The Shot Dude: Invisible Men
In hockey, invisible men are skaters who are productive on the ice without drawing any attention.
These dudes are an asset to their team, but you might not even notice them until you check the final score sheet.
Due to injury, obscurity, or just quiet effectiveness, these skaters still find a way to get it done.
Your favorite Shot Dude has discovered some of these translucent heroes and thinks they'll bolster your fantasy lineup.
With a crowded 11-game slate, it's best to consult the trusted Bovada data tool on our Home page for all of today's matchups:
Just the opposite of invisible is FanDuel. They're like a fantasy game beacon, always there with the best contests for you to join.
Forwards
Connor McDavid, Edmonton ($7600) ... was anything but invisible before any pucks were dropped this season. Taken with the No 1 pick overall, dude was automatically expected to amaze us in his rookie campaign. Sustaining a collarbone injury just 13 games in, McDavid wasn't seen for the next 37. Since returning, though, he's tallied 13 points in 8 games. With Edmonton's second-to-last point total in the NHL standings -- and other rookie standouts like Artemi Panarin and Jack Eichel playing full schedules -- McDavid has been inconspicuous. The Oilers have played their best at home (15-11-2) and get Minnesota, who just played last night in Calgary.
Filip Forsberg, Nashville ($7300) ... has potted 5 goals in his last 5 contests without anyone on this continent really knowing. Without notoriety, dude is second on the Predators in shots (164), goals (19), and total points (37). Maybe it's because he's only 21, or that he's inconsistent that Forsberg goes unseen -- except by Swedish fans and this site -- but not just anyone can put up these numbers in the NHL. Nashville has a chance to pull even with Colorado in the Central Division tonight with a home win against Boston.
Erik Haula, Minnesota ($4300) ... has been on fire lately and is a cheap addition to your fantasy roster. Wait, who? Haula has come from complete obscurity in Minnesota to lead his team to two road wins since the team parted ways with coach Mike Yeo. With just 4 shots in the 7 games prior, Haula has pulled the trigger 5 times and recorded a goal and 3 assists in these last two wins against Vancouver and Calgary. Sharing a line with veterans Jason Pominville and Nino Niederreiter hasn't hurt, either. The Wild look for their third straight in Edmonton tonight.
Defensemen
John Klingberg, Dallas ($6000) ... gets forgotten as a scoring option in the land of the Stars. It's the likes of Benn, Seguin, Spezza, and Sharp who dominate the headlines. Not only does Klingberg lead Dallas in assists and overtime goals, but he's second in ice time with over 23 minutes per contest. Dude's been blowing up the box score recently, with 9 points in his last 9 games as well. Dallas looks to take first place back from Chicago tonight with a win in Arizona. The Coyotes come into this one with a -20 goal differential, while Dallas currently has a +32.
Keith Yandle, New York Rangers ($5800) ... is a former Coyote now quietly getting it done for the Rangers. With an assist in 4 straight games, and 28 for the season, Yandle leads his team in helpers. Dude's increased his shooting frequency lately, with 19 shots in his last 6 games after we only saw 103 from him in the Rangers' first 51 games of the season. The Rangers will invade Toronto tonight, where the Leafs have compiled a less-than-inspiring 8-8-7 record and rank in the league's bottom three with a minus-29 goal differential.
Goaltender
Al Montoya, Florida ($7800) ... might be the best netminder no one's talking about, but they should be. Dude has 9 wins in 14 starts, along with a .929 save percentage and a tiny 1.98 GAA. Mired behind Ben Bishop, Montoya has performed very well when called upon. Tonight, he's coming off a 31-save, 2-1 win over Pittsburgh just three days ago. Montoya will defend the Panthers' impressive 18-9-3 home record against San José, a team that plays well on the road with 19 wins already this season.
Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you are able to clearly see your account rise after a night of fantasy winning.
Never drink and drive, and always give it your best shot!
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