This article is part of our FantasyAces NHL series.
There are a whooping 12 games on tap in the National Hockey League this Thursday, and a balanced roster without stacking too many players from one team is typically a solid strategy in cash games.
Here are some options across all price points to help your lineup assembly for the busy slate.
Player Recommendations
G: Frederik Andersen, ANA at ARI ($7,300): Amazingly, you'll have to look way down the price list to find Andersen. He is a ripe value who hasn't lost in regulation in any of his past 12 starts with 11 wins and a shutout. Andersen has also held opponents to two goals or fewer in 13 of his past 17 starts and owns a .929 save percentage during the stretch. Plus, while Anaheim is on the second leg of back-to-back games, Arizona has lost six straight, whereas the Ducks are 22-4-2 since Christmas.
C: Jeff Carter, LAK vs. MON ($5,150): With a 4.2 shooting percentage and just three points through his past eight games, Carter is in need of a slump-busting matchup. He lands in one Thursday with Montreal playing its second road game in consecutive nights and allowing 3.24 goals per road game this season.
C: John Tavares, NYI at WPG ($5,500): Two games removed from an excellent run with 19 points -- eight goals -- through 14 games, Tavares stands to return to form against Winnipeg Thursday. The Jets have allowed at least three goals in each of their past six games, after all, and this is a cushy cap hit for a superstar talent.
W: Steven Stamkos, TAM at OTT ($5,500): One outing removed from a six-game goal streak in which he had nine points and 11 shots on net, look for Stamkos to return to his scoring ways Thursday. Ottawa will be without its No. 1 goalie and pivot, and the Senators are killing penalties at just 74.0 percent this season after allowing two power-play goals to St. Louis Tuesday.
W: Charlie Coyle, MIN at TOR ($4,700): The winger continues to have a breakout goal-scoring stretch with 11 tallies through his past 18 games, including three goals and 10 shots over his past two outings. Coyle has ascended to top-line duty and draws a favorable matchup against the Maple Leafs, who are on the wrong end of a back-to-back and have allowed 3.6 goals per game through their past 10 contests.
W: Nail Yakupov, EDM at PHI ($3,700): Expected to stick with Connor McDavid and Jordan Eberle, Yakupov's fantasy stock is on the rise. It is an intriguing match of Yakupov's offensive upside and the juicy spot skating with the high-scoring duo. Plus, Yakupov went good for 10 points through his first 11 games of the season playing primarily with McDavid.
W: Nikita Soshnikov, TOR vs. MIN ($3,500): After passing the eye test Wednesday, Soshnikov checks out as a potential low-priced flier going forward. He has been rolling with Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov at even strength, and the rookie has registered five shots and three blocked shots through his first two games in the show.
D: Drew Doughty, LA vs. MON ($5,400): Extremely steady and in a dream matchup, there is a lot to like about Doughty on Thursday. He has 14 points through his past 15 games with 33 shots on net and 19 blocked shots while averaging 29:38 minutes of ice time, including 3:53 of the power-play variety. As mentioned, Montreal will also be playing its second road game in consecutive nights and struggles defensively away from home.
D: Cam Fowler, MIN at PHI ($4,000): Another cross-category filler with a high floor, Fowler has nine helpers through his past nine games with 17 shots, 11 blocked shots a plus-4 rating and an average of 22:15 ice time per night, including 2:58 minutes with the man advantage. Arizona kills penalties at just 77.9 percent, too.
