Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Saturday, Jan. 21 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockeyand apply to 5v5 situations):
Dynamic Duos
C Logan Couture (51K) and D Brent Burns (76K), Sharks (vs. Avalanche): 21-year-old Spencer Martin will make his NHL debut in goal for the Avalanche, who rank as the second-worst team in terms of Corsi For percentage and allow a league-high 3.35 goals per game. Couture and Burns feature together on San Jose's power play; the former has scored a goal in three of his last five games, while the latter has 12 points in nine January contests.
C Nicklas Backstrom (49K) and RW T.J. Oshie (42K), Capitals (at Stars): The red-hot Capitals have scored at least five goals in each of their last five games, with Backstrom and Oshie, two-thirds of Washington's top line, each tallying three goals and seven assists in that stretch. Both remain extremely favorably priced ahead of a trip to Dallas, which allows the fourth-most expected goals against per 60 minutes.
C Mark Scheifele (63K) and RW Nikolaj Ehlers (47K), Jets (vs. Blues): Scheifele and Ehlers play together on the first line and on the power play, and have combined for nine points over their last five games. St. Louis owns the league's worst five-on-five save percentage, and is giving goalie Jake Allen a mental break; either Carter Hutton or the wonderfully-named Pheonix Copley will start for the Blues.
Goalie Breakdown
TARGET: Martin Jones (79K), Sharks (vs. Avalanche):Jones has a 2.02 GAA at home, while having won 12 of his 19 starts at the SAP Center. Priced slightly above the minimum, he looks to have an easy path to victory against the impotent Avalanche, who have scored just 87 goals in 43 games.
BARGAIN: Braden Holtby (75K), Capitals (at Stars): Washington has won 10 of its last 11 games, so even on the road against a formidable Stars offense, Holtby offers a better-than-average chance at a victory even if it comes at the cost of a few goals allowed.
FADE: Kari Lehtonen (97K), Stars (vs. Capitals): Lehtonen has been the better of the Stars' two goaltenders, but with a middling 2.83 GAA and a .902 save percentage, that's not saying much. Given how prolific Washington's attack has been of late, it's hard to see Lehtonen not conceding multiple goals and being on the losing end of a decision.
CONTRARIAN: Jean-Francois Berube (108K), Islanders (vs. Kings): Berube's combination of price and inexperience makes it likely he'll be among the lowest-owned goaltenders on the slate. The Islanders have won their last two games by a combined 7-0 scoreline, and the Kings average just 2.14 goals per game on the road. A place for Berube in a lineup is a show of faith in "the new coach bounce" effect of recently-appointed bench boss Doug Weight.
Bargain Plays
LW Philip Danault (27K), Canadiens (vs. Sabres): While a left winger in Squad Up, Danault centers Montreal's top line of LW Max Pacioretty and RW Alexander Radulov at even strength. Though Danault doesn't see much in the way of power play time, he's tallied 24 points in 47 games, and has an increased chance to produce playing alongside the team's two leading scorers.
D Nikita Zaitsev (27K), Maple Leafs (vs. Senators): Zaitsev led all Toronto defensemen in power play time in the team's last game, and is the club's overall ice-time leader on the season. In terms of conversion rate, the Maple Leafs' power play is the league's second-best. The 25-year-old rookie has a solid 17 points in 43 games for the high-scoring Buds.
C Lars Eller (25K), Capitals (at Stars): A third-line center, Eller isn't known for his offense, but even he's gotten in on Washington's recent scoring binge, tallying three goals and three assists over his last five games. Eller's current line of LW Andre Burakovsky and RW Brett Connolly owns a stellar 62.35 Corsi For percentage in just over 98 minutes played together.
Top Fades
RW Shane Doan (51K), Coyotes (vs. Lightning): The 40-year-old Doan seems to be finding his form somewhat, with four points in his last five games, including a two-assist outing on Thursday, but he's too pricey to have much faith in. The Coyotes are the second-lowest-scoring team in the league, and their prospects won't improve against the Lightning, who surrender the eighth-fewest scoring chances per 60 minutes.
D Shayne Gostisbehere (47K), Flyers (vs. Devils): Gostisbehere's salary is living in the past, as his rookie exploits, rather than his 19 points in 43 games this season, seem to be the driving force behind his price. He's without a point in five straight games, and has just two multi-point efforts on the season. Similar production can be found from far cheaper sources.
C Tyler Seguin (72K), Stars (vs. Capitals): The explosive Seguin is usually worthy of a premium price, but lacks a favorable matchup in which to thrive. Other than a bonkers 8-7 loss to Pittsburgh on Monday, Washington has allowed two goals or fewer in eight of its last 10 games. Another shootout is a possibility, but the funds reserved for Seguin are likely better spent elsewhere on Saturday.
Contrarian Options
C Boone Jenner (34K), Blue Jackets (vs. Hurricanes): Jenner's early season scoring woes seem to be a thing of the past, as he's tallied five points (including three goals) in his last five games. A physical player, Jenner's average of over two hits per contest helps his Squad Up appeal. He had a goal and an assist on Tuesday against Carolina, and the Hurricanes just allowed seven goals to Pittsburgh on Friday.
LW Andre Burakovsky (35K), Capitals (at Stars): The aforementioned Burakovsky, like most of his teammates, has hit his stride of late, with goals in three straight games, and multi-point efforts in his last two contests. He's still on pace to fall short of last season's 17 goals, but the 21-year-old Austrian is trending in the right direction.
RW Kyle Palmieri (55K), Devils (at Flyers): The Flyers hold the NHL's second-worst 5-on-5 save percentage and, while they will be possibly refreshed (or rusty) after not having played since last Sunday, they've allowed at least four goals in each of their last four games. Palmieri is one of the low-scoring Devils' chief offensive threats, with two multi-point efforts in his last four games. He also scored in a December matchup between the two teams.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Sunday, Jan. 15 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockeyand apply to 5v5 situations):
Dynamic Duos
C Nicklas Backstrom (53K) and RW T.J. Oshie (45K), Capitals (vs. Flyers): There's no overthinking things in pairing together two-thirds of Washington's productive first line (LW Alex Ovechkin and his 74K salary fails to make the cut). Backstrom and Oshie each had a goal and an assist in Friday's 6-0 rout of Chicago, and the Flyers have the third-worst team GAA (3.09) and the second-worst 5-on-5 save percentage.
C Eric Staal (43K) and D Ryan Suter (36K), Wild (at Blackhawks): Minnesota is on a goal-scoring tear, having found the net 12 times over its last two games. Staal notched four points in that stretch and has found the score sheet in 14 of his last 15 games. His linemates are Charlie Coyle, a fellow C in Squad Up, and pricey LW Zach Parise (57K), so Suter gets the nod as Staal's partner. Suter has three points in his last two games and sees a massive 27:12 nightly workload.
C Ryan Kesler (49K) and RW Jakub Silfverberg (48K), Ducks (vs. Blues): Two-thirds of Anaheim's second line at even strength, Kesler and Silfverberg rank first and fourth, respectively, in team scoring, and have combined for 11 points so far in January. The Blues have the NHL's third-worst 5-on-5 save percentage, and expected starting netminder Jake Allen has allowed three or more goals in five of his last six appearances.
Goalie Breakdown
TARGET: Braden Holtby (98K), Capitals (vs. Flyers): Holtby is hard to ignore, given that he's won his last five starts, with three shutouts and a total of three goals allowed in that stretch. Philadelphia has lost its last eight road games, heightening Holtby's appeal in the earliest game of the day.
BARGAIN: Devan Dubnyk (83K), Wild (at Blackhawks): A relative bargain, Dubnyk has only fared marginally worse on the road, holding a 1.85 GAA and a 10-3-3 record compared to 1.69 and 12-4-0 at home. He's won all three of his starts in January, and should be assured of plenty of goal support given his teammates' recent form.
FADE: Steve Mason (83K), Flyers (at Capitals): Mason has beaten the Capitals once this season, though that outing came in Philadelphia. He's struggled on the road, holding a 3.09 GAA and winning just four of 15 starts. A meeting with the red-hot Holtby and the high-scoring Capitals isn't likely to go well for the former Calder Trophy winner.
CONTRARIAN: John Gibson (93K), Ducks (vs. Blues): Gibson is nearly playing as well as Holtby, having won five of his last six starts, including two via shutout, but draws a tougher opponent in the Blues. The Ducks allow the eighth-fewest scoring chances against per 60 minutes, and Gibson's understudy, Jonathan Bernier, kept up the team's strong defensive play with a shutout on Saturday.
Bargain Plays
RW Ryan Hartman (28K), Blackhawks (vs. Wild): Despite playing on the third line at even strength and seeing little in the way of power play time, Hartman has notched six points in his last five games, including a hat trick and a two-assist effort. Ranking second among Blackhawk forwards in Corsi For percentage (52.64), Hartman has managed to drive possession in his limited role.
C Jori Lehtera (25K), Blues (at Ducks): On Sunday's small slate, viable bargain options are hard to come by, especially at C and LW. Lehtera has just 13 points in 38 games, but centers St. Louis' second line featuring high-scoring RW Vladimir Tarasenko at even strength. Lehtera scored on Saturday, and has notched a point in three of his last six games.
D Jared Spurgeon (25K), Wild (at Blackhawks): The 5-foot-9 Spurgeon doesn't often feature on the Wild's top power play unit, but with 19 points in 37 games, offers some offensive punch from the back end. Spurgeon has seven points in his last eight games, and also averages nearly four combined blocks and shots on goal per game.
Top Fades
C Henrik Sedin (59K), Canucks (vs. Devils): With one point and seven shots on goal in his last five games, name recognition and respect for his career must be the justification for Sedin's ranking as Squad Up's second-priciest center. The stingy Devils allow the ninth-fewest scoring chances against per 60 minutes, increasing the chances that Sedin will have another fruitless outing.
RW Patrick Kane (86K), Blackhawks (vs. Wild): Kane is as reliable a scorer as there is, averaging exactly a point per game after 45 contests. He's priced so prohibitively high, though, that only a multi-point effort will allow him to live up to his salary. Against the NHL's leader in both GAA and save percentage (Dubnyk), that seems an unlikely proposition.
D Shayne Gostisbehere (44K), Flyers (at Capitals): Gostisbehere was a healthy scratch for Saturday's game in Boston. While he could regain his place in the lineup for Sunday's clash in Washington, there's still a large degree of risk in selecting him. The healthy-again Mark Streit could monopolize power play duties, and there's of course the matter of facing a hot goaltender in the Capitals' Holtby.
Contrarian Options
C Bo Horvat (57K), Canucks (vs. Devils): Vancouver's leader in goals (13) and points (30), Horvat likely won't garner too much fantasy attention thanks to a relatively high salary. He's been extremely consistent of late, recording at least a point in eight of his last nine games. He's also fared better at home, where he's scored 10 of his goals in 23 games.
RW Justin Williams (40K), Capitals (vs. Flyers): A slow start that saw him record just four points in 21 games through November has contributed to Williams' underwhelming average of 13.1 fantasy points per game. Since December, he's turned things around, notching 10 goals and eight assists in 21 outings.
LW Jason Zucker (38K), Wild (at Blackhawks): Despite the lack of regular power play time, Zucker has notched six points in as many games, including three goals. He may fly under the radar compared to some of the better known options at his position, but like the majority of his teammates, he's been finding the score sheet with regularity.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Monday, Jan. 2 (all advanced stats are at 5-on-5 and courtesy of Corsica.Hockey) :
Triple Threat
C Bo Horvat (48K), LW Sven Baertschi (40K) and RW Alex Burrows (27K), Canucks (vs. Avalanche): Officially Vancouver's third line at even strength, this trio combined for two goals and three assists in the Canucks' last game, and Horvat leads the team in both goals (10) and assists (15). The affordably-priced line should produce once again versus Colorado, which allows the most goals per game and ranks as the third-worst possession team in terms of Corsi For percentage.
C Ryan Spooner (42K), RW David Pastrnak (61K) and D Torey Krug (42K), Bruins (at Devils) : Spooner is on a five-game point streak, but both his linemates, David Krejci and Frank Vatrano, are also classified as centers in Squad Up. He's joined here instead by fellow first-unit power play members Pastrnak and Krug. New Jersey has allowed the sixth-most man advantage opportunities, and slumping goaltender Cory Schneider holds a 2.90 GAA and a .904 save percentage on the season.
Goalie Breakdown
TARGET: Corey Crawford (82K), Blackhawks (at Blues): Should the Winter Classic ultimately proceed as scheduled (rain is a concern), Crawford's fine form and friendly price tag makes him an ideal selection. Since returning from a three-week injury layoff on Dec. 23, Crawford has stopped 99 of 106 shots, and his 5-on-5 save percentage of 95.23 leads all goaltenders with at least 500 minutes played.
BARGAIN: Tuukka Rask (75K), Bruins (at Devils): Coming in at the minimum price, Rask has won three of his last four starts. His season numbers are strong (1.92 GAA, .929 save percentage), though with the Bruins allowing the third-fewest shots against per 60 minutes, opportunities to rack up save points are rarely there. Facing the low-scoring Devils presents a solid opportunity for a win, however.
FADE: Calvin Pickard (82K), Avalanche (at Canucks):Pickard has been shelled in each of his last three starts, allowing a total of 15 goals. He's won just six of 16 starts, and has a sub-.900 save percentage on the season. Even if he were to play well, suiting up for the league's lowest-scoring team doesn't help Pickard's chances of gabbing a win.
Bargain Plays
C Frank Vatrano (28K), Bruins (at Devils): The aforementioned Vatrano has impressed since a late December promotion from the AHL, contributing two goals, two assists and 12 shots in five games. He's currently skating on the second line alongside Spooner and Krejci, and has seen some power play time as well. The opportunity for a substantial role is there with David Backes (concussion) sidelined.
D Alex Pietrangelo (32K), Blues (vs. Blackhawks): Playing a team-leading 25:04 per game, Pietrangelo has just one fewer goal (seven) and five fewer assists (11) than pricier teammate Kevin Shattenkirk (42K). Averaging 4.33 combined shots and blocks per game helps his Squad Up appeal even when he can't get his name on the score sheet.
Top Fades
RW Vladimir Tarasenko (78K), Blues (vs. Blackhawks): While similarly-priced counterpart Patrick Kane (83K) has the same concerns, Tarasenko's issue is that poor ice conditions at St. Louis' Busch Stadium may leave the sniper stuck in the mud. He's been in a slight dry spell, anyway, posting only one goal and one assist over his last six games.
C Patrice Bergeron (56K), Bruins (at Devils): While still one of the game's best all-around forwards, Bergeron's offensive numbers have completely dropped off (12 points in 36 games) despite shooting over 3.5 times per contest. His fantasy points per game average can be met or exceeded by several different players, each of whom are easier on the wallet.
Contrarian Options
D Tyson Barrie (46K), Avalanche (at Canucks): In spite of his team's poor overall form, Barrie is heating up as he enters 2017. He's tallied six assists in a four-game point streak, and he's recorded at least two shots in 11 straight games. He's scored just twice from 89 shots this season, and is due for some positive regression in that department as long as he keeps firing away.
C Adam Henrique (53K), Devils (vs. Bruins): Playing on the second line at even strength may help Henrique avoid the defensive coverage of Bergeron. While the Devils struggle to score, he had a solid five goals and five assists in December, and reliably sees first-unit power play time. With three multi-point games in his last 12, Henrique offers a measure of explosiveness.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Sunday, Jan. 1 (all advanced stats are at 5-on-5 and courtesy of Corsica.Hockey) :
Triple Threat
C Evgeny Kuznetsov (53K), LW Alex Ovechkin (79K) and RW T.J. Oshie (48K), Capitals (vs. Senators): The Capitals scored six goals against the Devils on Saturday in a balanced effort that saw all but five skaters register a point. Ovechkin and Oshie each had a goal and an assist, while Kuznetsov mustered one helper. Ottawa G Mike Condon has fared worse on the road this season, holding a .897 save percentage and a .290 GAA.
C Rickard Rakell (43K), RW Corey Perry (67K) and D Cam Fowler (46K), Ducks (vs. Flyers): Rakell leads Anaheim with 16 goals in just 27 games and plays on the first line alongside Perry and Antoine Vermette (who's also classified as a center). Fowler joins the duo on the power play, where he's recorded 11 of his 22 total points. The Flyers have the fourth-worst even strength save percentage and allow the fifth-most goals per game overall, making them a prime target as they conclude a four-game road trip.
Goalie Breakdown
TARGET: Braden Holtby (91K), Capitals (vs. Senators): The price is right with Holtby, who was given a game off on Saturday. He holds a 10-5-1 record at home this season, with a 1.81 GAA through 16 starts at the Verizon Center. He's a safe choice who should receive enough offensive support for a win.
FADE: Petr Mrazek (94K), Red Wings (at Maple Leafs):Mrazek may be the only Red Wings goaltender listed in Squad Up, but he's not even a lock to play in the Centennial Classic. Undrafted rookie Jared Coreau has won both of his starts since a late-December recall and seems likely to get the nod in goal once again. Mrazek has struggled to a .896 save percentage and a 3.11 GAA in 21 games.
CONTRARIAN: Frederik Andersen (107K), Maple Leafs (vs. Red Wings): Andersen had a seat on the bench in his last outdoor game, in 2014 with Anaheim, but he will get a chance to extend his personal three-start win streak as a Maple Leaf in the Centennial Classic. Detroit holds the sixth-lowest mark in expected goals for per 60 minutes, while Andersen was stellar in December, posting a .948 save percentage and a 1.66 GAA.
Bargain Plays
RW Anthony Mantha (34K), Red Wings (at Maple Leafs): Riding shotgun alongside Henrik Zetterberg and Tomas Tatar on Detroit's top line, Mantha is in the midst of a five-game point streak (three goals, three assists). Despite Andersen's strong form, Mantha is inexpensive enough to gamble on, as Toronto allows the fifth-most scoring chances against per 60 minutes.
D Dmitry Orlov (26K), Capitals (vs. Senators): Featuring on Washington's second power play unit, Orlov has recorded an assist in six of his last eight games. He offers low-priced exposure to the Capitals' potent attack, and his solid shot, block and hit totals help his Squad Up appeal.
Top Fades
C Ryan Getzlaf (82K), Ducks (vs. Flyers): The priciest player at his position, Getzlaf has just one point (a goal) in his last five games, and has recorded seven multi-point efforts through 35 contests. Playing with Nick Ritchie (29K) and Ondrej Kase (unlisted) at even strength hurts his ability to produce; 15 of Getzlaf's 29 points have come via the power play, where he features alongside more talented teammates.
LW Jakub Voracek (71K), Flyers (at Ducks): Another player who may struggle to justify his salary, Voracek has three assists in his last eight games. In terms of expected goals allowed per 60 minutes, the Ducks are the seventh-stingiest team in the league. While the Flyers rank seventh in goals per game, they've been shut out in two of their last three outings, all of which have been on the road.
Contrarian Options
LW Thomas Vanek (58K), Red Wings (at Maple Leafs): Vanek's price may raise some eyebrows, but he's been worth it of late, producing three goals, seven assists and 44 shots in 13 December games. He enters the Centennial Classic having scored in two straight contests, and, as mentioned earlier, the Maple Leafs allow the fifth-most scoring chances against per 60 minutes.
C Nazem Kadri (54K), Maple Leafs (vs. Red Wings): Toronto has a whopping seven center-eligible players jockeying for a single place in a Squad Up lineup, and it's safe to say rookie Auston Matthews (70K) will be the most popular choice. Kadri has three goals in his last five games, averaging 3.8 shots per contest, so he's far from a poor option in his own right.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Wednesday, Dec. 28 (all advanced stats are at 5-on-5 and courtesy of Corsica.Hockey):
Triple Threat
C Sidney Crosby (71K), LW Conor Sheary (32K) and D Justin Schultz (32K), Penguins (vs. Hurricanes) : On a small slate, selecting Crosby, the NHL's leading goal scorer, isn't a bad place to start. Sheary has managed three goals and seven assists in December, despite not seeing first-unit power play time with Crosby and Schultz, who has been on better than a point-per-game pace filling in for the injured Kris Letang.
C Aleksander Barkov (61K), RW Jaromir Jagr (58K) and D Michael Matheson (29K), Panthers (vs. Maple Leafs): Barkov has been Mr. Consistent, recording a point in all but two December games. Linemate Jagr has five assists in his last three games, and Matheson has three fewer points than Keith Yandle despite far less power play time. The Leafs allow the fourth-most scoring chances and the third-most expected goals against per 60 minutes.
C Robby Fabbri (34K), RW Vladimir Tarasenko (79K) and D Alex Pietrangelo (31K), Blues (vs. Flyers): Any combo involving Tarasenko, the priciest non-goalie on the slate, is bound to get expensive, so LW Alex Steen (53K) is eschewed in favor of Fabbri, who skates with the Russian sniper on the power play. Pietrangelo often sees ample special teams time as well, which should help if the Blues can't take advantage of the Flyers' fourth-worst 5-on-5 save percentage.
Goalie Breakdown
TARGET: Carey Price (76K), Canadiens (at Lightning): Just a shade above the absolute minimum salary, the consensus best goaltender in the world will undoubtedly be a popular option. Price stopped 30 of 31 shots in an early-season victory over the Lightning, and should Tampa Bay remain without the injured Nikita Kucherov (among others), another win looks to be a strong possibility.
BARGAIN: Peter Budaj (75K), Kings (at Canucks):Vancouver is one of the NHL's lowest-scoring teams and ranks sixth-worst in expected goals for per 60 minutes. The defensively-sound Kings don't allow much in the way of scoring chances, helping Budaj to a 15-8-3 record. He has already beaten the Canucks once this season and owns a .919 save percentage and a 2.04 GAA.
FADE: Carter Hutton (96K), Blues (vs. Flyers): The seldom-used Hutton has stumbled to a .893 save percentage and a 2.93 GAA in 11 games (seven starts), recording two wins. It's a mystery why he's priced ahead of far more established names, especially against the potent Flyers.
CONTRARIAN: Roberto Luongo (107K), Panthers (vs. Maple Leafs): Luongo is hard to beat at home, holding an 8-4-1 record and a .926 save percentage through 13 starts. Toronto ranks third in shots for per 60 minutes, so Luongo should have a chance to rack up the save points.
Bargain Plays
RW Bryan Rust (25K), Penguins (vs. Hurricanes): Playing on Pittsburgh's top line with Crosby and Sheary at even strength, Rust hasn't let a lack of time with the man advantage slow him down, scoring seven goals and added three assists over his last 10 games. A hat trick and a separate one-goal, one-assist outing in that stretch showed some explosive upside.
D Jaccob Slavin (25K), Hurricanes (at Penguins): Slavin should see an increased power-play role with Justin Faulk out of action. The 22-year-old has six assists in his last 10 games, with three of them coming on the man advantage.
LW Phillip Danault (25K), Canadiens (at Lightning): Considered a left winger in Squad Up, Danault is centering Montreal's first line with Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov, a prime spot for fantasy relevance. Despite a lack of power-play time, he has taken advantage of his new role, recording a goal and five assists over his last eight games.
Top Fades
C Anze Kopitar (60K), Kings (at Canucks): With Tyler Toffoli out of the lineup, Kopitar's wingers on the top line are Dustin Brown and Devin Setoguchi, a duo that has a combined 24 points in 60 games. Kopitar himself has managed just 16 points in 29 contests, so until the Kings' depth improves, he looks unlikely to justify such a hefty price tag.
D Shea Weber (54K), Canadiens (at Lightning): Weber has just one point in December, but his salary is still inflated from his early-season scoring run. Despite his propensity for blocked shots and hits, he's hard-pressed to live up to his price without getting on the score sheet with more regularity. Lightning G Andrei Vasilevskiy has fared well at home, holding a .928 save percentage through eight appearances.
RW Alexander Radulov (59K), Canadiens (at Lightning): Radulov is priced like a goal scorer, but has only found the back of the net six times through 32 games, and hasn't notched a point in six straight outings. The above-mentioned Danault offers some bargain-priced exposure to Montreal's top line without the risk of spending up for Radulov.
Contrarian Options
RW Wayne Simmonds (60K), Flyers (at Blues): In the midst of a four-game scoring drought, interest in Simmonds may be lower than usual, but he has a great shot at a rebound performance against Hutton. Should Simmonds find the score sheet, his hits and penalty minutes will only accentuate his Squad Up output.
C Evgeni Malkin (69K), Penguins (vs. Hurricanes): Malkin, by virtue of sharing a center spot with Crosby, likely gets ignored more than he should in Squad Up. But Malkin has 19 points in December, with multi-point efforts in seven of 13 games.
LW Tanner Pearson (46K), Kings (at Canucks): Despite 23 shots on goal, Pearson hasn't scored in 15 games, though he does have five assists in that stretch. With a prime first-unit power play role alongside Kopitar and Jeff Carter, his goal drought should end before too long.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Tuesday, Dec. 27 (all advanced stats are at 5-on-5 and courtesy of Corsica.Hockey):
Triple Threat
C Tyler Seguin (77K), LW Jamie Benn (69K) and D John Klingberg (37K), Stars (at Coyotes): While Seguin and Benn are each close to point-per-game paces, this Dallas trio hasn't been as potent as it was last season. A trip to Arizona could turn back the clock, as the Coyotes allow the most shots (34.9) and the second-most goals (3.15) per game, and are also tops in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA60).
C Jack Eichel (45K), RW Kyle Okposo (53K) and D Rasmus Ristolainen (47K), Sabres (at Red Wings): Detroit G Petr Mrazek has been shaky, managing a .899 save percentage and a 3.06 GAA for the season, but the starting role is his with Jimmy Howard injured. Eichel is without a point in his last five games despite 23 shots on goal; if he breaks out, linemate Okposo and Ristolainen, who has 12 points in 11 December games, will surely benefit.
LW Johnny Gaudreau (60K), RW Kris Versteeg (32K) and D T.J. Brodie (25K), Flames (at Avalanche): This trio plays together on Calgary's first-unit power play; five of Versteeg's seven December points have come on the man advantage, and Brodie has four points over his last five games. Both complement the explosive Gaudreau, while leaving plenty of salary available for a center. See the section below on Chad Johnson for an overview of Colorado's general futility this season.
Goalie Breakdown
TARGET: Braden Holtby (75K), Capitals (at Islanders): Holtby has beaten the Islanders on two of three occasions this season, allowing a total of six goals. He never had to make more than 26 stops in any one game, so while he likely won't rack up the save points, he looks a solid bet for another victory as he faces the bottom feeders of the Metropolitan Division standings.
BARGAIN: Chad Johnson (75K), Flames (at Avalanche): Colorado allows the most goals in the league and scores the fewest, providing a matchup very conducive to a Flames victory. The Avalanche produce just 5.45 scoring chances for per 60 minutes and are last in expected goals for per 60 minutes, so both the underlying and traditional statistics are in agreement. On the road, Johnson has a 1.90 GAA and a 7-3-1 record.
FADE: Cory Schneider (115K), Devils (vs. Penguins): The priciest goaltender on the slate, Schneider may be capable of stealing a game, but he allowed four goals in a loss to the Penguins on Dec. 23. He's won just two of his last 11 starts for the low-scoring Devils, and with Pittsburgh boasting the highest expected goals for per 60 minutes mark of any team, he's likely to come up short again.
CONTRARIAN: Sergei Bobrovsky (107K), Blue Jackets (vs. Bruins): Bobrovsky has won 10 straight straight starts in the midst of Columbus' 12-game win streak, but his price may nevertheless make many inclined to seek cheaper options. For what it's worth, he allowed nine goals over two early-season starts against the Bruins, but Boston is only middle-of-the-pack in terms of expected goals for per 60 minutes.
Bargain Plays
RW Ryan Hartman (26K), Blackhawks (vs. Jets): Injuries to Artem Anisimov and Marian Hossa have thinned out Chicago's top-six forward group; the 22-year-old Hartman is featuring on the second line. He's managed four points and seven shots in his last five games, and offers a budget-friendly alternative to prohibitively-expensive teammate Patrick Kane (90K).
D Justin Schultz (30K), Penguins (at Devils): Schultz has been doing his best impression of the injured Kris Letang, monopolizing first-unit power play time and piling up five goals and 10 assists in 12 December games, going without a point on just three occasions in that stretch. He offers some very low-cost exposure to the high-scoring Penguins.
C Sam Gagner (25K), Blue Jackets (vs. Bruins): Columbus is unlikely to pump too many goals past Boston's Tuukka Rask, but Gagner has been too productive to ignore, especially at Squad Up's minimum price. A power-play specialist, seven of Gagner's 13 points in December have come via the man advantage. Despite a bottom-six role at even strength, he provides a solid floor by averaging 2.58 shots per game.
Top Fades
D Roman Josi (53K), Predators (vs. Wild): On top of G Devan Dubnyk's stellar campaign, Minnesota allows a league-low 5.89 scoring chances against per 60 minutes. Josi shoots an average of three times per contest and has a respectable five points in 11 December games, but he and his teammates look hard-pressed to have a productive offensive night against the stingy Wild.
C Patrice Bergeron (56K), Bruins (at Blue Jackets): While he's no longer among the absolute priciest centers, given Bergeron's lowly output of 10 points in 33 games, he's still being valued based on name recognition and his top-line role. Against an in-form Bobrovsky, Bergeron's breakout performance seems unlikely to happen on Tuesday.
RW P.A. Parenteau (48K), Devils (vs. Penguins): The well-traveled Parenteau in a solid run of form, recording three goals and three assists over his last eight games, but his price is mystifyingly high. The likes of Phil Kessel (49K), Mark Stone (48K) and Patrik Laine (42K), to name a few, have all been far more productive in terms of fantasy points per game. Parenteau could well produce again, but is far from a safe option.
Contrarian Options
LW Mike Hoffman (45K), Senators (at Rangers): A road matchup against G Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers isn't as daunting as it seems - New York is among the weakest possession teams in the league and has the sixth-worst mark in terms of xGF60. Hoffman maintains a first-unit power play role and fires three shots on goal per game.
C Jonathan Toews (58K), Blackhawks (vs. Jets): Injuries throughout the lineup have forced Toews to center the first line of Kane and LW Artemi Panarin - a prime spot for Toews to rekindle some offensive form. He broke out of a 13-game goal-scoring slump on Friday, and will feature alongside both players on the top power play unit as well.
D Oliver Ekman-Larsson (51K): It's been a down season for Ekman-Larsson, and while his team will likely concede multiple goals to the Stars, there's no reason he can't help Arizona get a few back, particularly with the man advantage, where Dallas ranks 27th in penalty-kill percentage. 10 of his 17 points have come on the power play, and he's assured of his role as the first-unit's quarterback.
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.
Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Saturday, November 19:
Triple Threat
Valtteri Filppula (28K), LW Alex Killorn (33K), D Victor Hedman (40K), Lightning (at Flyers): Even without the injured Steven Stamkos, the Lightning have the weapons to exploit the Flyers, who allow the most goals per game (3.44) and have the worst save percentage at 5-on-5, per Corsica.Hockey. This trio sees action on the power play, and Killorn and Filppula combined for four points and eight shots in their most recent game.
C Tyler Seguin (72K), LW Jamie Benn (71K), D John Klingberg (38K), Stars (vs. Oilers): Edmonton has lost five straight games, allowing 18 goals in the process. While expensive, this high-powered Stars trio can fit into a Squad Up lineup when complemented by a minimum-priced goaltender and a RW in the price range of the Jets' Patrik Laine (41K).
C Artem Anisimov (32K), LW Artemi Panarin (48K), D Brent Seabrook (32K), Blackhawks (at Canucks): Panarin and Anisimov feature together at even strength, and Seabrook joins them for first unit power play duties. All three players found the score sheet against Calgary on Friday. The Canucks allowed seven goals to the high-powered Rangers on Tuesday; the Blackhawks rank seventh in averaging 3.11 goals per game.
Goalie Breakdown
TARGET: Martin Jones (92K), Sharks (at Coyotes): Losers of four straight games, Arizona allows the second-most even strength scoring chances against per 60 minutes and has the league's second-worst goals against average (3.38). A solid performance should be enough to net the fairly-priced Jones his ninth win of the season.
BARGAIN: Scott Darling (76K), Blackhawks (at Canucks): Darling will start with Corey Crawford having played Friday night in Calgary. The backup has won all three of his starts this season, and facing the low-scoring Canucks should help decrease his inflated 2.98 GAA. A win looks to be a safe bet given the disparity between the two teams.
FADE: Ryan Miller (94K), Canucks (vs. Blackhawks): Even if Miller can return from missing Thursday's game with flu, he's a poor play given his surprisingly high salary. With a 2-7-0 record and a .899 save percentage, a win looks an unlikely proposition against the Western Conference-leading Blackhawks.
CONTRARIAN: Roberto Luongo (75K), Panthers (at Senators): Despite boasting a wealth of offensive talent, the Senators haven't scored more than two regulation goals since October 25. Luongo has won his last three starts and has solid enough rate stats to make for a recommended play, even on the road.
Bargain Plays
C Mike Fisher (25K), Predators (at Blues): A third-liner at even strength, Fisher specializes at producing on the power play, with six of his eight points (in 12 games) coming via the man advantage. With Squad Up awarding bonuses for hits, blocks and power play points, Fisher typically makes himself useful despite not being an elite offensive player
D Damon Severson (28K), Devils (at Kings): Tied with the injured Taylor Hall for the team lead with 12 points, Severson is one of the top offensive defensemen in the league despite regularly receiving a near-minimum price in Squad Up.
LW Patrick Maroon (34K), Oilers (at Stars): Offering some affordable first-line exposure to the pricier Connor McDavid, Maroon has thrived in the month of November, piling up seven points in nine games. With Squad Up awarding bonuses for hits and shots, Maroon has a solid floor in what should be a high-event game between Edmonton and Dallas.
Top Fades
RW Nikita Kucherov (62K), Lightning (at Flyers): It's not that Kucherov, who is tied for the league lead with 22 points, is a poor choice, but with six players who have at least 10 points, the Lightning are capable of spreading the wealth. The aforementioned Killorn and Filppula, C Tyler Johnson (43K) and C Vladislav Namestnikov (32K), who plays alongside Kucherov at even strength, all represent better value.
C Derick Brassard (61K), Senators (vs. Panthers): With two goals and five assists in 17 games, it's a mystery why Brassard's Squad Up salary remains so high. Three of his points came in the season's first two games, and it's mostly been a dry spell ever since. Ottawa's team-wide offensive futility was alluded to earlier.
D Drew Doughty (43K), Kings (vs. Devils): While he plays just over 27 minutes per game and contributes solidly in terms of blocks and hits, Doughty is still too pricey for someone with six points in 18 games. A likely matchup with New Jersey's Cory Schneider (2.21 GAA, .926 save percentage) limits the already low-scoring Kings' offensive ceiling.
Contrarian Options
C Tyler Bozak (32K), Maple Leafs (at Canadiens): Bozak's chemistry with linemateMitch Marner has helped him to 14 points in 17 games. He offers some explosive potential, with four multi-point efforts on the season, and the frenetic Leafs attack produces the most scoring chances for per 60 minutes and leads the league in shots per game (32.6). If Toronto can breach Carey Price, Bozak will undoubtedly be a factor.
D Torey Krug (39K), Bruins (vs. Jets): The offensive-minded Krug has just one goal despite having fired 54 shots on target this season, and has only three assists as well. He's still a fixture on the Bruins' top power play unit, and, on the road, the Jets' goaltending tandem of Connor Hellebuyck (3.63 GAA) and Michael Hutchinson (2.79) has been less than stellar.
LW Max Pacioretty (67K), Canadiens (vs. Maple Leafs): Pacioretty's price and somewhat middling production (four goals, nine assists in 18 games) may turn off many, but he's managed 10 points in 11 home games. The Leafs allow the most even strength scoring chances per 60 minutes, and have the league's third-worst goals against average (3.35), adding to Pacioretty's offensive potential.
