This article is part of our FantasyAces NHL series.
Most weeks, the recommendations have followed high-powered stacks combined with low-priced options. This week, though, there are a number of mid-priced targets and a more balanced lineup.
While the feel and look appears more applicable to cash games, there are enough against-the-grain options to utilize in tournaments, too.
The Dallas-Arizona matchup has all kinds of appeal because of the likelihood of it turning into a track meet; however, the plus-minus factor is concerning. Be wary of overexposure, but also note that there have been 45 total goals scored in Arizona's last seven games.
Player Recommendations
G: Craig Anderson, OTT vs. CAR ($7,500): There is certainly a lengthy leap of faith when rolling out Anderson, but he has been rock-solid at home this season with a 14-6-3 record, including three shutouts, a .931 save percentage and a 2.17 GAA. Add Carolina's unimposing road offense (2.29 goals per away game), and Anderson's appeal strengthens. A low ownership is also likely to accompany him.
C: Ryan Getzlaf, ANA at VAN ($5,000): The veteran has picked it up offensively and sports a six-game point streak with two goals and eight assists, and he has 16 points through his past 11 games with a plus-12 rating. At the cap hit, there is nothing to fear about loading up Getzlaf on Thursday, especially with Vancouver allowing five goals in back-to-back games.
C: Derek Stepan, NYR at TOR ($5,000): While his three-game point streak -- three goals, two helpers and 10 shots on net -- was snapped Wednesday, Stepan grabs a nice matchup to return to the score sheet Thursday. Toronto has allowed 18 goals through its past four games and doesn't boast the clientele to keep pace with superior clubs.
W: Chris Kreider, NYR at TOR ($4,650): There is little statistically to boost Kreider this season, but he does have two goals and four helpers through eight career games against the Maple Leafs. His size-speed combo should also give Toronto fits, and he presents a cost-effective stack alongside linemate Stepan in the plus-matchup.
W: David Perron, ANA at VAN ($4,450): Who cares why it didn't click in Pittsburgh, Perron is rolling with his newly acquainted fowl friends. He has returned a point per game since joining Anaheim and currently sports a four-game point streak with three goals, two helpers, 13 shots on net and a plus-4 rating. Playing with Getzlaf in all situations helps, too.
W: Zach Parise, MIN at EDM ($5,250): Business is picking up for Parise again. He has a goal and six helpers through his past six games and 24 shots on net, and in both games since the coaching change, Minnesota has scored five goals. Edmonton still cannot be billed as anything over than an A-plus matchup, either.
W: Charlie Coyle, MIN at EDM ($4,450): A promotion to the top line with Parise and Mikko Koivu is a boon for Coyle's fantasy value. He has been a solid contributor of late with seven goals through his past 11 games. Look for his power-forward game to gel with his veteran linemates and present matchup problems in the favorable matchup Thursday.
D: Cam Fowler, ANA at VAN ($4,000): Now nine games removed from his lengthy absence due to a knee injury, Fowler has five helpers through his past three games with seven shots on net, three blocked shots and a plus-4 rating. He is running with the No. 1 power-play unit and has averaged 3:35 minutes of power-play time since returning from injury.
D: Marc-Edouard Vlasic, SJ at FLA ($4,300): As long as Vlasic is priced for profit, his high-floor reliability is worth targeting. He has an assist in eight straight games and has 13 shots and 18 blocked shots during the span. Rating (minus-2) has been a concern during the stretch, but it's been skewed significantly by a minus-4 dud against Nashville. Otherwise, Vlasic has been his dependable self.
