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

With multiple games on the slate, today is all about nailing your marginal start/sit calls, spotting power-play auditions, and trusting the right goalies. Using the latest projected lineups and starters, let’s zoom in on the fantasy-relevant decisions around the Rangers–Blackhawks, Red Wings–Sabres, Panthers–Islanders and Stars–Penguins matchups.

What’s New & Why It Matters

The headline in goal is Igor Shesterkin confirmed for the Rangers against Chicago. Any time an elite starter gets a weaker opponent, you’re not just chasing a win; you’re also targeting strong ratios and a solid save floor. On the other side, Arvid Soderblom is expected to go for the Blackhawks, making that game a focal point for goalie decisions in both season-long and DFS.

Up front, the Panthers once again lean on Matthew Tkachuk as their top-line, top power-play driver against the Islanders. He’s locked into premium deployment and should see heavy offensive-zone usage. In Detroit, Dylan Larkin continues to center a productive top-six for the Red Wings versus Buffalo, a matchup that often turns into a track meet and rewards anyone tied to PP1.

On the blue line, the Rangers are giving Drew Fortescue his NHL debut. While he’s not an immediate redraft option, any new defenseman entering that lineup can subtly shift how minutes are distributed, especially if he earns trust quickly in a puck-moving role. For now, it’s more of a dynasty and deep-league storyline, but it’s worth noting for how it might affect secondary power-play usage down the road.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In pure scoring formats, today’s slate is fairly straightforward at the top. Shesterkin’s presence boosts every offensive Ranger skater by stabilizing game script; New York can play aggressively knowing they have elite goaltending behind them. That’s particularly important for offensive defensemen like Adam Fox, who can jump into the rush and quarterback PP1 with confidence that the puck won’t burn them the other way.

Tkachuk is a must-start in all points formats. He’s entrenched on the Panthers’ first line and PP1, and the matchup against the Islanders should still funnel plenty of touches through him. Even if the game is lower scoring, Tkachuk’s usage keeps his floor high: he’s the focal point of zone entries, net-front presence, and bumper plays on the man advantage.

Larkin is a strong play against Buffalo. Detroit’s top six should see favorable offensive-zone starts, and Larkin’s role as primary distributor and shooter on his line gives him multi-point upside whenever the Red Wings’ power play clicks. If you’re debating fringe centers, Larkin’s combination of matchup and role pushes him into your active lineup.

Fortescue’s debut is mostly noise for points-only redraft leagues today. Unless he’s surprisingly handed PP1 or heavy offensive usage (which isn’t implied here), he’s more of a name to file away than someone you rush to stream.

Categories / Bangers

In multi-cat leagues, today’s decisions tilt even more heavily toward usage and matchup. Shesterkin is an automatic start for wins, save percentage and goals-against categories. Even if Chicago generates some volume, the quality of looks should be manageable, giving him a strong chance to anchor your goalie stats for the night.

Soderblom is more of a calculated gamble. The Rangers can generate a lot of shots, which is good for saves, but it also raises blowup risk. In leagues that count saves and wins heavily, he’s a viable high-volume start if you’re chasing counting stats or playing from behind in your weekly matchup. In tighter ratio leagues, he’s more of a fringe play unless you’re desperate for starts.

Tkachuk is a category monster. Beyond points, you’re getting shots, hits, and strong power-play production. Against the Islanders’ structured defense, he may have to work for his chances, but that usually means more physical engagement and peripherals. Bench him only if your league is extremely shallow and overloaded with elite wingers.

Larkin brings a nice blend of shots, faceoff wins (where counted), and power-play potential. Buffalo’s style tends to open up pace, so expect opportunities for SOG and special-teams time. He’s a clear start in any league that rewards volume, not just raw points.

Fortescue’s immediate category impact is likely modest. If he leans into a physical, defensive role, he could eventually offer hits and blocks, but you should treat him as a watchlist name in bangers formats rather than a plug-and-play option tonight.

Dynasty / Keeper

Dynasty managers should be paying the most attention to Fortescue. An NHL debut on a strong Rangers blue line is a meaningful signal that the organization trusts his development path. If he shows poise with the puck and earns even secondary power-play looks in the coming weeks, his long-term fantasy stock could rise quickly.

Shesterkin is already a cornerstone dynasty asset, and nothing about today’s matchup changes that. If anything, a strong outing versus Chicago reinforces his status as a high-floor, high-ceiling goalie you build around. There’s no reason to consider moving him unless you’re overwhelmed in a goalie-for-skaters package, in which case consult the NHL Trade Analyzer to sanity-check value.

Tkachuk and Larkin remain core dynasty pieces as well. Tkachuk’s role as a multi-cat stud on a strong Panthers team should age well, and Larkin’s locked-in top-six and PP1 usage in Detroit keeps him in that valuable “prime-age, heavy-minutes” tier. Today’s games are more about short-term production than long-term evaluation for those two.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Igor Shesterkin – Add/Start (all leagues): Elite starter in a favorable matchup; lock him in wherever you have him active.
Arvid Soderblom – Short-term stream (standard/deep): Expected start with potential for high save volume; use if you need goalie counting stats.
Matthew Tkachuk – Must start (all leagues): Top-line, PP1 usage for Florida with strong multi-cat upside; automatic in any lineup.
Dylan Larkin – Start (all leagues): Centers a productive Red Wings line in a potentially high-event matchup versus Buffalo.
Adam Fox – Start / mild buy (standard/deep): PP1 quarterback for the Rangers; Shesterkin’s stability behind him encourages offensive activation.
Drew Fortescue – Watchlist (dynasty/deep): NHL debut on a strong Rangers blue line; monitor usage and any special-teams looks.

Fantasy Takeaways

Start Shesterkin everywhere; the combination of matchup, role and talent makes him one of the safest goalie plays on the slate.
Soderblom is a viable stream if you’re chasing saves or wins, but he carries more ratio risk than Shesterkin.
Tkachuk and Larkin should be firmly locked into lineups thanks to top-line and power-play deployment in favorable offensive environments.
Fortescue’s debut is a dynasty note more than a redraft move; monitor how the Rangers use him over his first few games.
Prioritize players tied to PP1 units and strong goalies today, as those combinations offer the best blend of ceiling and safety for your daily decisions.

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