The Shot Dude: Puck Monster
Many children are afraid of a mythical monster that lives under beds.
My fear was that one of them would come along, eat all the hockey pucks, and there would be no more NHL.
Your favorite Shot Dude has just recently gotten over that fear.
I put on a brave face and found some solid skaters to help make you a winner. Tonight there are nine games, which you can examine with the help of the Bovada data tool located on our Home page:
Our friends at FanDuel never fear anything. They're too busy creating great fantasy games for us to play. Even monsters, if they're so inclined.
Include some of these skaters in your lineup if you wish:
Forwards
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh ($9800) ... has 32 goals on 225 shots this season, including 13 points in his last 10 games. Tonight's tilt with Buffalo should strike fear into Sabres fans' hearts, as Crosby has racked up 48 points in just 30 career games against them. Dude's the reason why the Pens will make the playoffs and has won 8 of their last 10.
Joe Pavelski, San José ($7900) ... has tallied 9 points in his last 9 contests. Dude's helped his team already qualify for the playoffs, even though the Sharks are 5-5 in their last 10 games and have a losing record at home. Tonight, they travel to Vancouver and try to improve on their exceptional 25-10-3 road record. Pavelski's taken 12 shots in 3 games this season against the Canucks, with a goal and an assist to show for it.
Vincent Trocheck, Florida ($7600) ... has carried the Panthers with a goal in four straight, and 13 points in his last 10 games. Florida will skate home ice against Toronto, a team that -- despite injuries and trades -- has grabbed 6 wins in the last 10. It's hard to ignore the Leafs' horrible 13-22-2 road record, though. Trocheck has a goal and an assist against Toronto in two games, and 25 goals on 171 shots this season.
Defensemen
Kevin Shattenkirk, St Louis ($5300) ... will face Colorado tonight and has taken 11 of his 165 shots in 3 games against them so far this season. With their playoff spot secure and tied for the highest amount of points in the West with 99, the Blues know the Avs are three points behind Minnesota for the last playoff spot. I like Shattenkirk's chances to pick up a point because the Avs are in the NHL's top ten in goals allowed with 215 this season.
John Klingberg, Dallas ($3000) ... has been back from injury for four games but has a minimum salary on FanDuel today. Must be an oversight, but let's take advantage and hope our fantasy foes miss it. Any skater who's launched 157 shots and has registered 54 points in 70 games should not be at minimum salary. Plus, dude's playing at home against Nashville, a team against whom he has 4 assists in 3 games this season.
Goaltender
Matthew Murray, Pittsburgh ($6900) ... can also help you afford high-priced forwards with the matchup he gets tonight. Murray will be in his home crease against Buffalo and is coming off a 31-save win over Carolina. He's now overtaken Jeff Zatkoff for the backup duties behind Marc-Andre Fleury. Even though Murray's only 21, dude's won 4 games in 7 appearances with a .935 save percentage and a 1.85 GAA this season.
Your favorite Shot Dude hopes you don't believe in monsters and have a winning night of fantasy hockey.
Since scared money doesn't make money, always give it your best shot!
You can follow me on twitter@fsofia8.