FantasyAces NHL: Tuesday Picks

Player Recommendations:

C: Jori Lehtera, STL at MON ($4,700) – As the center of the top line alongside the dynamic Vladimir Tarasenko and the brilliant Alex Steen, Lehtera also enjoys top-unit time on the Blues' potent power play, meaning he'll see all the key minutes in a marquee matchup against Montreal as the top two teams out of the gate do battle. I see the Blues handing the Habs their first loss of the season Tuesday.

C: Tomas Plekanec, MON vs. STL ($5,050) – I've already referred to the marquee matchup Tuesday, and in such a game, I'm looking for one of the league's best two-way players to have a big impact. Plekanec already has five goals on 22 shots along with a stellar plus-7 rating through six games, and he'll be the counter-puncher against the Blues' top line, hoping to capitalize on changes of puck possession.

W: Anders Lee, NYI at CLM ($4,950) – The talented Notre Dame product has found a home on the Islanders' top line next to John Tavares and has collected points in his last three games. The Jackets are a team in disarray, and they're off to a dreadful 0-6 start. The Isles' power play is clicking, and this top line may have a field day simply because they're playing with much more confidence than their opponents Tuesday night.

W: Jiri Hudler, CGY vs. WAS ($5,000) – Defying those who thought he wasn't likely to repeat last year's career-best season, Hudler has bolted from the gate with four points in five games. He remains a fixture on Calgary's top line and excellent power play, and two of his points have come with the man advantage. With the Flames at home, where they get the last change, they may be able to keep his line with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan away from the Caps' top checkers.

W: Wayne Simmonds, PHI vs. DAL ($5,000) – This big power forward gives the Flyers a mismatch advantage against the Stars' smallish defense corps. Expect him to post up in front of the Dallas goal area when the Flyers are on the attack, especially on the power play.

W: Ryan Strome, NYI at CLM ($4,750) – Strome gets all the same advantages as his linemate Lee in a favorable matchup against the inept Blue Jackets. This unit is just as comfortable in a road matchup like Thursday's as they are at home, and the scoring depth the Isles get from their second line is a big reason why they were one of the league's best road teams last year.

D: Roman Josi, NSH vs. TAM ($5,000) – Josi is quickly on his way to proving that he belongs in the discussion of the league's top offensive defensemen, having gained five points in his last three games, including three power-play points and a shorthanded goal. He also retains a partnership with Shea Weber on arguably the most talented blue-line pairing in the league. They face a Lightning team will be without its best blueliner, Victor Hedman, giving Nashville a big edge in puck movement from the defense. That deficiency is something that the Preds should be able to exploit because of their attention to checking responsibilities.

D: Jay Bouwmeester, STL at MON ($3,100) – Bouwmeester will be taking on more offensive responsibilities now that Kevin Shattenkirk is sidelined with a lower-body injury. This will get him back on the Blues' top defense pairing and could very mean he'll be patrolling the point on the power play. At this low price, that prime set of circumstances could provide the rare opportunity for a nice return.

G: Mike Smith, ARI at NJ ($7,450) – The Coyotes' starting goalie has certainly benefited from the club's explosive group of young guns, which have sparked an offense that has 16 goals in only five games. That has meant fewer shots on goal against Smith (only a shade over 30 per game), which has made his load much more manageable and less intense. On Tuesday, the Coyotes face one of the weakest offenses in the league, as the Devils have only managed to score eight goals in five games.