This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
After a short three-game slate Wednesday, the NHL is back with its usual packed Thursday schedule featuring nine games. The Blackhawks and Blues find themselves playing for the second consecutive night while everyone else has had some time to rest. Below are some value options to consider…
Goalie
Mike Smith, CGY vs CAR ($8,200): Smith has been good for the Flames with a record of 4-2, save percentage of .929, and GAA of 2.50. The Hurricanes are averaging just 2.75 goals per game, good for 21st in the NHL and Smith holds some upside tonight as he is seeing over 35 shots against him per game.
Center
Sean Couturier, PHI vs NSH ($5,200): Couturier continues to be a value option on a Flyers team that is scoring goals at a high rate. In his last two games, the first-line center has three goals and an assist. Overall, he has four goals and three assists skating on a top line with Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, as well as seeing time on the power play and penalty kill.
Tyler Johnson, TB at CBJ ($5,300): The Lightning have a plethora of scoring depth and sometimes Johnson gets lost in the shuffle. In his last four games, the third-line center has two goals and two assists. He sees time on the power play and penalty kill, where he has one goal shorthanded this season.
Wing
Anders Lee, NYI at NYR ($5,100): Lee is off to a slow start this season, as he has found the back of the net just twice. The Rangers have allowed 26 goals so far in seven games and have struggled in pretty much every facet of the game. Averaging close to three shots on goal per game, Lee sees time on a dynamic top line with John Tavares and Jordan Eberle as well as on the top power-play unit (with the same duo).
Kailer Yamamoto, EDM at CHI ($4,200): In two games on Connor McDavid's line, Yamamoto has an assist in each and is seeing a good deal of ice time. The Blackhawks are playing in their second game in as many nights and are expected to start their backup goaltender as the talented Oilers look to get their game in order.
Brock Boeser, VAN at BOS ($4,500): In an odd series of events, Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask was injured in practice yesterday and his status for Thursday is not clear just yet. In any event, Boeser has two goals and an assist in his last two games. At just $4,500, he offers salary relief in a good spot, especially if Anton Khudobin is forced between the pipes tonight.
Defense
Oscar Klefbom, EDM at CHI ($4,900): Like many of the Oilers, Klefbom is off to a slow start with no points. It's only a matter of time before the blueliner gets going, as he is still getting pucks to the net. As mentioned, the Blackhawks are playing in their second game in as many nights.
Seth Jones, CBJ vs TBL ($4,900): In a game that could feature a bunch of goals, Jones comes in playing well with points in each of his last three. On the season, he has a goal and four assists while skating on the top pairing with Zach Werenski and on the second power-play unit.
