Here’s a look at Thursday Night’s matchups and Value Plays
Here are the 3 teams to focus on Thursday night.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa Bay has scored 13 goals in their 3 meetings with the Hurricanes this season. Carolina’s inability to keep the puck out of their own net, having allowed 28 goals in their last 7 games, makes the Tampa roster primed for a big night.
Benoit Pouliot – LW – Tampa Bay - $64,494 – Draft him now
Despite not having a single point in his last 7 games I like Pouliot to break out of his slump tonight against the Hurricanes. He was sent a message by only playing 9 minutes in 2 games against Buffalo and Boston and now finds himself on the power play. He’s splitting time playing on a line with Pyatt and Purcell and also on a line with Stamkos and St. Louis. I expect a breakout tonight.
Teddy Purcell – RW – Tampa Bay - $77,092 – Draft him now
Purcell has 6 points in his last 8 games with 14 shots on goal. There’s no reason to think he won’t find the score sheet against a Hurricanes team that can’t keep the puck out of their own net.
Alex Killorn – C – Tampa Bay - $82,492 – Draft him now
His price point is climbing due to his recent production. The fact he’s played over 20 minutes a game in each of his last 3 contests is encouraging. He has 2 goals and 1 assist to show for it along with a +3 rating and 9 shots. He’s been seen on a line with Stamkos and St. Louis and that makes him attractive tonight.
Matt Carle – D – Tampa Bay - $44,396 – Draft him now
With 3 points in his last 5 games Carle is a nice play tonight. He’s getting solid minutes on the 2nd power play unit and Carolina’s lack of scoring should prevent him from being on the wrong side of the +/- column. He’s worth the risk at his price point.
Washington Capitals
It appears that Alex Ovechkin has found his mojo, and with it, the Capitals once again look like a contender in the Eastern Conference.
Nicklas Backstrom – C – Washington - $104,390 – Draft him now
The Capitals captain looks like the player of old and it’s doing wonders for his line mates. Backstrom has 13 points in his last 9 games, including 6 points during his current 3 game point streak. Ovechkin’s price tag makes him a difficult play tonight but his line mates provide tremendous value.
Marcus Johansson – C – Washington – $83,092 – Draft him now
With 11 points in his last 9 games Johansson is a happy camper playing the wing on a line with Ovechkin and Backstrom. He’s the cheapest of the three which makes him the most attractive play.
Mike Green – D – Washington - $79,792 – Draft him now
Ovechkin isn’t the only member of the Capitals that appears to be returning to form. Green has 5 points in his last 3 games and his price hasn’t caught up to his production. Start him against the Islanders tonight.
Edmonton Oilers
Most of us expected the Oilers to be a scoring machine this year. While the team didn’t get off to the start we expected they’ve been lighting up opposing teams with 24 goals in their last 4 games, including a 4-0 victory over the Canucks last week.
Taylor Hall – LW – Edmonton - $136,186 – Draft him now
He’s on a 6 game point streak where he has registered 7 goals and 8 assists. He’s also a +9 and has 22 shots in those 6 contests. Need I say more? No, but keep in mind he played Vancouver less than a week ago and scored a hat trick.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – C – Edmonton - $67,193 – Draft him now
With 10 points in his last 6 games I know you are wondering the same thing I am. How is he so cheap? Everyone else will start him, so should you.
Jordan Eberle – RW – Edmonton - $90,291 – Draft him now
Eberle is on Edmonton’s red hot line and has 8 points during his 5 game point streak. What makes him most attractive is that he’s listed at RW and there are fewer values at that position.
Justin Schultz – D – Edmonton - $50,995 – Draft him now
He has 5 points in his last 3 games. Ride the hot streak.
Don’t miss your chance to play in the Beat Paul Kukla Challenge on Saturday. Here’s how to join:
1. Join for free and register in the league here.
2. Build a roster of 10 players in a salary cap league. You have 1 million fantasy dollars to build your team.
3. Follow the live scoreboard on Saturday to see if you win.
If you already have an account click here to access the Kukla’s Korner challenge.
Enjoy the hockey tonight and best of luck against Paul on Saturday!
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