NHL Thursday 11/17: Value Plays and DraftStreet Lineup

by landsharkhockey Last Updated 2011-11-17 18:19:06

Finding value picks on Draftstreet is a tough proposition. The good folks at Draftstreet stay on top of current player values like no other sites. This makes fielding a stacked roster nearly impossible. If you want to add a few elite forwards to your game, you most certainly need to stuff that Flex position and a couple other slots with bargain players. While these guys won’t carry the load, if you place them right, you can squeeze out a few points on the cheap. Here are a handful of players to squeeze in when you’re up against the cap:

GOALIES

In general, I don’t recommend getting too cheap in net. There are too many points you can leave on the table if you go bargain. Best is to take the cheapest option you can with a good shot at a win. That said, here are a few guys placed low that can squeeze out some points on any given night:

!(right)http://www.ecachockey.com/images/men/Cornell/Ben_Scrivens_Toronto2?max_width=360()!

Ben Scrivens (TOR) – $11.9k

The results have been mixed with Scrivens in net, but you sure can’t beat the price. He was stellar in his debut, allowing just 1 goal against the Jackets (which isn’t terribly hard to do). Since then, he’s struggled to win, but his numbers are respectable. Until Reimer returns, look for him when you want to go cheap in net.

Jacob Markstrom (FLA) – $15.4k

Markstrom is still splitting time with Theodore (and now Clemmensen), but when he gets the nod, he’s delivering excellent value. His 8.5 FPPG is better than many top tier options, such as Quick, Howard, Vokoun, and even Thomas.

Jaroslav Halak (STL) – $16k

True, it’s been an absolute train wreck of a season so far; however, there is one key factor that makes Halak an attractive option going forward: Ken Hitchcock. Few coaches in the league have such a legendary history of turning struggling defenses into powerhouses. Just check his history in Dallas, Philly, and to some extent, Columbus. He tends to have a great short-term impact on success. Halak could be primed for a surge.

Craig Anderson (OTT) – $12.7k

No guarantees on what you’ll get night to night from Anderson, but you can’t beat the price. He’s won the last two games against struggling opponents with a GAA of 1.5 and he faces Edmonton tonight, so he’s worth a look at this price.

DEFENSE

You absolutely have to find value at this position to be competitive on Draftstreet. If you’re spending top dollar at this position, you’re probably cheating yourself silly on offense. Scroll way to the bottom and consider adding a few of these names to your roster:

Jakub Kindl (DET) – $4.7k

Kindl’s pricetag just went up by a grand, but he’s still a viable option when you want to save the cap for your offense. He’s got promise in terms of offensive upside. More playing time will bring more points over time. Right now, he’s low on the depth chart, but his value will increase over the course of the year.

Karl Alzner (WAS) – $4.8k

Alzner is another youngster who won’t win a game for you, but will give adequate value for your investment. He’s got a respectable 6 points with a +9 on the season.

Jake Gardiner (TOR) – $3.9k

Gardiner (along with most of theLeafs) has gone cold recently, causing his salary to drop under 4k. He’s still earning huge minutes for Toronto and has the skills to put points on the board. When the Leafs start to turn things around, keep him in mind to balance your roster.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson (PHO) – $5.6k

Ekman scored another goal on Tuesday night, so expect his value to creep up to 6k shortly. For the meantime, the future Coyote star is a solid pick on any given night. He is currently on pace for 20 goals on the season, which he may well reach. Don’t expect him to stay in the bargain bin for long.

LEFT WING

When it comes to the offensive positions on Draftstreet the “bargain” designation is reserved for players under 9k. There are relatively few solid picks at this level, so you have to dig deep:

Milan Michalek (OTT) – $9k

Michalek’s salary just jumped up by 1k in the past couple days. Don’t be surprised if that happens again. He’s a big part of what’s keeping the Senators alive right now. With 11 goals on the season, he’s on pace to crush his previous career high of 26.

Matt Cooke (PIT) – $7.6k

He doesn’t have many fans outside of Pittsburgh, but he can make a friend or two in the daily fantasy world by popping in the occasional short handed goal, while consistently driving up the penalty minutes. With so many injuries in Pittsburgh, he gets occasional time on the power play as well. At this salary range, you won’t find many other viable option.

Sean Avery (NYR) – $6.3k

Ditto Matt Cooke. Now that he’s back collecting a big league paycheck, Avery has 2 goals in 5 games, with 12 PIMs for good measure. One of the cheapest forwards available.

CENTER

Alex Burmistrov (WPG) – $7k

The skilled center has cooled off a bit in recent weeks for the Jet, which explains why his cap hit has dropped to the bottom of your screen. He’s an impressive +3, considering who he plays for. He’s also a shot generating machine. The goals will eventually come, likely in highlight real form.

Matt Cullen (MIN) – $7.9k

Cullen has started to heat up for the Wild with goals in his last two games. He’s on pace for 35 on the season. Tough to beat the price tag here.

Ryan Johansen (COB) – $8.4k

The Jackets had no choice but to burn through the first year on the contract for the first round draft pick this season. So far, he’s looked good for a 19 year old. He’s tallied 5 goals so far and regularly puts 2 or 3 shots on net. He’s still got a ways to go before he reaches his potential, but if you catch him on a good night, the price is right.

RIGHT WING

Martin Havlat (SJ) – $9k

After running at a point a game pace to start his season, he’s dried up with no points in 3 games. His low goal total is driving his salary down. He’s far too talented for this trend to persist. When healthy, which is rare, he’s a steady goal-scoring threat. Take advantage of this deal while it lasts.

Devin Setoguchi (MIN) – $8.3k

Setoguchi came to the Wild this summer in an attempt to restore hope in the offense. So far, it’s been a slow development. He scored on Tuesday when his playing time was increased. If he can stay on the ice, he can delivery value.

Matt Read (PHI) – $6.4k

With so much talent crowding the ice in Philly, it’s easy to overlook a rookie on the third line. With 10 points in 14 games, he’s an early contender for the Calder Trophy. And the best news for Draftstreet players — his cap hit is crazy low.

My Roster for Tonight’s Action

With just about every team in action, the choices are endless tonight. I could have gone with several solid options in net. Budaj (MON) likely to win against the Isles, Fleury vs Tampa, Vokoun against Winnepeg. Ultimately, I’m looking at Boston’s win streak and thinking it should continue against Columbus. For a dirt cheap alternative, turn to Anderson tonight vs Edmonton.

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About the Writer: ‘Chewy’ aka Gary Wilson, operates LandShark Hockey, and has been helping others dominate Fantasy Hockey Leagues for almost 20 years now. Landshark Hockey provides fantasy hockey fans with daily news, updates, and draft strategy including the LandShark Hockey War Room for Daily Fantasy Hockey Lineup Help.