The Shot Dude: Calling All Middle Men

We all know the top dogs get the most attention and the rookies get a pass.

And then, there are the middle men.

In daily fantasy sports, middle men are mid-salary players who can sometimes help you win your contests, but you have to pick just the right times to include them in your lineup.

Your favorite Shot Dude has selected a squad full of middle men filled with fantasy goodness who might be worthy of top dog status very soon.

I'll give you each's FanDuel salary and you can decide if they belong in your lineup. Today's eight-game schedule is filled with juicy NHL action; see these games using the Bovada data tool on our Home page:

Forwards

Jason Spezza, Dallas ($6400) ... may be priced like a middle man but has taken the second-most shots on the Stars with 58. Spezza plays on Dallas' second scoring line but jumps up to the top line on power plays. This explains why he has 5 power play points already. His 7 assists and 6 goals -- 1 game winner -- would lead some other teams, but Spezza happens to play for a Dallas club that's at least second in most NHL offensive categories. The Stars take their two-game winning streak and 7-2 road record to Buffalo tonight.

James Neal, Nashville ($6400) ... has very similar statistics as Spezza but is the clear-cut top producer for the Predators. Neal's 59 shots, 8 goals, 14 points and 6 power play points all lead his team. So why is he mid-priced at $6400? Good question, but we should take advantage of his talent and include him in our lineups. In addition, Nashville faces an Anaheim team who ranks in the Top 10 in taking minor penalties and just played last night in Carolina.

Tyler Toffoli, Los Angeles ($5700) ... is another mid-priced trailblazer for his team. Toffoli leads the Kings in power play goals (4) and power play points (5). His 42 shots have led to 10 goals, which also lead the team. Toffoli is currently stationed on both the second scoring and power play lines, but if all his statistical barking continues, he could be the top dog soon. The Kings play the Flyers who presently have the second worst penalty kill in the NHL at only 76.2%.

Defensemen

Tory Krug, Boston ($5900) ... has incredible value for the Bruins but won't put too big a dent in your salary cap. Dude's the ice general for Boston by averaging over 22 minutes and 27 shifts every game. He directs the top power play unit and has 6 power play points as a result. He's assisted on 10 goals while taking 44 shots so far in 16 games. Boston has the home ice advantage versus San José, whose penalty kill unit ranks among the Worst 10 in the league at 79.2%

Dion Phaneuf, Toronto ($5000) ... is Krug-like in his role for the Maple Leafs. He's the point man for Toronto's top power play which has netted him a power play goal. In fact, both of the goals he's scored this year have been game winners. Add in 9 assists and 37 shots, and you can tell that Phaneuf has made the most of his 22 minutes of ice time per game. Toronto squares off against Colorado, who's playing the fourth of a seven-game road trip. The Avalanche players must feel like they'll never get home.

Incidentally, for those who wish to get cozy in Sweden, Hey då!  is a casual way of saying see you later  up there.

Goaltender

James Reimer, Toronto ($7800) ... is the sub-$8000 with the best chance to get a win tonight. Not only is he guarding his home net against a road-weary Colorado team, but has been one of the hottest netminders lately. He is making his eighth start in the last nine games for the Leafs. Reimer has won three games in a row with a .952 save percentage and only allowed a 1.62 per game goal average in those games. Reimer ranks seventh overall in the NHL with a .925 save percentage for goalies who've made at least 10 starts. Your favorite Shot Dude likes the Leafs to come out with a 3-2 win.

The best part about adding these high-upside middle men to your lineup is all the room left for your favorite higher-priced studs that you just can't live without. 

Please remember that in daily fantasy, as in life, you cannot win without taking your best shot!

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