This article is part of our FantasyAces NHL series.
While a 12-game slate can be difficult to navigate, there are a number of plus matchups to hone in on during lineup assembly Thursday.
There should be plenty of goals in the Edmonton-Ottawa tilt, and Vancouver draws the reeling Blue Jackets. A pair of mini stacks from those teams is a sound starting point for your FantasyAces NHL lineups.
Player Recommendations
G: Pekka Rinne, NAS vs. PHI ($7,500): Philadelphia enters averaging just 2.29 goals per game on the road, and Rinne has allowed exactly one goal in each of his past four starts. Add in the netminder's 37-15-7 home-ice record over the past two seasons, and there's a lot to like about the savings-upside combo he presents Thursday.
C: Connor McDavid, EDM at OTT ($4,700): His lengthy injury absence has his cap hit way down, and while three-point outbursts aren't going to happen every game, McDavid is a must-play at this salary. A multi-point game cruises him past value, and he could approach value through shot volume alone.
C: Henrik Sedin, VAN vs. CLM ($4,850): Expected to return to action Thursday, the Blue Jackets present a ripe matchup to take a speculative stab at Sedin. Columbus has allowed 3.18 goals per road game, and Sedin has 19 points through 21 home games.
W: Jordan Eberle, EDM at OTT ($5,100): Paired with linemate McDavid, the duo presents a cost-effective stack with huge upside in this A-plus matchup. They played together for the first time Tuesday, so there isn't a track record of success, but it clicked for Eberle. He scored a goal, added an assist and returned a plus-1 rating with two shots on net.
W: Daniel Sedin, VAN vs. CLM ($5,400): With his brother Henrik expected back, Daniel should thrive against the Blue Jackets' porous defense and weak goaltending Thursday. Columbus has allowed three or more goals in 10 of its past 12 road games, after all.
W: J.T. Miller, NYR vs. MIN ($4,200): The 22-year-old has taken advantage of top-six minutes to the tune of seven goals and 20 shots through his past seven games. He has been a solid secondary scorer over his past 20 outings, netting 11 goals and four helpers. Miller's shot volume makes him a high-floor option at his affordable salary, too.
W: David Pastrnak, BOS at BUF ($4,050): His limited minutes are concerning, but Pastrnak has been skating with David Krejci and Loui Eriksson of late, and the sophomore has seven points -- three goals -- through his past eight games. The Bruins grab Buffalo on the wrong end of back-to-back games, and Pastrnak is a gifted offensive player.
D: Erik Karlsson, OTT vs. EDM ($5,600): With 21 points over his past 21 games and just five pointless showings during that span, Karlsson continues to be a high-end option. He also has 76 shots on goal in that time while averaging 30:50 on the ice. Edmonton has allowed 3.19 goals per road game, too.
D: Mattias Ekholm, NAS vs. PHI ($3,800): A steady option at a discount, Ekholm also boasts nice upside. He has 12 points -- three goals -- through his past 15 games and contributes in the peripheral categories. The Flyers also have allowed 2.88 goals per road game this season.
