Every day, the NHL.com team of hockey pool experts provides an overview of the different teams that will face each other and identifies certain players who could stand out and experience success.
ATTACKERS
Brandon Hagel, TBL (vs STL) – The Lightning forward is off to a superb start to the season with 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 12 games, and he has only been shut out in one of his last seven games. The most surprising thing is that 13 of his 14 points came at even strength, even though Hagel plays on the first wave of Tampa Bay’s power play. It’s only a matter of time before he picks up points in this facet of the game, especially when paired with a player like Nikita Kucherov.
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, CAR (vs. PHI) – If you can’t afford Martin Necas, why not turn to his center player? Kotkaniemi has just collected a point in each of his last three games and five in his last six meetings. He benefits enormously from the fact that he plays with Necas, who has collected 15 points in his last six outings. The Hurricanes face the Flyers, who are 28th in the NHL this season in goals allowed per game (3.67) and who are without their number one goalie, Samuel Ersson, who is in the infirmary.
Swiss
