Key Skaters

C Aleksander Barkov (FLA)

• In what could be the highest-scoring game of the night, I love Barkov and his price tag ($6,700) in this more-than-likely fast-paced affair. Opposing centers Brayden Point ($7,900) and Steven Stamkos ($8,600) are both great plays as well but the value of Barkov is something that I can’t avoid. Just yesterday against the Rangers Barkov was priced at $7,000 in a slower-paced game. Tonight he faces the Lightning in a projected higher scoring affair with a third-string goalie in net who just allowed four goals to a “B-squad” Canadiens squad.

C Sebastian Aho (CAR)

• Speaking of those Canadiens (7-21-4) who are missing virtually two-thirds of their starters due to COVID or other injuries, they face a Carolina Hurricanes team (21-7-1) who are playing their first game since December 18th. Generally for a team to have such a long layoff I would be hesitant but in this case, the matchup is just too one-sided. Aho was rolling before the elongated Holiday break with five goals and two assists on 16 shots in three games. Look for him to fall right back into form on Thursday.

W Filip Forsberg (NSH)

• Nashville returned to action last night against Washington and Forsberg contributed with a goal, not a shock, in over 18 minutes of ice time. Columbus has been suspect defensively all season long allowing the most shots per 60 at 5v5, third-most goals against per 60 at 5v5, and have the third-highest expected goals against rate per 60 at 5v5.

Favorite Line Stacks

Florida Panthers

Aleksander Barkov, Carter Verhaeghe, Anthony Duclair, Aaron Ekblad

Nashville Predators

Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, Mikael Granlund, Alexander Carrier

Los Angeles Kings

Anze Kopitar, Alex Iaffalo, Adrian Kempe, Drew Doughty

Calgary Flames

Elias Lindholm, Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk

Positional Plays

*Not mentioned in “key skaters'” section. Last skater at each position is my favorite value

Center

• Steven Stamkos (TB)
• Logan Couture (SJ)
• Vincent Trochek (CAR)
• Tomas Hertl (SJ)
• Anze Kopitar (LAK)
• Brayden Point (TB)
• Mathew Barzal (NYI)
• Mikael Backlund (CGY)

Wing

• Timo Meier (SJ)
• Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA)
• Andrei Svechnikov (CAR)
• Anders Lee (NYI)
• Matthew Tkachuk (CGY)
• Viktor Arvidsson (LAK)
• Ondrej Palat (TB)
• Josh Bailey (NYI)
• Arthur Kaliyev (LAK)

Defense

• Aaron Eklbad (FLA)
• Brent Burns (SJ)
• Drew Doughty (LAK)
• Mark Giordano (SEA)
• Jaccob Slavin (CAR)
• Rasmus Andersson (CGY)
• Ryan McDonagh (TB)
• Keith Yandle (PHI)
• Brandon Montour (FLA)

Goalies

• Jacob Markstrom (CGY)
• James Reimer (SJ)
• Jonathan Quick (LAK)
• Antti Raanta (CAR)

NOTE: All pricing references pertain to DraftKings

GOOD LUCK!!