On every game day this season, THN Fantasy will highlight players and goalies for fantasy managers to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies are rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and can be selected in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games.
JJ Peterka, LW/RW, BUF at FLA (48% rostered)
Maybe it’s a Buffalo thing, but the fantasy community has been rather slow to warm up to Peterka. He’s scored two points in each of his past three games and his points streak is now at seven games. He’s also played at least 20 minutes in each of his past four games and a staple next to Tage Thompson at even strength and on the power play.
Anders Lee, LW, NYI at SJ (48% rostered)
We’ll get confirmation once the game starts, but with Brock Nelson now in Colorado, look for Lee to get elevated back up to PP1. He’s been moved around quite a bit, but the Isles no longer have enough talent to really spread out the units. Lee’s quietly put together a solid season and faces an opponent allowing the most goals per game in the league.
Ryan Donato, C/LW/RW, CHI at NSH (42% rostered)
Teuvo Teravainen, LW/RW, CHI at NSH (31% rostered)
Both Donato (seven games) and Teravainen (six games) are carrying points streaks into this game, though Donato is the better option because he fills more categories and also the better volume shooter. Neither team are particularly good at keeping the puck out of their nets so hopefully this ends up being a high-scoring game.
Dylan Cozens, C, OTT vs. NYR (27% rostered)
Cozens gets a fresh start with the Sens and will likely slot in as their No. 2 center in the spot vacated by Josh Norris with some PP2. Cozens offers shots, hits and faceoff wins with some modest upside in scoring. Perhaps his scoring will pick up with a much-needed change of scenery. The Sens are expected to face backup Jonathan Quick.
Jonathan Drouin, LW/RW, COL vs. TOR (21% rostered)
Drouin usually has to play with Nathan MacKinnon to score points, but maybe he won’t now that Brock Nelson is in the fold. Drouin should be a more consistent producer with Nelson as his center, and he still holds a role on PP1 for added value.
Morgan Geekie, C/LW/RW, BOS at TB (16% rostered)
Geekie has scored three goals in his past two games and the Bruins will be relying heavily on their top line, even with the addition of Casey Mittelstadt. With triple-position eligibility and contributions in different facets (goals, faceoff wins, hits), Geekie has a pretty good floor in multi-category leagues.
Nick Paul, C/LW, TB vs. BOS (13% rostered)
The addition of Oliver Bjorkstrand, who scored a goal in his Lightning debut and also worth considering as a streamer, and Yanni Gourde gave them a new third line, but also pushed Paul back up to the second line with Anthony Cirelli and Brandon Hagel. This is good for Paul’s value, who responded with a goal and an assist, his first multi-point game since Jan. 20. Paul’s offensive upside is limited because scoring’s not his forte, but better linemates and a vulnerable opponent makes him a worthwhile streaming option.
Andrei Kuzmenko, LW/RW, LA vs. STL (9% rostered)
Kuzmenko was brought in specifically to help out the Kings’ power play, and what better way to make your debut against the league’s 30th-ranked PK. Kuzmenko is a true wild card; coaches don’t trust him much, but when he’s on the ice, his offensive talent is very evident. Not sure where Kuzmenko will line up at even strength and when he’ll get benched, but he’ll certainly get looks on the power play. It’s what they brought him in to do.
Mackie Samoskevich, RW, FLA vs. BUF (2% rostered)
Samoskevich’s points streak is now at three games and this is a good matchup against a poor defensive team. Samoskevich played 17:32 with a goal and seven shots in their previous game against the Jackets. He’s not a focal point of the Panthers offense, but he’s got some skill and plays PP1.
There’s a chance the Jackets stage an upset, but they’re bad on the road (10-17-4) and tend to have trouble scoring goals on the road, ranking 24th in goals per game. That’s really troublesome because Merzlikins relies heavily on goal support to win games. I’d pass on Merzlikins in favor of a surer bet.
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