NHL GPP Barn Burner: 1-11-16

Goalies

It is a small slate tonight, and I am playing it safe in net. I do not want to find myself on the end of a wrong goalie, and try to make up for it on such a short slate. Jon Quick has been phenomenal this season, and especially of late. 7-2-1 in the last ten games, allowing a 1.79 GAA in that span. You have to go back to 12/29 where he allowed more than one goal. Vegas has the Kings has -175 favorites tonight, squaring off against Detroit, who is on lengthy west coast trip. They rank 21st in goals per game, squaring off against arguably the best defensive team in the league. The Kings have allowed 2.15 goals per game, which starts with Quick.

Top Skaters

Brent Burns is one of the highest fantasy point scoring players in the league, and depending on the site, he is the highest scoring. Burns is logging the third highest ice time on the slate, and generates the most shots on goal. San Jose is projected to be the highest scoring team on the slate, which is nice given I faded them in their last matchup, where they hung a seven spot. Calgary has allowed the second most goals per game, and Burns presence on the powerplay is gold. Calgary has the worst PK% in the league, while Burns has 17 powerplay points on the season. He has six in the last ten games, to go along with a total of 14 points. He is expensive, but worth it.

Bruins-Rangers usually has the looks of a defensive, low scoring game, but you should see a handful of goals from both sides tonight. Brassard has seven points in the last ten games, and 24 of his 30 points have come at home this season. Boston has allowed the 13th most goals per game this season, but the defense is starting to sure things up a little more. Of course, not to the level they once were at. He is a nice mid-priced center on DK, and his FD price should keep his ownership fairly low, given the the west coast games tonight.

The Panthers are the hottest team in hockey, and it starts with NHL's version of Tim Duncan you could say, of course minus the multiple championships. The 43 year old winger still has it, logging nine points in the last ten games, and 31 in 39 games on the season. Jagr is on the first line with some very talented young players, as they jumpstart this offense. Vancouver has allowed the 9th most goals per game, and have the 11th worst PK% in the league. Five points in the last four games, look for his streak to continue tonight in Vancouver.

Joe Pavelski is the higher priced center you could target tonight, but I am looking at Joe Thornton for a cheaper price. Both play the first line of both even and powerplay units, If you can fit both, I am all for it. Calgary struggles on the defensive side, and this could very well turn into a shootout, given Calgary's severe home/away splits. Either way I love the value Thornton offers tonight, as the Sharks are my favorite team on the board.

Value Plays

Marc-Eduard Vlasic (D - SJ) FD: $4,600 DK: $4,400

Sorry, staying with San Jose. The +/- worries me a little here on FanDuel, but for $4,400 I like the value. He commands the second power play unit, and plays on the first even strength line. He has eight points in the last ten games, and I have ripped Calgary's defense already above.

David Pastrnak (W - BOS) FD: $3,200 DK: $3,900

Until David Pastrnak's price comes up, or until he comes off the first line, expect him to see him here each night there is a Bruins' game. He is on the first line with Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand, also seeing time on the second powerplay unit. He has five points in 12 games for Boston, and the 19 year old will be a force in a few years. He opens up a ton of salary relief, and first line time gives him solid fantasy production.

Reilly Smith (W - FLA) FD: $3,800 DK: $4,400

A former Bruin, now with Florida, is another cheap winger to take a look at tonight. Four points in the last ten games, and he sees time on the second powerplay unit. Vancouver has struggled killing penalties this season. Florida is projected to be the 4th highest scoring team on this 8 team slate.