Use these fantasy hockey picks for the season’s first big slate.

Goalies

Sergei Bobrovsky $18,600 - Glad I can start off the night with a homer pick. In all seriousness Buffalo is just dreadful. Last in goals per game by almost half a goal. Their offense was historically bad and not much has improved. Bobrovsky should be in line for the Win and a good sot at a shutout.

Ben Scrivens $12,350 - Scrivens gets a great matchup with the Flames at home. Calgary managed to scrounge up two goals last night but the talent just isn’t there. I don’t expect a shutout with the fast boards in EDM but he should be in line for the Win and is a great relief to your salary cap.

Centers

Steven Stamkos $14,250 - He is going to be my top play of the night. One of the best if not the best scorer in the league will be ready to play. Although the Panthers don’t take many penalties (where Stamkos is most lethal) I expect him to find the back of the net vs this Panthers team.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins $9,100 - This game should provide lots of scoring with EDM getting the best of it. Pairing him with Taylor Hall is very much in play tonight.

Left Wings

Taylor Hall $12,950 - Hall is my top play here. This game should be played at a very fast pace and Hall loves those type of games. At home where the puck bounces fast off the boards should create a few extra scoring chances in front of the net.

Artem Anisimov $6,950 - He will be centering the top line for Columbus tonight due to the Dubinsky injury and the Johansen contract holdout. It is always tough to predict where the scoring comes from in Columbus from night to night but this price and matchup are just too good to pass on. Pick on the Sabres all year long.

Right Wings

Alex Ovechkin $15,700 - Ovechkin is where I am paying up tonight. Montreal is playing back to back after traveling on the first night of the season and will have their backup goalie in net. I am never surprised to see Ovechkin have 10 shots on goal so even if he doesn’t find the back of the net he will contribute.

Shane Doan $8,750 - Doan is a mid priced option I will be using tonight. He should see plenty of ice time on the Power Play as well as even strength. Doan is very consistent for daily leagues and I never shy away from him. He seems to be underowned most nights in GPPs which makes for a great contrarian play.

Defensemen

Dustin Byfuglien $10,800 - This is almost like having a cheat code. He will be playing in a forward spot this season but is listed as a defenseman. Not the best of matchups but anytime you can play an extra forward it is worth a look. I hope this changes soon as I will be rostering him most nights as long as he is listed at D.

Paul Martin $5,000 - Martin is coming off a great playoff performance. With 8 assists in 13 playoff games his confidence should be at an all time high. The ice time should increase with the off season roster changes and he is minimum price. There is a lot to like here.