The Shot Dude: Bargain Hunting

Ever see those two dudes on television who pick through others' belongings and then try to swindle them?

Today's bargain day here, but the good news is no one's showing up on your doorstep trying to leave with your antiques.

Your favorite Shot Dude has located some low-salary NHL gems on FanDuel who will perform just as well or even better than their high-priced counterparts. The highest player salary is $7100, plus these picks won't leave you sad and empty when tomorrow comes.

You can witness today's NHL schedule of 10 games with the help of the Bovada data tool on our Home page. Here are the evening matchups:

After a methodical comb-through of today's lineup ideas, get over to FanDuel and create your winning lineup.

Forwards

Nicklas Bäckström, Washington ($6700) ... has a lower or comparable salary as 29 other offensive players on FanDuel, even though he's one of only seven in the NHL with more points scored (41) than games played (40). Dude has a cannon, converting for 13 goals on only 69 shots. This shifty Swede has been on a nice roll as well, with 11 points in his last 10 contests. Buffalo welcomes the Capitals, who can't wait to get to upstate New York; the Sabres ranks fifth-worst by giving up 63 goals in 24 home games.

James Neal, Nashville ($6300) ... has a decent history of success against the Minnesota Wild, with 9 points in 17 games, including a goal on four shots the last time these two teams met. In addition, Neal is coming off a two-point performance against Winnipeg and ended the night with 10.6 fantasy points. I like that his price hasn't risen, even though his shot volume has. Dude has averaged 4.6 shots/game over his last 5, but 3.03 in the 39 games prior. 

Loui Eriksson, Boston ($4700) ... is on an unbelievable pace for over 70 points this season. With 37 in 42 games, Eriksson is just one behind Patrice Bergeron for the team lead. Most recently, dude's fired 12 shots in his last 4 games and registered 9 points in his last 10. He does play on the Bruins' second scoring line, but for under $5000, you could do much worse. The Bruins skate home ice against Toronto, a team that's allowed 115 goals in 42 games this season. Hey, they're still the Leafs!

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Defensemen

Brent Burns, San José ($7100) ... is the do-it-all d-man for the Sharks who's racked up 12 points in just the last 9 games. If you think his price is too steep to be included with these other bargains, check out this comparison:

• Burns: 180 shots, 18 goals, 40 points in 42 games for $7100.
• Pavelski: 114 shots, 22 goals, 43 points in 42 games for $8200.

I'll save money and get the same production. Better yet, use both players if you can fit them in under the salary cap against Dallas. The Stars have only won 3 of it's last 10 games and are giving up three goals/game on the road.

Tory Krug, Boston ($5400) ... might have only three goals but ranks fifth in the league among blueliners with 124 shots in 42 games. Since Krug is shooting at a 3 shots/game clip, his lack of lamp-lighting luck has to change soon. Dude does have 21 total points, with 11 of those coming by way of the man advantage. I really like his chances to get on the scoresheet against the Leafs today.

Goaltender

Anders Lindbäck, Arizona ($6000) ... is our third Swede on the list and has saved 100 of 105 shots in his last 3 wins. Even though dude's won just 5 of his 11 starts this season, the matchup and his price can't be better. New Jersey comes to town with the league's lowest average of just 24.6 shots/game and a goal differential of -11. You're not taking too great a risk ,either, as Lindbäck's price is the least expensive listed on FanDuel of all the netminders today.

Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you have a successful hunt and find a winning night.

Please remember to be kind to animals, and always give it your best shot!

You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.