Fantasy Hockey Picks 1-29-15
These fantasy hockey picks are your itinerary for your trip to the top of the Ice Throne leaderboard tonight!
The 10k Ice Throne has finally arrived and I couldn’t be more excited. Tonight someone is going to walk away with $2,000 from a $50 buyin. We have a great slate of games to work with today as the schedule is jammed packed with 11 games. You’re not here for the small talk. Let’s get to the good stuff.
Goalies:
Ben Scrivens ($12,500 ) -I never thought that I would ever look at using a goalie from Edmonton this season but the minimum price and the home matchup against the pathetic Buffalo Sabres is always a place to look for your goalie. Buffalo has lost 12 consecutive games and EDM is the biggest favorite on the night according to Vegas. I like getting those bonus points for a win so that always plays a part in my mind.
James Reimer ($15,500) - Be sure to verify that he is in net as Toronto played last night. Toronto is ice cold right now only being 1-8-1 in their last 10 games but greatly outplayed New Jersey last night and lost to an outstanding goalie performance. As bad as Toronto has been, Arizona is an even worse team that really struggles to score. The Coyotes only have 1 skating line capable of scoring and with Toronto being at home and dictating the matchups, they will do everything in their power to shut down that top line and I just don’t see anyone else scoring for Arizona.
Others: Henrik Lundqvist, Jonas Hiller
Centers:
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ($10,200) - I expect EDM to give Scrivens plenty of goals in support for the win and therefore I like the top line in EDM. Hopefully Taylor Hall will play alongside RNH. The price tag is reasonable and the matchup is as good as can be.
Sean Monahan ($10,750) - Monahan has 6 points including 4 goals in his last 5 games. The price is rising but take advantage before it becomes unreasonable. He is now centering the top line with Gaudreau and Hudler on his wings and also getting time on the top power play.
Others: Steven Stamkos (price is down) Nick Bjugstad
Left Wing:
James van Riemsdyk ($13,300) - JVR is really looking for his shot lately with 22 shots in the last 5 games including 8 shots on goal last night where he had some great scoring chances. Arizona’s penalty kill has just been atrocious this season and I think Toronto should be able to take advantage of that a few times tonight. The Leafs played a good game last night despite losing in a shootout. They were in complete control of the game until the last 5 minutes or so and look for their good play to continue despite their record recently.
Alex Steen ($15,300) - The matchup does not seem great at first look but with the Blues being at home and Pekka Rinne being out Steen’s value goes way up. Steen’s goal streak was put to an end in their last game when he only had 2 assists. He is on fire right now and one of the hottest players in the league.
Others: Ondrej Palat, Patrick Maroon
Right Wing:
Ryan Callahan ($11,550) - Now that Callahan is back to skating with Stamkos his value goes up tremendously. These two have great chemistry together and are always a threat to score any shift they are on the ice. Pairing both together gives you exposure to both of the power play units in Tampa.
Patrick Eaves ($6,950) - It is now Eaves’ turn to skate with Seguin and Benn. It has been a rotating door for this position on the team and whomever is skating with them on a given night is always a value play.
Others: Phil Kessel, Bobby Ryan
Defense:
Cody Franson ($11,200) - With Dion Phaneauf injured, Franson has taken over the top power play duties for the Leafs. His price has skyrocketed but he is still in play for me as picking on the Arizona penalty kill is always a place to look for value.
Torey Krug ($11,000) - 8 points in his last 8 contests. Krug is playing great on the power play for Boston and has been very consistent fantasy producer this season. If you want a defenseman that should guarantee you some sort of production look no further. Many will look past this game and he could be low owned in the Ice Throne tonight.
Others: Anton Stralman, Aaron Ekblad