This article is part of our FantasyAces NHL series.
A Metropolitan Division showdown between the Islanders and Capitals highlights the seven-game slate in the National Hockey League this Thursday.
Additionally, the Senators host the Panthers, who are looking for their 11th consecutive win, while the Kings project favorably with Toronto making the second stop of back-to-back road visits.
Player Recommendations
G: Jonathan Quick, LA vs. TOR ($7,450): Given his current hot streak, Quick stands out as a high-end value Thursday. Toronto will be playing its second road game in consecutive nights, while Quick owns a 13-2-1 record with a .936 save percentage over his past 16 games.
C: Evgeny Kuznetsov, WSH at NYI ($5,200): With nine points and 23 shots through his past eight games, Kuznetsov is showing no signs of slowing down, and the uptick in shot volume is encouraging. With New York likely focused on slowing down the top line, there could be more space for Kuznetsov to wheel and deal Thursday.
C: Anze Kopitar, LA vs. TOR ($4,900): The star pivot is clearly past his early struggles, having racked up five goals and 17 assists through his past 20 games. Toronto enters on the second leg of back-to-back road games, which sets up nicely for Kopitar continuing his hot stretch.
W: Johnny Gaudreau, CGY vs. ARI ($5,350): While mired in a four-game point drought currently, Gaudreau totaled 13 goals and nine assists through his previous 16 games with a plus-10 rating and 55 shots on net. Coincidentally, he went pointless over the four games prior to that otherworldly 16-game stretch. Arizona has allowed 3.24 goals per road game this season, too.
W: Mattias Janmark, DAL vs. WPG ($3,450): The rookie is an upside source of cap relief who's projected to skate alongside Tyler Seguin and Patrick Sharp on Thursday. Janmark passes the eye test as a heady player with a deceptive shooting arsenal, and the Jets have allowed 3.17 goals per game on the road this season.
W: Joe Pavelski, SJ vs. DET ($5,650): As one of the most consistent fantasy options in the player pool, Pavelski is a strong start Thursday with Detroit in the midst of an odd travel schedule. The Wings are playing their sixth game since the Christmas break, and they've already played road contests against the Predators, Wild, Jets, Sabres and Devils, with a home date against Pittsburgh mixed in. That's a lot of miles; meanwhile, San Jose is playing just its fourth game in the same time period.
W: Zach Parise, MIN vs. PHI ($5,500): The Flyers have allowed 2.9 goals per game on the road this season and 3.2 over their past five outings, while Minnesota has been dominant at home all season (14-5-1 with an average of 3.0 goals per game). Parise is a high-floor option who has averaged 3.88 shots per game over his past 16 outings.
D: T.J. Brodie, CGY vs. ARI ($4,650): As noted, the Coyotes present a friendly matchup for Calgary, and Brodie has been especially strong at Scotiabank Saddledome, tallying 12 points and a plus-12 rating through 15 home games. The cap hit is reasonable, and Brodie also skates with the No. 1 power-play unit.
D: Brendan Smith, DET at SJ ($2,500): Currently riding a career-best run offensively, Smith's defensive play has also been praised by head coach Jeff Blashill recently. So, with seven points -- two goals -- through his past nine games, Smith is an excellent source of cap relief at the minimum price Thursday. It helps that he contributes in the peripheral categories.
