Every day, NHL.com’s team of hockey pool experts provides an overview of the different rosters that will be playing each other and identifies some players who could stand out and find success.
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FORWARDERS
Tom WilsonWSH (vs PHI) – The Washington Capitals forward returned to action on Sunday and fired a shot on goal, playing on the second line with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Dylan Strome. Wilson, who used to play with Alex Ovechkin in recent years, recorded a career-high 24 goals in 78 games last season. Against the Philadelphia Flyers, who are posting an .899 save percentage this season, Wilson could well take the opportunity to open his scoring.
Jarnkrok StreetTOR (vs NSH) – The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has four points in his last two games, including a three-point game against the Flyers on Sunday. Jarnkrok has 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in 34 games this season and is currently playing alongside Mitchell Marner and of John Tavares. This trio will be put to great use on Wednesday, since the striker Auston Matthews will not be in uniform (undisclosed injury). Their opponents, the Nashville Predators, are the fourth worst team in the NHL in shots against per game (34.2).
Video: TOR@PHI: Jarnkrok completes Marner’s superb pass
DEFENDER
Evan BouchardEDM (vs ANA) – The Edmonton Oilers defenseman ended a seven-game pointless drought with two assists against the Kings on Monday. Bouchard was used for 22:11, his highest total since Nov. 5. He mostly got more ice time on the first wave of the power play to replace Tyson Barrie at the blue line, when nothing worked for the Oilers (0-for-6). If we still trust him on the power play with Connor McDavid et Leon Draisaitl on the first unit, Bouchard could well take advantage of it to put points on the board against the Anaheim Ducks, who have the third-worst performance in the NHL in shorthandedness (71.4 percent).
GUARDIAN
Pheonix CopleyLAK (vs SJS) – Copley grabbed the starting goalie job in Los Angeles ahead of Jonathan Quick and we can understand why. He’s won nine of his last 10 games, the NHL’s winningest goaltender in that streak (since Dec. 15). Copley and the Los Angeles Kings take on the San Jose Sharks, who have won just two of their last seven games (2-3-2) and are 22nd in the NHL with an average of 3. 07 goals scored per game.