NHL GPP Barn Burner: 1-14-16

Goalies

The two New York hockey teams meet tonight, and the last time they squared off it was a goaltender battle. The Islanders ended up taking it 2-1 in a shootout, as Henrik Lundqvist stopped 36 of 37. Hank definitely has big upside in this matchup, and will retain low ownership given the opponent. Islanders rank 11th in goals scored per game (2.7), and generate 29.7 shots per game. The Rangers have been scuffling of late, and Lundqvist included. Coming off of a 32 save game against Boston, allowing just one goal in the win, let's look for him to pick up some momentum. The Rangers do rank in the top half in goals against per game, but are still more average in comparison to the top teams. I will rely on Hank in tournaments tonight.

Top Skaters

I can't get away from Brent Burns right now, and it's hard to even look at it as you are paying up for a defenseman. His 9.9 shots/60, and 2.24 points/60 are forward-like. He sees monster time on the ice, and commands the 7th best power-play in the league. Vegas has two teams set for a 3.5 goal total tonight, San Jose, and Washington. Washington is going to be chalky, but feel free to fire away at their top line. The Sharks get a great home matchup against Edmonton, who have allowed 2.98 goals per game. They also possess the 8th worst penalty killing percentage. (78%) Burns has 14 points in the last ten games, and 40 on the season. 19 have come on the power play, and there is nothing slowing this guy down right now.

The Blues are struggling right now, and fill face a team who is playing well. but a team St. Louis should beat. Carolina has allowed the 12th most goals per game this season, and have a very pedestrian 80% penalty killing percentage. Vladimir Tarasenko always carries some ownership with him, but he also carries high upside for a bit cheaper than the true superstars on tonight's slate. He has six points in the last nine games, and his 44 on the season rank 5th in the league. Look for the Blues to get back on track at home against an average Carolina defense.

Ryan Johansen has three points in three games with his new squad, playing on the first line. He has seen time on the second power-play unit as well. I love Johansen paired up with James Neal, as Nashville have a few more playmakers around him. He leads the Preds in points-per-60 now, of course coming over from Columbus. Nashville needed an offensive bump, and Johansen is here to give one. Still relatively overlooked, he is a solid mid-priced center with multi-point upside. Winnipeg has allowed 7th most goals per game. (2.86)

Targeting the Wings in this game will be a contrarian move, due to the hype around the red-hot Coyotes, who I do like as well. Arizona has allowed the third most goals per game this season, sitting over three. The Wings have been very streaky this season, and are in the midst of a rough road trip. Their prices are attractive for the upside they bring, especially Pavel Datsyuk. He has eight points in the last ten games, and they do not call him the magician for nothing. On a full slate, a sneaky Detroit stack packs a punch.

Value Plays

Nick Holden (D - COL) FD: $3,000 DK: $3,500

Digging deep at defense tonight, Nick Holden is a very cheap guy who sees time on the first power play unit. New Jersey is a horrendous offensive team, averaging 2.20 goals per game this season, so the +/- should be fine for Holden on FD. Colorado has the 6th best PP% in the league, and have scored 2.84 goals per game this year.

Joe Thornton (C - SJ) FD: $5,300 DK: $5,100

Joe Thornton continues to be priced way too low, and with the Sharks 3.5 team goal total, and Thornton on the first even and PP line, get him in your lineups. Edmonton's defense is one to target against, mentioned above with Burns. Thornton has has 14 points in the last ten games.

Mikkel Boedker (W - AZ) FD: $6,100 DK: $5,000

The entire Arizona team seems to be value plays, but I love Mikkel Boedker tonight. Arizona is playing well, and boy can they score goals. They rank 5th in the league in goals per game, facing an average Detroit team. He has nine points in the last ten games, and Max Domi and Antoine Vermette are in play as well.