Players to target: Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johansen, Viktor Arvidsson, and Roman Josi/Ryan Ellis
The Nashville Predators are 16-14-7, which puts them sixth in the central division. This is likely the result of poor goaltending, because they rank seventh in the NHL in score-adjusted Corsi For.
One of the big reasons they are still over .500 is because of Ryan Johansen and the top line. It looks like Johansen will get two goal scorers on his line tonight in Forsberg and Arvidsson, who own 16.8 and 20.5 Corsi For per 60 minutes, respectively.
Not only is this a stack together at even strength, but we also get exposure to the solid offensive-defensemen the Predators have. Josi and Ellis will skate together at even strength, with Josi on the first power-play unit and Ellis on the second against the Tampa Bay Lightning's 79.7% penalty kill. Even if they get the matchup with Tyler Johnson and the triplets (52 Corsi For Percentage), Johansen and company will be able to get their fair share of scoring chances.
With this stack, you get a solid set-up man, two goal scorers, and a talented defenseman against an average possession team with a below-average penalty kill -- sounds like a pretty good deal. Ryan Ellis will play with both Forsberg and Arvidsson on the second power-play unit. Ellis is cheaper than Josi and will likely be lower owned, making him a great addition to the stack. However, if you have the salary, Josi is a better overall play, because he shoots the puck more.