This article is part of our FantasyAces NHL series.
It is a busy night in the National Hockey League on Thursday with nine games donning the schedule. An intriguing matchup between typical fantasy powerhouses Washington and Dallas could disappoint, especially given the hefty cap hits accompany the top options.
Player Recommendations
G Henrik Lundqvist, NYR at TB ($7,850): After ending the Rangers' season last spring, look for a motivated Lundqvist to continue his strong run. He paces the league in save percentage (.947) and goals-against average (1.69) and is 10-2-2 record, and the Rangers have won nine consecutive games. Most important, though, Tampa Bay likely will be playing without five of its top-nine forwards.
C Evgeni Malkin, PIT vs. COL ($5,700): The pivot aired his frustration with Pittsburgh offense earlier this week and put the club on his shoulders last time out with a four-point, two-goal showing. Malkin has proven throughout his career he's a different player when engaged emotionally, and there is nothing scary about the matchup against Colorado on Thursday. The Aves are playing their fifth consecutive road game and dropped a five-spot to Toronto on Tuesday.
C Ryan Johansen, CBJ at OTT ($5,150): The Senators allow 3.0 goals per game this season, and they've been even worse over the last five outings with an average of 3.4 goals against. Columbus enters with Johansen centering Boone Jenner and Brandon Saad, and the pivot has a goal and four helpers over his last four games. Johansen is ripe for value in the plus-matchup, too.
W Vladimir Tarasenko, STL vs. BUF ($5,700): Everything has trended in the right direction for Tarasenko this season. His goals and points per game are both higher than last year, which is likely the result of a career-high 4.11 shots per outing and 19:56 minutes per game -- also a career high. He is the offensive focal point for the Blues.
W Phil Kessel, PIT vs. COL ($5,400): The shot volume is trending up with 18 tallies over the last four games, and while Kessel hasn't fully taken off offensively this season, his skill and situation isn't reflected in a manageable cap hit. There is also enough value in the player pool to hone in on Kessel's upside.
W Brandon Saad, CBJ at Ottawa ($5,000): With at least one goal in three straight games and 20 shots through his last five outings, Saad is finding his power-forward form. As mentioned, Ottawa allows goals in bunches, and Saad pairs with Johansen as an affordable stack Thursday.
W Kevin Hayes, NYR at TB ($4,050): With the Lightning depth chart decimated, look for Hayes to benefit, as he should find soft minutes against the lower lines for Tampa Bay. Hayes has a high floor given his modest shot volume (2.33 per game) and respectable offensive production (five goals and 12 points through 18 games). He also boasts a plus-3 rating for the season.
D David Savard, CBJ at OTT ($3,650): The rearguard has been an excellent fantasy contributor over his last 11 games. Savard has seven helpers with a plus-2 rating, 21 shots on net and 21 blocked shots. Best of all, he averages 25:50 minutes per game during the span, including No. 1 power-play duty. At his cap hit, and in the previously mentioned favorable matchup, Savard is a strong play Thursday.
D Shayne Gostisbehere, PHI vs. SJ ($2,500): Finding cap relief is an integral part of lineup assembly, and this is an excellent option. Gostisbehere has found the scoresheet in each of his two games this season, and he is manning the point on the No. 1 power-play unit. With San Jose owning a target-worthy 76.8 penalty-kill percentage, Gostisbehere is an obvious lean Thursday.
