Jori Lehtera should be able to capitalize thanks to his elite linemate
We have our second seven-game slate of the week on our hands this evening. Despite the smaller than usual Thursday slate of games, there is still plenty of value to be had. Llet’s take a look at some of those names that can put your lineup over the top!
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Center
Jori Lehtera (STL): $3,900 vs. CAR
I have Lehtera in my FanDuel lineup today as well, but he certainly makes it as a value play for one large reason; Vladimir Tarasenko. After the Russian went six games while tallying just two points, I believe a hot streak has begun after his two-goal effort on Tuesday. When that hot streak takes place I want to have Lehtera in my lineup as he skates next to the superstar at even-strength and on the power play. Look for him to add to his 11 points tonight against the visiting Hurricanes.
Wing
Spencer Abbott (CHI): $3,000 vs. BUF
Abbott is also a member of my FanDuel lineup and, like Lehtera, it has a lot to do with his linemates. Abbott appears to be skating on the Blackhawks’ second line next to Jonathan Toews and Marion Hossa. That is an extremely valuable situation to be put in for a player at this cost. Abbott has always been able to put up points in the AHL, and he will get another crack at the NHL tonight after playing just one previous game in the show with the Maple Leafs back in the ’13/’14 campaign.
Zack Kassian (EDM): $3,100 vs. BOS
While more valuable in season-long fantasy leagues than in daily formats due to his physicality, Kassian looks like he could provide some value for DFS formats tonight. The Oilers have done some line juggling, and that has thrusted Kassian onto the team’s second line with Milan Lucic and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. The rugged winger has just two goals in 36 games this season, but he has still thrown a respectable 54 pucks on goal and could thrive, if just for one night, with his new linemates.
Defense
Kris Russell (EDM): $3,600 vs. BOS
Russell is a shot-blocking machine. His 90 blocked shots ranks fifth in the league, however, his 2.81 blocks per game lead the NHL. Russell hasn’t contributed as much on the offensive side as he would probably like, but he has been able to accumulate double-digit fantasy points using just the blocked shots and shots on goal departments. The Bruins rank third in the league with 33.6 shots per game, so it’s likely Russell will be busy in the shot blocking department once again tonight.
Goalie
Peter Budaj (LA): $8,400 vs. DET
Budaj has found his game once again and looks to have a favorable matchup tonight at home against the Red Wings. Budaj enters play tonight having allowed two goals or less in eight straight starts as he faces one of the league’s worst offenses this evening. After being shut out last night in Anaheim, the Red Wings now have scored just 2.22 goals per game on the road and only the Coyotes and Islanders have scored fewer road goals than Detroit. Perhaps the most amazing stat of all is the fact that Detroit’s power play clicks at a minuscule 3.6% on the road. Budaj and the Kings should be able to take care of the Wings who are playing on the back end of back-to-back nights.
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Kemper is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Kemper, check out his site www.doubleupsports.com and follow him @KemperDoubleUp.
