The Shot Dude: Expect the Unexpected
Ever look at a boxscore and think to yourself, I never saw that coming!
The unexpected individual performances and game outcomes are hard to predict but can be quite profitable.
Never fear! Your favorite Shot Dude is here, with a few unforeseen lineup ideas that just might have your fantasy squad cause others to scratch their head in wonderment.
This all started with my thorough examination of today's six-game slate, which you can view via the Bovada data tool on our Home page:
Visit our friends at FanDuel and take your pick of the many fantasy games they have to offer. With that in mind, here are today's players, each with his current FanDuel price.
Forwards
Corey Perry, Anaheim ($7000) ... is a skater many will overlook today. Not only has Dallas outscored their opponents by 33 goals this season, but Anaheim has been outscored by 18 goals in their games. Home ice only gives you somewhat of an advantage; Anaheim is 6 games under the .500 mark, while Dallas is 14 games over. Since everything points to a Dallas win, my pick of Perry is unexpected, yet solidified by his 16 goals on 121 shots in 42 games.
Nazem Kadri, Toronto ($6200) ... is also playing for a team that's not expected to win today. Chicago has won 12 more games than they've lost, while Toronto has lost 9 more games than they've won. In addition, the Blackhawks' goal differential sits at a +24, and the Leafs are at a -10. Chicago should cruise to an easy win, but I still like Kadri and the 30 shots he's fired in the last 6 games. Dude now ranks just outside the top ten among all NHL shot-takers with 147 in 41 games.
Chris Kunitz, Pittsburgh ($5900) ... plays for team that's only averaged 2.33 goals per game this season. He faces a team that's only given up 2.30 goals each game. To make matters worse, dude's on a cold streak, with just 3 points in his last 10 games. Even with no positives on his store's shelves, I'll still be shopping at the Kunitz mart today. I think a big playoff push begins for the Penguins, spearheaded by Kunitz tonight in Tampa Bay.
Defensemen
Justin Faulk, Carolina ($5800) ... has collected only 3 points in his last 10 games, just like Kunitz. So why do I expect this to change tonight? Dude's a shooter; that's why. Faulk ranks third among d-men with 131 shots this season. Prior to this drought, he'd tallied 29 points in 35 games, so Faulk is very capable of carrying his team. Tonight's opponent -- Vancouver -- has let in 68 goals in 23 road games, as well.
Rasmus Ristolainen, Buffalo ($4500) ... should have no chance for success tonight against Boston. Even though the Sabres are home, their record there is an unimpressive 8-13-2. Meanwhile, the Bruins bring their impressive road record of 12-5-3 with them. Once more, Boston owns a +13 goal advantage over their opponents, and Buffalo is at -17 on the season. Even with only 4 points in his last 10 games, I think the goal Ristolainen netted the last time out is the start of a nice long sleigh ride of points I want to ride.
Goaltender
Devan Dubnyk, Minnesota ($8100) ... has an underwhelming career record against tonight's opponent. Dude's 3 up and 5 down with a generous 2.90 goals against average in 8 games against Winnipeg. Even more telling are the seven goals Dubnyk has surrendered in his last two home starts to Buffalo and Philadelphia. Since many will fade Dubnyk and this game entirely, I instead fully expect a bounceback performance, and maybe even a shutout from Doobs tonight.
Your favorite Shot Dude sincerely expects you to be a huge fantasy winner tonight.
Go out in the world each day and give it your best shot!
You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.