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
Tyler SeguinDAL (vs NYI) – The injury suffered by the center Roope Hintz will force him to miss at least the next two Stars games, and it’s Seguin who will replace him on the first line between the prolific Jason Robertson et Joe Pavelski. Seguin, who has been limited to one point on a power tie in his last nine games, finds himself in an optimal position to rebound, he who had still amassed 22 points in his first 30 games of the season. Pavelski (eight points in his last eight games) and Robertson (14 points in 10 games) are both going through great streaks, and could help Seguin find his way back to the scoresheet.
Dawson MercerNJD (vs CAR) – Mercer will reconnect with the center Jack Hughes against the Hurricanes, as part of a line that will be completed by Yegor Sharangovich. Mercer had his best moments this season when he was paired with Hughes. Between Nov. 25 and Dec. 12, when Hughes was his main center, Mercer had eight points in eight games.
DEFENDER
Ty SmithPIT (vs VAN) – In Kris Letang’s absence, Smith took over the Penguins’ power-play quarterback position. He has posted an impressive 23:57 on the power play over the last four games, an average of 5:59 per game. The results haven’t been there so far – his only point having been tied on the power play – but that could very well change on Tuesday, when the Canucks are the worst shorthanded team in the NHL with a performance by 68.1 percent.
GUARDIAN
Karel VejmelkaARI (vs SJS) – Two teams currently struggling will meet at Mullett Arena, as the Coyotes have lost their last five games, and the Sharks have been defeated in four of their last five games. Vejmelka, however, is tough to beat at the new home of Arizona, with a 6-1-2 record, 2.92 goals-against average and .914 save percentage. Support from his fans should help end his team’s nasty streak against San Jose.