This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
It's an unusually light Thursday in the NHL with just six games. Boston is also the only team on the second leg of a back-to-back set, so it should be a pretty neutral spot for most matchups. Here are a handful of recommendations across multiple price points to consider while assembling your FanDuel lineups.
GOALIE
Ben Bishop, TAM vs. CGY ($8,700): A winner of five consecutive games with a .953 save percentage and 1.17 GAA during that stretch, Bishop is rolling. The Lightning have also allowed the third-fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (8.83) over their past 10 games. Additionally, away from the Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary has scored just 2.19 goals per game and generated the fifth-fewest high-danger scoring chances (9.36) per 60 minutes.
CENTER
Jeff Carter, LOS vs. BOS ($7,400): The Bruins enter on the wrong end of back-to-back road tests and are likely starting Anton Khudobin (.899 save percentage over the past three years). This is a nice matchup for Carter, who isn't priced out of profit territory and has failed to find the back of the net in four consecutive games. Considering his 1.64 goals per 60 minutes rank second among all skaters with 1,000 minutes this season, this is a ripe matchup for Carter to get back on the scoreboard.
Calle Jarnkrok, NAS vs. COL ($4,000): With Mike Ribeiro out of the picture, Jarnkrok has averaged 17:40 of ice time per game and posted six goals, 11 points and 27 shots through 12 outings. His salary doesn't match his current offensive surge, and the Avs have allowed the most goals per game (3.29) with a target-worthy .898 team save percentage.
WING
Nikita Kucherov, TAM vs. CGY ($7,500): After failing to hit the scoresheet in four straight games, Kucherov exploded for four points in his most recent outing. His 3.17 points per 60 minutes rank sixth in the league among all skaters with at least 900 minutes, and he's been reunited with Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat at even strength. The high-flying Russian owns contest-winning upside.
Chris Kreider, NYR at TOR ($5,700): With Toronto allowing the third-most scoring chances per 60 minutes (29.85) and 3.45 goals per game since the All-Star break, Kreider is a solid value play Thursday. He's mired in a five-game slump with just a single assist during that span, but Kreider still boasts a 12th-ranked 1.46 goals per 60 minutes among all skaters with at least 900 minutes this season.
Ondrej Palat, TAM vs. CGY ($5,000): As noted, Palat has been rolling with Tyler Johnson and Nikita Kucherov of late, and the Czech has recorded three goals, five points and 10 shots over his past four games. Additionally, that trio has combined for a rock-solid 3.66 goals per 60 minutes over the past three years. Palat's also sporting a reasonable salary.
DEFENSE
Roman Josi, NAS vs. COL ($6,100): With Colorado presenting a prime matchup for Nashville, Josi's current form and hefty role are attractive. Through his past seven contests, the 26-year-old defenseman has four goals, eight points, 25 shots and 16 blocked shots while averaging 24:48 of ice time with 2:41 on the power play. His accurate price should also keep his ownership in check with many seeking value on the blue line.
Duncan Keith, CHI vs. ARI ($5,400): With three goals, 10 points, 30 shots and 18 blocked shots through his past 11 games, Keith stands out as a considerable bargain. He's also averaging 26:01 of ice time (3:06 with the man advantage) during that span and sports a third-ranked 1.58 points per 60 minutes among all defensemen with 1,500 minutes this season. Arizona allowing the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (14.59) on the road helps Keith's case, too.
