The Shot Dude: In Response to Readership ...

Your favorite Shot Dude loves getting questions from readers, which only means you're paying attention.

And, hopefully, putting it to use.

Let's answer one that's been raised a few times, but most recently from Karen C:

Where do you get your ideas for each article, and how do you pick the players to include?

First of all, great question. Suffice to say I start by exploring every aspect of the game.

I watch a lot of hockey, from live games, highlight shows, talk shows, game recap videos, et al. So, although many of my article ideas come from my everyday life experiences, the players I include come from who's hot and/or in a good situation to succeed based on a change of team circumstance.

Thank you, Karen, and everyone else who took the time to write.

There are five games today, which you can view using the Bovada data tool on our Home page:

Let's get to today's batch of skaters with FanDuel prices included:

Forwards

Jonathan Toews, Chicago ($8500) ... seems to play best when opposing Sidney Crosby. Toews scored against Crosby at last year's Winter Classic and again last night in Pittsburgh. Tonight's venue shifts to Chicago for the second half of the home-and-home series. In addition, Toews has registered 5 goals and 9 points total in his last 9 games after collecting just 17 points in 32 games to begin the season. With 19 shots in the last 5 games, Toews is now pulling the trigger without hesitation and is up to 95 for the campaign.

Henrik Sedin, Vancouver ($6600) ... took four shots against Arizona last game. That's a ton for Henrik, as he'd only taken 45 in the 37 games prior. Dude's been a very consistent point producer with 34 total and 8 in his last 10 games. The Canucks get to skate home ice tonight against Carolina, who've not only given up 55 goals in 20 away games, but also have the second-worst road penalty-kill at a lowly 72.7%.

Brendan Gallagher, Montréal ($5600) ... has tallied 6 goals and 6 assists in his last 10 games, giving him 22 total points in 24 games played. Gallagher's shot total is now at 75, and he's only had a fantasy score lower than 3.2 twice in his last 10 games. Something has to give, as the Habs (11-6-2 at home) entertain New Jersey (11-6-2 on the road) in a battle of teams trying to gain traction for the playoff push.

Defensemen

Kevin Shattenkirk, St Louis ($6200) ... is on fire right now, having scored a goal in 3 of his last 4 games. That gives him 8 goals on 88 shots in 32 games. Dude ranks fourth in the NHL among defensemen with 15 power play points, despite missing 10 games due to injury. St Louis visits Colorado, home of the second-most benevolent team, having allowed 61 goals in only 19 games. Also in their favor, the Blues have the NHL's most effective road power play at 28.3 %.

Sami Vatanen, Anaheim ($5600) ... has been one of the bright spots on a team that's had trouble scoring this season. Vatanen has managed to register 20 points while logging an average of over 21 minutes of ice time in 38 games. The Ducks play best at home, where 10 of their 16 wins have come. They welcome Toronto, who have a poor road power play at just 14.9% and have only scored 41 goals in 19 away games.

Goaltender

Mike Condon, Montreal ($7600) ... has returned to his early-season form with 63 saves on 67 shots in his last 2 contests; both wins. I like to ride hot netminders and Condon have been able to shut down two good scoring teams in Tampa Bay and Boston most recently. Since tonight's opponent, New Jersey has given up more goals that they have scored, Condon has a good chance to make it three consecutive wins.

Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you enjoy some great hockey action on the ice and some fantasy winning off of it.

Remember that scoring, as in life, can only happen when you give it your best shot!

You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.