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Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Sunday, March 12 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockey and apply to 5v5 situations):
Dynamic Duos
- C Joe Thornton (44K) & D Brent Burns (74K), Sharks (vs. Stars): Burns leads the Sharks in both goals and assists. Thornton has declined this year, but he is still capable of a multi-assist outing. His low salary allows you to roster Burns and still submit a formidable lineup. Dallas has the second-highest xGA60 (expected goals against per 60 minutes) in the NHL.
- C Derek Stepan (52K) & LW Chris Kreider (46K), Rangers (at Red Wings): Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek has allowed three or more goals in four straight games. Kreider has three goals in his last four games. If he can pot another, Stepan will more than likely notch the assist. They play together at 5v5 and on the top power play.
- C Ryan Kesler (52K) & RW Jakob Silfverberg (51K), Ducks (vs. Capitals): This duo likely won't have a high ownership given the dominance of the Capitals. However, the Caps have lost back-to-back games by a score of 8-4 on this treacherous California road trip and will be playing their second game in as many nights. Kesler provides much better value than teammate C Ryan Getzlaf.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
Bargain Plays
- G Braden Holtby (75K), Capitals (at Ducks): Holtby at 75K is highway robbery. He leads the league with eight shutouts and a 1.97 GAA. Even in a tough matchup, he is a no-brainer.
- RW Jannik Hansen (33K), Sharks (vs. Stars): Hansen is playing on San Jose's first line with Joe Pavelski and Thornton. He has picked up an assist in two games since joining the Sharks. Against Dallas' goaltending, he could easily pot his first goal with his new team.
- LW Philip Danault (25K), Canadiens (at Oilers): Danault centers Montreal's top line with LW Max Pacioretty and C Andrew Shaw and is a member of their top power-play unit. He hasn't produced much lately, but at 25K, the value is tough to pass up if you need some cap relief.
(Photo courtesy Getty Images)
Top Fades
- Dallas' goaltender: Whether Kari is Lehtonen goals, or Niemi continues to be strongly Antti-saves, Dallas' starting goaltender needs to be faded.
- C Tomas Hertl (53K), Sharks (vs. Stars): It doesn't make much sense for Hertl to be more expensive than both Thornton and C Logan Couture. He has gone without a point in four straight games.
- RW Brendan Gallagher (60K), Canadiens (at Oilers): Gallagher has just one point in 11 games since returning from injury. Dating back to Dec. 12, he has just two points in 22 games. Does this sound like a player worthy of 60K? I don't think so.
(Photo courtesy Action Images)
Contrarian Options
- C Ryan Getzlaf (76K), Ducks (vs. Capitals): Getzlaf at 76K against the Caps may seem absurd, but he does have 11 points in nine games. He has three multi-point games in the span and could come up with a fourth against a tired team.
- G Aaron Dell (92K), Sharks (vs. Stars): Not many will want to fork up 92K for a backup goalie against a high-powered offense, but Dell has been fantastic this year. He is 9-3-1 with a 1.88 GAA and a .935 SV%.
- RW Rick Nash (50K), Rangers (at Red Wings): Nash is questionable, but it sounds like he will play. Be sure to check if he's officially active before rostering. His ownership will be low but the veteran goal-scorer is handed a great matchup.
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