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.
ATTACKER
Viktor Arvidsson, EDM (vs LAK) – Arvidsson is going through a nice streak with eight points in his last ten games, including four in his last four. During this 10-game streak, he never had a negative differential, compiling a record of +7. He has also taken 11 shots in his last three games, which is up from his average of 2.5 shots since the start of the season. Playing on the same Leon Draisaitl line at five-on-five means that Arvidsson will always have the chance to have a big game, even against the Los Angeles Kings who have only allowed four goals in their last four games.
DEFENDER
Gustav Forsling, FLA (vs PHI) – Forsling has gotten on the scoresheet in three of his last four games (one goal, two assists). Since Dec. 30, Forsling leads Panthers defensemen in average ice time (24:33) and shots on goal (15). His playing time should not decrease this evening, since his teammate Aaron Ekblad (undisclosed injury) did not make the trip to Philadelphia. Florida faces a Flyers team that has just one win in its last five games. Philadelphia also ranks 30th in the NHL in goals allowed per game (3.47).
GUARDIAN
Dustin Wolf, CGY (vs CHI) – Wolf has been at the heart of the Flames’ success, as evidenced by his 6-1-1 record in his last eight starts, a stretch during which he maintained a 1.98 goals-against average and save percentage of .930. The Flames face the Blackhawks, who are 2-8-0 in their last 10 games and occupy 32nd and last place in the overall NHL standings. Chicago is also last in the league in average shots taken per game (25.1), so Wolf shouldn’t face an avalanche of shots.
