This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Thursday's 11-game NHL slate should be an entertaining one, with a good mix of fantasy-friendly mismatches and entertaining tilts between high-level teams. While the Ducks and Sharks have convenient matchups against the Maple Leafs and Oilers, respectively, there are plenty of alternatives to choose from for those who desire. Of the multitude of options available, these players are as likely as any to provide strong value.
GOALIE
Martin Jones, SJ vs. EDM ($40) - Jones hasn't allowed more than two goals in any of his last 10 appearances, and the streak figures to remain intact against an Oilers team that ranks 26th in the NHL offensively. His unparalleled combination of safety and upside makes Jones worthy of his high price tag in this fruitful matchup for a Sharks team that has won six of its last nine.
Goalie to Avoid:
Jonathan Quick, LA at WPG ($38) - Quick has come crashing back down to earth over his last two starts, totaling just 10.0 fantasy points while going winless with five goals allowed. He has only come away victorious in two of his last seven road starts, making Thursday's trip to Winnipeg far from the ideal time to play the expensive goaltender.
CENTER
Ryan Johansen, NSH vs. VAN ($18) - Johansen has woken up offensively, posting two goals, four assists and a plus-3 rating in his last four games. His price has resided in the low to mid-$20's for the majority of his time with the Predators, and the ex-Blue Jacket seems to be producing at that rate once again following a lull. Look for him to keep the recent hot streak going against a Canucks team that allows the eighth most goals per game in the NHL.
Center to Avoid:
Antoine Vermette, ARI vs. DAL ($19) - Vermette has averaged just 2.0 fantasy points in his last three games after recording six points in his previous three, yet his $19 price still reflects the residual hike it took a week ago. It makes no sense to overpay for a middling producer facing the top team in the Western Conference.
WING
Corey Perry, ANH at TOR ($26) - While his early season results suggested Perry might struggle to score 30 goals for the sixth time in his career, the veteran sniper ultimately reached that level with 10 games to spare thanks in part to two tallies in his last five. He carries a robust 9.0 fantasy point per game average from that span into Thursday's matchup with the hapless Maple Leafs, and Toronto's 21st-ranked defense is unlikely to keep Perry from building on that mark.
Chris Kunitz, PIT vs. NJ ($19) - Kunitz has continued to excel on Pittsburgh's first line alongside Sidney Crosby, with three goals in his last four games. The veteran forward's chemistry with the star centerman overshadows any decline that has set in with his advanced age, and Kunitz stands out as the best bang for the buck option among a rolling group of forwards in Pittsburgh.
Wings to Avoid:
Oliver Bjorkstrand, CLS vs. CAR ($20) - Bjorkstrand is yet to show consistency at the NHL level, but a two-goal game in his second appearance has overshadowed three pointless games in raising the Danish winger's price to $20. He's not worth that much until he proves that one nice performance to be more than a fluke.
Brad Marchand, BOS vs. FLA ($21) - Marchand's numbers are starting to regress closer to his career average of .63 points per game, as he hasn't logged a goal or an assist in six games since scoring Mar. 8 against the Lightning. The agitator doesn't belong in lineups until he starts getting back on the scoresheet with regularity.
DEFENSE
Dougie Hamilton, CGY at MIN ($25) - Hamilton has stepped up as a major offensive force for the Flames over the past five games, logging seven assists in that span. The former Bruin has been a consistent contributor on both ends following an excruciatingly slow start, and he looks to be starting a late-season surge that should continue against a Wild team that is giving up an average of 3.0 goals per game over its last five.
Erik Johnson, COL vs. PHI ($21) - Johnson has been racking up fantasy points lately thanks to his all-around play, scoring at least 9.0 fantasy points in five of his last six appearances. That level of consistency is tough to find among players in Johnson's price range, making him a steal at home against a mediocre Flyers squad.
Defenseman to Avoid:
Jake Muzzin, LA at WPG ($23) - Muzzin hasn't contributed much in the way of offense lately, recording just two assists in his last seven games while reaching double-digit fantasy points only once in that span. At $23, Muzzin's price is too high for a player who has been getting on the scoresheet so infrequently.
