Thursday Fantasy Hockey Tips – NHL Picks, Matchups, and More

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The last time Kris Letang After suffering a stroke, he was unable to complete the 2013-14 season. He returned as strong as ever. He scored four points in his final three games. He also played his big minutes in the playoffs, scoring about the same as the rest of the team. Pittsburgh Penguins Before they were bounced at the second round. He returned the following season and was his usual star, stray Norris-votes self.

Letang’s stroke news was announced Wednesday. While it is not clear if he will return to his normal self — he has already proven that he will — it is a matter of when we will see him again. Ron Hextall, the general manager of Letang, was clear in stating that this stroke was “much more severe” than the previous one. It’s not the first time this has happened.

You can take a moment as a fantasy manager to wish one the most outstanding defensemen in post-lockout time a speedy recovery. Jeff Petry‘s availability. He is currently on rosters in 83.6% leagues, but it’s likely that he will move to 97% very soon.

Petry is doing well as the Penguins’ No. 2 games to date with 2.0 fantasy point per game (FPPG). This is mainly due to his shot-blocking, hits, and shots on goal. He’ll also be able to enjoy the power-play with the likes Sidney Crosby And Evgeni MalkinYou’ve got a dream stew.

The Penguins’ power play has been dreadful lately, it must be admitted. This isn’t an exaggeration. They are tied for the last place in the NHL, with only four power-play goals scored in November by their Pennsylvania brethren. Perhaps the Petry points shakeup can help the unit. However, it’s an opportunity for a player who was ranked eighth among defensemen in total fantasy points and 36th among all other players for those three seasons prior to COVID.

The Penguins are limited in their options for special teams as they defend the NHL roster. Deeper leagues may be able to look at Ty Smith, who was a top prospect in the NHL. New Jersey Devils The Pens AHL affiliate is pleased with Smith’s performance, who has accumulated 10 points and scored three power-play goals in just 19 games. Smith could be the team’s best option for sparking a spark if Letang is injured and the Pens power play doesn’t get the November doldrums over them quickly.

Hosting Vegas Golden Knights On Thursday, we will see how the Pens deploy their tactics, but you can rest assured that Petry will have plenty of chances to display his offensive game.

How long? Letang’s recovery is a key question, as we’ve already discussed.

There are 11 games available, so fantasy players shouldn’t have too many options. As always, the NHL has many options for fantasy players.

The Buffalo Sabres And Edmonton Oilers On Wednesday, the are celebrating wins while the Nashville Predators Friday will also be a big day for the band.

Resources: Goalie depth chart | Injuries | Schedule | How to watch on ESPN+ | Sign up for ESPN Fantasy Hockey | Download the ESPN Fantasy App | Daily lines

All times Eastern.

Favorable scoring matchups

Rogers Arena, 10 p.m. Watch live on ESPN+

The matchup of top-10 league teams in goals per sixty minutes at five on five, with both sides also in the top ten for goals allowed per sixty minutes at five on five, is a possible baseball score. The Panthers will still be without. Aleksander BarkovThis is what gives Anton Lundell While you play a key role in the offense’s success, it is important to also ensure your safety. Sam Bennett As he will play with, he can find his way to your starting lineup. Matthew Tkachuk And Carter Verhaeghe. However, it is possible to keep some of your documents. Brock Boeser And Andrei Kuzmenko They should be able to sit on your fantasy bench when there are crowded slates.

American Airlines Center at 8:30 p.m. Watch live on ESPN+

I am taking the over, and I expect the Stars will do the heavy lifting. As with many Ducks matchups, this one looks lopsided. Despite the fact that John Gibson The Ducks are sneaking in a few gems in the crease lately, and they remain 31st overall in NHL goals allowed per 60 minute at five-on-5 and 31st overall at all strengths (per EvolutionHockey.com). The matchup is favorable Jamie Benn This crowded slate should have all players in it. However, you might also consider a single appearance. Tyler Seguin Or Mason MarchmentDespite their general lack of fantasy appeal this year,

Vegas Golden Knights at Pittsburgh Penguins

7 p.m. PPG Paints Arena Watch live on ESPN+

This will be the final meeting of the top blueliners from both clubs, Letang after his stroke and Alex Pietrangelo Personal reasons. Other than the recommendation to include Petry in lineups Shea Theodore This one should be of particular interest to you. He’s managed just fine without having access to the top power lay unit (2.0 FPPG), but it should be a no-brainer that he is on rosters whenever Pietrangelo goes out. The Penguins deserve credit for their poor power play, but they also had the best penalty kill in the league. Despite the fact that both teams remain amongst the top-10 NHL teams in goals per sixty minutes at five-on-5, there’s a script where it turns out this is a low scoring affair.

10:30 p.m., Crypto.com Arena, Watch live on ESPN+

After the sloppy 17 goal game with The Seattle Kraken Some players cited the Crypto.com Arena’s ice condition as a contributing factor to their loss on Tuesday. Two days later, we’re back. It’s not like the Coyotes or Kings need bouncy hockey to play a bad game. Both teams rank in the bottom-10 in goals allowed per minute at five-on-5 and in power-play goals allowed. There are two power-play units that the Kings have. It is difficult to guess which one will emerge in any particular game. Sean Durzi And Phillip Danault There are more fantasy-free-agent pools available than they should. It’s the last call for the Coyotes Jakob Chychrun (now at 78.8%) and perhaps second- or even third-last calls Nick Schmaltz (up to 41.1%).

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Jakob Chychrun tallies goal vs. Red Wings

Mid-tier fantasy forwards

Dawson MercerC/W, New Jersey Devils (5.2%) Playing with Jack Hughes? Check. Have you had four assists in the past three games? Check. Join the best power-play unit Nathan Bastian This week, did you put it on hold? Check.

Dylan Cozens, C/W, Buffalo Sabres (9.7%): The penalty kill is the Avalanche’s biggest weakness. Cozens is the one who plays with this. Jeff Skinner, Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch And Rasmus Dahlin On the top unit.

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Forward looking Deep league/Daily Fantasy Value

J.T. Compher, W/C, Colorado Avalanche (1.2%): With the Avs forward crop so injured, he’s starting to get some power-play looks. Everyone who has power-play time with this top unit should be considering if they are facing a bottom-10 death like the Sabres.

Sam Steel, C/W, Minnesota Wild (0.2%): Steel is the best choice if you are looking for a guaranteed-available body to take part in Thursday’s slate. Steel is nearly free of wires. Kirill Kaprizov And Mats Zuccarello The Wild are still waiting for you Ryan Hartman‘s return.

Lukas Sedlak, C. Philadelphia Flyers (0.1%) You have to wonder, given their desire for a second line in consequence, if the Flyers regret waiving Sedlak’s position on the Flyers’ top line. Sedlak scored four points in his two previous games. This coincides with Sedlak being promoted to play with Joel Farabee Kevin Hayes. If we find out by Thursday night, this recommendation is thrown out. Cam Atkinson Makes his season debut.

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Lukas Sedlak scores goal vs. Islanders

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Fantasy defensemen of mid-tier rank

Cam Fowler, D, Anaheim Ducks (18.0%): With John Klingberg Fowler, who was expected to miss the game for some reason, is available for additional offensive looks — both on and off of the power play.

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Deep league/Daily Fantasy defensemen

Mike Matheson, D, Montreal Canadiens (6.3%): We can’t expect much from the Habs in their fight against the Calgary FlamesMatheson is on Matheson’s point for the power-play, which gives you an advantage if your goal is to activate and add a defenseman.

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Goalies

Pyotr Kochetkov Or Antti Raanta, G. Carolina Hurricanes (or 6.8% or 13.0%) Although it is not a guarantee win on the road against St. Louis Blues this matchup appears defensive for both sides. This is your best chance to find a goaltender who can produce positive fantasy production.

Philipp Gurbauer, G, Seattle Kraken (6.3%): Grubauer’s matchup isn’t great, but it is primed to be a strong one. Recovering from injury to find Martin Jones Grubauer has taken his crease. Jones had scored 12 goals in his previous two games. Grubauer should be the first to start. Grubauer would be able to reclaim his gig if he wins big.

Bench ’em

Ryan Nugent-HopkinsC/W, Edmonton Oilers (89.3%). Oilers have increased their depth chart. Leon Draisaitl And Connor McDavid Together on a line. Nugent-Hopkins is not able to power-play with the two stars, but he does get power-play. He is skating with Mattias Janmark And Jesse Puljujarvi It is too late.

Adam RuzickaC/W Calgary Flames (3.7%) It’s over, if you enjoyed his run off time at the top of the line, Jonathan Huberdeau It is back with Elias Lindholm And Tyler Toffoli,

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