Thursday.

It’s worth noting that the Islanders’ No. 1 line was caved in possession wise at five-on-five with a 31.2 Corsi For percentage. Interestingly, however, Mathew Barzal, Anders Lee and Jordan Eberle combined for three goals and three assists while also generating seven high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five. It was a tough night for rising-star Jack Hughes Thursday. He only had one shot attempt and wasn’t on the ice for a high-danger scoring chance at five-on-five.

New York Rangers at Pittsburgh Penguins (-132)

The Penguins have now won three straight — all in extra time — after topping the Blueshirts 4-3 in a shootout Friday. It’s been high-event, high-scoring hockey for the Pens all year, too. There have been 36 combined goals through five Penguins games this year. Similarly, the Rangers are also playing a run-and-gun style, so expect offense to trump defense again Sunday.

The Ryan Strome–Artemi Panarin–Pavel Buchnevich line dominated at five-on-five Friday with a 71.4 Corsi For percentage and three high-danger scoring chances. Whereas, it was Pittsburgh’s second line controlling the play with Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust and Jason Zucker creating five high-danger chances and posting a 67.9 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five.

Los Angeles Kings at St. Louis Blues (-190)

The Blues topped the Kings 4-2 Saturday despite losing the five-on-five possession battle. Los Angeles attempted 40 shots to St. Louis’ 30. There was also a huge disparity when Ryan O'Reilly’s line was on the ice, as he, David Perron and Zach Sanford only attempted two shots while allowing 10 — they also surrendered a goal. The Brayden Schenn–Jaden Schwartz–Jordan Kyrou line was much more dangerous with three high-danger chances and 14 shot attempts.

Expect St. Louis to roll out backup netminder Ville Husso Sunday. He has only served in mop-up duty at the highest level and surrendered four goals on 14 shots against Colorado in the second game of the season. After Cal Petersen started for Los Angeles Saturday, Jonathan Quick should return to the crease Sunday. Even with Quick’s underwhelming play the past few years (.896 save percentage and 3.09 GAA dating back to the 2018-19 campaign), the Kings still might have the goaltending edge.

San Jose Sharks at Minnesota Wild (-148)

The Wild shut the door Friday with a 4-1 win while holding San Jose to just four high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five. As hammered home in this space, Minnesota’s stringy defense dates back to last season, as the Wild surrendered the fewest high-danger chances at five-on-five in the league.

Offensively, the Sharks have been led by Tomas Hertl (three tallies and three assists), and defenseman Brent Burns has attempted 39 shots through five games. Even with Minnesota’s strong defensive play in mind, if Cam Talbot isn’t able to suit up, it could be a plus for San Jose. Backup Kappo Kahkonen has only seen NHL action seven times in his career.

Nashville Predators at Dallas Stars (-110)

This is a unique mismatch. Dallas scored five power-play goals and a shorthanded tally in their 7-0 win on Friday, As expected with such a goal differential, the possession numbers were tilted in Nashville’s favor — the Predators attempted 63 shots and generated 12 high-danger chances. Dallas only attempted 25 shots while generating four high-danger chances at five-on-five.

It would be surprising if Dallas ran the score up again Sunday, and especially if Jamie Benn (lower body) and/or Joel Kiviranta (lower body) are out of the lineup. The club is already without Tyler Seguin (ribs) after all. On the flip side, it’s quickly becoming clear that the Predators aren’t likely to score in bunches this season. Nashville has just eight goals and 23 high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five through its first four games.

Colorado Avalanche (-195) at Anaheim Ducks

Nathan MacKinnon was held off the scoresheet opening night and responded with a three-point showing, so look for a strong performance from No. 29 on Sunday. The Avalanche are listed as one of the largest favorites on the docket Sunday and have driven possession with a 53.3 Corsi For percentage while generating 59.4 percent of the high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five. In Friday’s 3-2 overtime win over Anaheim, those marks were 55.8% and 54.8%.

The Ducks lack the offensive firepower to keep pace and/or catch up if Colorado strikes early and often. Anaheim has only scored eight goals and created 28 high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five through five games, after all. Load up the Avs with confidence Sunday.

Edmonton Oilers (-127) at Winnipeg Jets

The Jets swept their three-game series with Ottawa outsourcing the Senators 14-7. However, it’s a steep step up in class Sunday. Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl present matchup problems Ottawa doesn’t have the personnel for, and Edmonton is also rested. This is a back-to-back spot for Winnipeg, so look for Laurent Brossoit to start for Winnipeg. He owns a mediocre .912 save percentage through 41 games over his three-year tenure with the Jets.

While McDavid and Draisaitl receive most of the accolades, Kailer Yamamoto has quickly established himself as a reliable scorer with 3.29 points per 60 minutes dating back to the beginning of last season. Yamamoto also ranks second on the team in high-danger scoring chances this season with nine — McDavid leads the way with 19. Turning to the Jets, it was a big series for their big players. Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, Nikolaj Ehlers and Kyle Connor combined for 23 points — nine goals — during the three-game set. Andrew Copp was also solid in his extended role with two tallies and two helpers through the three games.