The Shot Dude: Dance Party
Yes, my sporting calendar is out, and I know what time of year it is.
While everyone else is enthralled with the March Madness dance party, pucks are still my thing.
Your favorite Shot Dude will keep a casual eye on the NCAA basketball tourney, but right now, there are eight NHL games to consider.
After close examination of today's tilts, I've narrowed down the field of skaters to produce six ideas to help make you a winner. I'm good that way.
Please have a look at today's schedule for yourself with the help of the Bovada data tool on our Home page:
Every day's a party at FanDuel, the home of the best fantasy games around. Dance you way over there when you are finished here and include some of these aces if you like:
Forwards
Nikita Kucherov, Tampa Bay ($6300) ... is just the kind of hockey player I love. Dude just got sucker punched by Columbus d-man Dalton Prout but missed no time and has played very well. With 21 shots and 6 points in his last 7 games, Kucherov has continued his strong play from the start of the season. He's now scored 25 goals on 181 shots, and his 55 points and 22 power play points both lead the Lightning. Tampa Bay has won 6 of their last 10 games and own a nifty 19-14-2 road record.
Jason Spezza, Dallas ($6300) ... has produced 7 goals in his last 7 games to boost his season total to 28 on 181 shots. Spezza's been a recent bright spot for this Stars team that's clearly coasting along until playoff time. With just 3 wins in their last 10 games, Dallas has been fortunate that not many other teams in the Central Division have made strong enough moves to overtake them. Since Tampa Bay is playing well right now, I think the Lightning beat the Stars tonight, but in a high-scoring affair.
Jaromír Jágr, Florida ($6000) ... always continues to shock me with not only how well he holds up during the grind of a long season, but with the career numbers he's compiled against so many NHL foes over the years. Even at 44 years old, Jágr has tallied 10 points in his last 10 games and has 54 points in 67 games this season. This evening, the ageless Czech and his fellow Panthers square off with Toronto. The Leafs have been scalded for 75 points -- 32 goals, 43 assists -- by Jágr in just 56 career games. I think he adds to that tonight.
Defensemen
Kris Letang, Pittsburgh ($7300) ... is an elite blueliner by every definition in my book. He's registered a very workmanlike 8 points in his last 10 games and an abundant 53 in 59 games for the Pens on the season. Dude's 22 power play points, 173 shots, and over 26 minutes of ice time per game are what highlight his value to this team the most. The Penguins get home ice against Carolina, against whom Letang lit the lamp on Tue 12 Jan.
Shea Weber, Nashville ($5700) ... has an assist in each of his last two games, and 8 points in his last 7 games. I like to roster hard-nosed d-men on my fantasy teams, and Weber's 22 power play points, 157 shots, and over 25 minutes of ice time per contest place him in that category. Nashville is one exception to the coasting teams in Central, with wins in 7 of their last 10 games. The Preds will entertain the Islanders tonight.
Goaltender
Roberto Luongo, Florida ($8400) ... has a very affordable price for his season production and today's matchup. Dude's currently ranked in the top 10 in wins (29), save percentage(.921), and GAA (2.36) among goalies with at least 50 starts this season. Luongo gets to defend the crease against those sucky Leafs, the team with the lowest amount of points in the league (59) and winners in only 5 of their last 19 games.
Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you do an Irish jig after another successful winning fantasy night.
Please never drink and drive -- you might hit a bump and spill your drink -- and always give it your best shot!
You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.