Today’s NHL Lineups: Start/Sit Calls, PP1 Looks and Goalie Streams

With projected lineups and starting goalies locked in for today’s slate, fantasy value is being driven by top-line usage, power-play roles, and a few key injuries. Let’s sort through the Capitals–Bruins and Rangers–Devils matchups to make sharper start/sit decisions, identify PP1 auditions, and find short-term goalie value.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The headline for today is concentrated star power in two marquee games. Alex Ovechkin is locked into his usual top-line role for the Capitals against Boston, while David Pastrnak drives the Bruins’ first line on the other side. That’s a clash of elite shooters where usage is never in doubt, but matchup and goalie form still matter for start/sit calls in tighter formats.

In New York, the Rangers are rolling a high-upside first line built around Mika Zibanejad, with Gabe Perreault getting a premium wing spot alongside Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere. That’s a big fantasy signal: when a young winger is stapled to the top center, it often comes with at least a look on the top power play and a spike in offensive-zone deployment.

The Devils counter with Jack Hughes driving offense from the second line and Dougie Hamilton anchoring the top pair. Hamilton’s presence usually means heavy PP1 usage and shot volume from the blue line, which keeps him in auto-start territory even in tougher matchups.

On the injury front, J.T. Miller is out with an upper-body issue for the Rangers. That removes a reliable multi-category forward from the mix and helps solidify Perreault’s opportunity in the top six. In net, Jeremy Swayman is confirmed as the starting goalie for the Bruins in what projects as a favorable matchup, while Logan Thompson sits on the Capitals’ bench but looms as a potential riser if his workload grows.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In pure scoring leagues, you’re leaning into elite usage and PP1 access. Ovechkin remains a must-start; top-line deployment plus his historical shot volume means you live with the occasional quiet night. The Bruins are a tough opponent, but he’s one of the few skaters you simply don’t overthink.

Pastrnak is in the same bucket: first-line, heavy power-play role, and the focal point of Boston’s offense. Even if you’re stacked with options, he’s a lock in any points-only lineup.

The more interesting decision is Perreault. Skating on the top line with Zibanejad and Lafreniere gives him immediate exposure to New York’s best offensive situations. If he’s also seeing PP1 or at least PP2 time, that’s enough to justify starting him today in most points-only formats where you have a flex or utility spot. The Devils aren’t a pushover, but high-skill linemates can cover a lot of matchup risk.

On the Devils’ side, Hamilton’s top-pair role and likely PP1 quarterback status keep him firmly in your lineup. Even if New York controls more of the puck at times, Hamilton’s value comes from volume and power-play touches, not just even-strength matchup.

J.T. Miller, meanwhile, is a hard bench in all formats while injured. Don’t get cute trying to stash him in an active slot; use the roster spot on someone who’s actually playing today.

Categories / Bangers

In multi-cat leagues, Ovechkin’s profile gets even better. He’s not just a goal threat; his shot volume and physical play give you a strong floor in shots and potentially hits. Against a Bruins team that can push pace, there’s upside for a busy night in counting stats even if he doesn’t find the scoresheet multiple times.

Pastrnak similarly brings elite shots and power-play points upside. In head-to-head categories, you’re starting him for his ability to swing SOG and PPP in a single game.

Perreault is more of a swing play in bangers formats. The appeal is primarily in points and power-play potential; if your league heavily weights hits, PIM, or blocks, he’s more of a luxury start than a necessity. Still, the top-line role means he can help in shots and PPP if he sticks on the first unit.

Hamilton is gold in categories: shots from the back end, blocks, and power-play production all make him a high-impact defenseman today. Even if the Devils spend stretches defending the Rangers’ top line, he’ll have chances to rack up blocks and still drive offense on the man advantage.

In net, Swayman is a strong categories play. A favorable matchup plus Boston’s defensive structure gives him a shot at good ratios and a win. If you’re chasing save percentage or goals-against average this week, he’s exactly the kind of start you want. Thompson isn’t starting today, but he’s a name to track in leagues that value saves and volume; any hint of an increased share of the crease would make him a viable streamer.

Dynasty / Keeper

Dynasty managers should be laser-focused on Perreault’s deployment. Top-line usage with Zibanejad and Lafreniere is a strong early signal that the Rangers trust him in high-leverage offensive situations. Even if the production is streaky in the short term, this kind of role is exactly what you want to bet on long term. He’s a priority add or hold in deeper keeper formats.

Ovechkin and Pastrnak are known quantities in dynasty: Ovechkin’s timeline is shorter, but his role and shot volume still make him an elite win-now piece. Pastrnak combines current dominance with a longer runway, so there’s no reason to move off him unless you’re executing a major rebuild.

Hamilton remains a cornerstone fantasy defenseman as long as he’s running PP1 for New Jersey. In dynasty, these minutes are incredibly valuable; there are only so many true power-play quarterbacks with his offensive ceiling.

Thompson is more speculative. As a backup in Washington, he’s not an automatic hold in shallow keeper leagues, but he’s exactly the sort of goalie you stash in deeper formats: one injury or a hot stretch from him, and his value can spike quickly. If you’re rebuilding, targeting him cheaply via the NHL Trade Analyzer could make sense as a low-risk upside play.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Alex Ovechkin – Start: Locked into the Capitals’ top line with elite shot volume; you don’t sit this profile even in a tough matchup.
David Pastrnak – Start: Bruins’ offensive engine on L1 and PP1, with category-winning upside in goals and shots.
Gabe Perreault – Add/Start in deeper leagues: Riding shotgun with Zibanejad and Lafreniere on the Rangers’ top line, with potential PP1 exposure.
Dougie Hamilton – Start: Devils’ top-pair and likely PP1 quarterback, offering a rare mix of shots, blocks, and power-play production.
Jeremy Swayman – Short-term stream: Confirmed Bruins starter in a favorable matchup; strong bet for ratios and a win in categories leagues.
Logan Thompson – Watchlist: Backup in Washington now, but any uptick in starts could quickly make him a viable streamer.
J.T. Miller – Bench/IR: Out with an upper-body injury; move him to IR if possible and use the slot on a live body.

Fantasy Takeaways

Keep Ovechkin and Pastrnak locked into your lineups today; their usage and power-play roles make them matchup-proof in most formats.
Perreault’s top-line role with Zibanejad and Lafreniere makes him a high-priority add in dynasty and a viable start in deeper points-only leagues.
Swayman is one of the better goalie streams on the slate thanks to a favorable matchup and Boston’s strong defensive environment.
Hamilton remains an automatic start as New Jersey’s top-pair, PP1 defenseman, with strong value in both points-only and categories leagues.
Stash J.T. Miller on IR where possible and keep Thompson on your watchlist in case his share of the Capitals’ crease grows.

Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.