The Shot Dude: Inventory Day
Once a year, once a season -- or even sometimes once a month -- it's a good idea to take inventory.
This offers a chance to find out exactly what you have and how valuable it all is to your life.
Your favorite Shot Dude has taken inventory of the 12 NHL teams in action tonight and found six valuable players who are leaders on each one's team.
These all make for great ideas around which to build a winning fantasy team. To catch up with all six games on the Monday schedule, consult the Bovada data tool located on the Home page:
Construction of your fantasy team is made easy at FanDuel, so put in an entry if you haven't already.
Forwards
Jaime Benn, Dallas ($9300) ... is the team leader with 27 goals scored on 157 shots taken in 49 games. Benn also leads his team in many other offensive categories but has been going through a mid-season swoon lately. After collecting 52 points in Dallas' first 39 games, dude's picked up just 5 points in the last 10. Since he never stays off the scoresheet for long stretches, now's the time to pounce. Calgary and their generous defense that has allowed 3.17 goals per road game visit Dallas tonight.
Brock Nelson, New York Islanders ($5900) ... leads the Isles in goals with 18 on 106 shots through 46 games this season. Their incumbent leader, John Tavares, has had a rough go of it this season, but Nelson and his deceptive wrist shot have fooled goalies and kept New York in the playoff picture. Dude's been hot lately, as well, with 5 goals and 7 total points in his last 7 contests. The Islanders and their excellent 15-7-3 home record welcome Detroit tonight.
Mats Zuccarello, New York Rangers ($5500) ... has scored 17 goals to lead all Ranger skaters. Dude's tallied 34 points in 48 games and has launched 15 shots in his last 4 games alone. An increase in shot production as dramatic as this always makes my eyes light up, especially since Zuccarello has only taken 79 shots through the Blueshirts' first 44 games. Buffalo stops by tonight, hoping to put a damper on the Rangers' fine 17-5-2 home record.
Defensemen
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona ($5700) ... is the Coyotes' shot leader (145) point leader (34) 47 games. 'Zona wouldn't be in third or have 51 points in the Pacific Division without him. Dude's averaged a point per game going all the way back to 17 December. The 'Yotes are on home ice against Minnesota, a team that's given up 60 goals in 24 road games with a below-average penalty kill of 78.3%.
PK Subban, Montréal ($5600) ... is the Canadiens' assist leader with 30, which they've needed because his 130 shots through 48 games have produced only 3 goals. With all of those shots taken, penalty minutes, and assists, Subban is still a solid FanDuel fantasy performer. I like his chances again tonight against Columbus, the NHL's leading team in goals allowed with 157 in just 49 games.
Goaltender
Michal Neuvirth, Philadelphia ($8700) ... leads his team with 6 home wins in 7 starts. In fact, this Czech netminder has been stellar between his home pipes, with a .942 save percentage and a 1.79 GAA. Dude will get another home start against Boston tonight. The Bruins have been a tough opponent to slow down this year, but I think Neuvirth will face enough shots to pile up a high save total, resulting in a good fantasy score even if he should let in a goal or two.
Your favorite Shot Dude hopes tomorrow's inventory of your fantasy account concludes with a big smile on your face.
As always, get out there and give it your best shot!
You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.