NHL Thursday: Line Configuration Value Plays

by landsharkhockey Last Updated 2012-03-15 17:20:21

It’s no secret that who a forward plays with dramatically impacts his production. An average winger getting a regular shift with an elite center can transform his game, at least temporarily. The challenge is in keeping up with current line formations, as they change constantly. Here are a few players to target this week, based on recent beneficial line configurations.

Jordan Caron (BOS)
The Bruins have awakened once more. After a dull and dreary February, March has been much kinder to the Bruins. Many of the stars are back on track, including Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand. Jordan Caron has been fortunate enough to go along for that ride. The rookie had a spotty start to the season, finding it hard to stick with the big club, but the last two weeks have been solid for Caron getting a regular shift on the second line. As a result, he’s produced 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists) in a 6 game scoring streak.

David Moss (CGY)
You’re probably aware of sweet run of goalscoring that Glenncross has been on, and that Jokinen has had several stretches of solid production this season. The name that may not come to mind is David Moss. Maybe it’s the fact that he has just 8 points on the season. However, since finding the sweet spot with Glenncross and Jokinen, he’s put up a respectable 3 points in 4 games. It’s a start for someone in the 8k salary range.

Jamie McGinn (COL)
McGinn’s trade to the Avs in late February didn’t register on the headlines at the time, but it’s starting to get a little more attention now. Over the last six games, he has amassed 7 goals and 2 assists on the 2nd line with Stastny and Jones. Something’s clicking here.

Steve Ott (DAL)
Since plucking Jamie Benn from the top line and pairing him with Steve Ott, the Stars have been rolling. Ott’s production has been bolstered by the move, generating 7 points in 9 games. He’s also a fairly steady producer in PIMs, making him an attractive value option right now.

Wojtek Wolski (FLA)
When Versteeg went down with a lower body injury, Wolski stepped up to take his spot with Fleischmann and Weiss on top line. That relationship has netted 4 points in 3 games for the winger. Until Versteeg returns, you can benefit from some increased production. His cap hit on Draftstreet is just 7k.

Dwight King (LA)
Dwight King certainly isn’t a household name (yet) in fantasy circles. The rookie has just 9 points on the season. Since being fitted on the Philly-defect line (Carter & Richards), he’s shown a knack for point production. He has a three game point streak going right now for the Kings. Cap hit is a bargain at 8k.

Carl Hagelin (NYR)
Hagelin is another rookie defaulting into a productive situation. Torts recently brought Brad Richards and Marion Gaborik together to spur offensive production. Hagelin gets to ride shotgun with these high-priced veterans. So far, so good, as he’s produced 3 points in the last 2 games.

Colin Greening (OTT)
Greening is nestled nicely beside the two Senator snipers: Spezza and Michalek. With these guys clicking as they are right now, he’s getting plenty of residual points. Add him to the pile of rookies poised for increase production down the stretch.

Tyler Kennedy & Matt Cooke (PIT)
We’ll see tonight what transpires when Crosby returns to action. At least in the short term, you can hope for a boost in the production of his initial linemates: Kennedy and Cooke. Both have been of little value to this point in fantasy circles, but both are very capable goal scorers, particularly with the best player in the world dishing it up. Take advantage immediately, before the lines start to jumble in Pittsburgh.

Patrik Berglund (STL)
The Blues have a plethora of above-average scoring options, but no superstars. Perron and MacDonald have quite effective lately, and they’re bringing Berglund along for the ride. He has a 4-game point streak rolling right now while centering this line.

Teddy Purcell (TB)
Purcell went from irrelevant to fantasy stud the moment he replaced Downie on the Stamkos / St. Louis line in Tampa. He has generated 20 points in the last 11 games.

DraftStreet Roster for Tonight: 3/15/12

With the feature attraction tonight being the return of Crosby, I’ll be looking to cash in on some of that magic. Lundqvist may still be weary from the flu, so I’m liking the odds of a scoring outburst from the mighty Pens.

In terms of goalie selection, it’s hard to argue with the resurgence of Bryzgalov, particularly when he gets to feast on the Islanders. Halak vs. Carolina and Rinne vs San Jose are also attractive. If you’re wanting to spare cap on the goalie position, consider Tokarski (TB) versus the flailing Leafs tonight. With a savings of 10k between Tokarski and Bryzgalov, I’ll take my chances and load up on Pens. Keep an eye on Letang’s status tonight, but I’m penciling him in for being part of the triumphant return.

Plug in a couple of my picks from above (Wolski and Caron) and I’m set for tonight’s GPP action. Go Pens!