The Shot Dude: Back in the Hockey Groove
After a short hiatus, your favorite Shot Dude has returned.
Time to get back to the business of putting together a winning NHL fantasy lineup.
Just like Ace Frehley, who sang I'm back, back in the New York groove, I'm back in the hockey groove with some tantalizing ideas to help your lineup fly to the top of the leader board today.
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Forwards
Tyler Seguin, Dallas ($8200) ... just broke out of three-game scoreless streak when he found the back of the net against Winnipeg. Even with that bad stretch, dude still has a point in 7 of his last 10 games. He never goes too long without contributing to the Stars' offense that leads the NHL in scoring with 146 goals in 43 games. In fact, Dallas has scored 20 more goals than the next closest team, with Seguin's 24 goals on 163 shots leading the way. I like Dallas to win a 4-2 game at home over Minnesota today and this dude will be a big part of it.
Ryan Johansen, Nashville ($6600) ... made his debut with the Predators memorable with a goal and assist last night against Colorado. From that performance, it's easy to see how focused Johansen is to impress his new team. There's no question he has talent -- 90 shots and 28 points in 39 games -- but this change of scenery might just bring his scoring prowess to the next level. I really like his chances to score today against Arizona, a team that's given up the third-highest amount of goals this year, with 124 in 40 games.
Loui Eriksson, Boston ($4700) ... is just too cheap a price for a skater who's tallied 9 points in his last 10 games. That gives him 34 points in 39 games, with 11 coming by way of the power play. Boston squares off against Ottawa tonight, a team that's allowed the fifth-highest amount of goals with 119 so far. Whenever you can find a hot player who's highly involved in his team's power play facing a generous opponent for under $5000; I say jump all over that opportunity!
Defensemen
Brent Burns, San José ($7200) ... has scored the same amount of points as Alexander Ovechkin (35), but you can insert him into your lineup for $3200 cheaper. Burns ranks third in the NHL with his 170 shots, resulting in 16 goals in 38 games. His incredible 12 points in the last 8 games has been the highlight for the Sharks, even though they've only won 4 of their last 10 contests. Toronto visits the Tank tonight, and although the Leafs are playing well lately, Burns is a matchup nightmare for any foe.
Jacob Muzzin, Los Angeles ($4800) ... can help your fantasy lineup in many ways and at an affordable price. Dude's not afraid to shoot -- with 88 taken in 40 games -- and has registered 38 penalty minutes in that span. Muzzin has contributed 20 points this season, with 7 of those coming on the power play, and 4 in just the last 5 games. This has helped the Kings win 7 of their last 10 games and strengthen their lead in the Pacific Division. St Louis is always a tough opponent, but I think Los Angeles wins this defensive matchup on home ice.
Goaltender
Jacob Markström, Vancouver ($6800) ... has a great price and gives you a favorable chance to win at home against an opponent he just beat less than three weeks ago. Dude's earned five wins and a respectable .919 save percentage in relief of injured netminder Ryan Miller. One of those was a 26-save performance against tonight's opponent, Tampa Bay, back on 22 December. The Nux get home ice tonight, where they've given great defensive support to their goalies, only allowing 49 in 19 contests.
Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you get back in a winning groove by racking up those fantasy points tonight.
As always, give everything you do your best shot!
You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.