It's an unusually busy weekend for the NHL with 7 games on Friday, 8 on Saturday, and a whopping 10 on Sunday.  With all of that action, you're sure to want to get in on a few daily contests on Fanduel.  Here are some pointers to stash in your brain as you piece together your lineups:

 

 

Who's Hot

 

Jason Spezza (OTT)

Spezza is suddenly the hottest player in the NHL.  Four straight games with multiple points.  He's piled up 5 goals and 7 assists in the last four games for the Senators.  Obviously, he's making his linemates (Michalek and Butler) better right now.

 

David Perron (STL)

It took a while for Perron to shake off the early season cobwebs, but now that he's done so, we're seeing once again what this star winger can do.  He has 7 goals in his last 6 games for the Blues.  He still comes fairly cheap at $6,800.

 

Max Pacioretty (MON)

Max has become a goal scoring dynamo for the Canadiens lately.  He has 6 goals in his last 6 games and 13 since the calendar turned to 2012. 

 

Ryan Callahan (NYR)

The captain has been leading the charge for the first place Rangers.  He has 6 goals during his current five game point streak.

 

 

Alex Pietrangelo (D-STL)

Pietrangelo is surging up the leaderboard among defensemen recently.  Coming off another 3 point night on Thursday, he has 7 points in his last 4 games.  He plays nearly half the game each night for St. Louis and is only going to get better from here.

 

Mike Smith (G-PHO)

Smith has vaulted the Coyotes into a playoff spot in the West with his recent outstanding play.  He's one of the most reliable plays in net right now, having won 6 straight starts, including back to back shutouts.

 

Jonas Hiller (G-ANA)

Hiller has gone 5-0-1 in his last 6 starts for the surging Ducks.  He's won more games than any other goalie since the start of 2012, and his GAA has plummeted over that time.

 

 

 

Who's Cold

 

David Krejci (BOS)

Krejci has been on a roller coaster this season.  He started the year in abysmal fashion before going on a strong run in late December.   He has once again disappeared.  He has no points in his last 7 games and has been a negative on the +/- in four straight contests.

 

Tyler Seguin (BOS)

Krejci isn't the only Bruin struggling to match his previous success.  Seguin has hit the wall in a big way, having just 2 points in his last 8 games for Boston.

 

Jiri Hudler (DET)

The Wings are winning, but Hudler has done little to contribute to that success on the offensive side of the game.  He finally scored on Tuesday, breaking a five game pointless run.

 

Stephen Weiss (FLA)

Weiss still earns top-line minutes, but has not been producing top-line points for the suddenly mediocre Panthers.  He has a mere 2 assists over the last 7 games and is a -5 in that slump.

 

Mikhail Grabovski (TOR)

The Leafs have had some high scoring affairs lately, but Grabovski has been absent from that success.  He has no points in the last five games and is barely registering shots in recent weeks.

 

Patrick Kane (CHI)

Kane's offensive woes continue, fueling speculation for a possible trade out of Chicago.  He has just 1 assist in the last four games.

 

 

 

Who's Hurt

 

• Tuomo Ruutu (CAR) - out 3 weeks with an upper body injury
• Niklas Hjalmarsson (D-CHI) - concussion symptoms

• Sheldon Souray (D-DAL) - bruised foot

• Jamie Benn (DAL) - lower body (day to day)
• Henrik Zetterberg (DET) - lower body
• Patric Hornqvist (NAS) - upper body
• Jaromir Jagr (PHI) - flu
• Danny Briere (PHI) - left Thursday's game with upper body injury

• Douglas Murray (D-SJ) - left Thursday's game with throat injury

• Mike Green (D-WAS) - traveling with the team (finally) - stay tuned

 

 

Value Picks of the Week

 

Here are some guys currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

 

Alex Tanguay (CGY)

Tanguay has seen his pricetag rise a bit to $6,200 recently, as he seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch.  He has 10 points in 9 games for Calgary.

 

David Jones (COL)

Jones will run you just $5,100 on Fanduel this week and he's heating up for the Avs.  He has 3 goals and 4 assists in the last five games since spending one night in the press box.

 

Victor Hedman (D-TB)

Hedman won't participate in the pending firesale coming out of Tampa Bay over the next week.  He's been surging lately with 5 points in the last 4 games.  He'll run you just $4,500 right now.

 

Bobby Butler (OTT)

Butler has benefitted big time from being paired up with Spezza in recent weeks.  After sitting out 3 games in early February, he has points in four straight games, totaling 6 points.  He's bargain priced at just $4,400.

 

Wayne Simmonds (PHI)

Simmonds is making the most of limited playing time in Philly.  He has an impressive 7 goals in 8 games, including 2 goals on Thursday night following a puck to mouth.  He's priced at just $6,100 now.

 

 

 

The weekend is here, and there are plenty of NHL games on tap for the next couple of days.  Before piecing together your rosters, take a moment to bury some of these fantasy tips in the back of your memory bank.


Who's Hot

Sam Gagner (EDM)
Even if you ignore that 8-point night, this guy is hot right now.  4 goals and 2 assists in the 3 games since the monumental performance.  Must play until he cools off.

Ilya Kovalchuk (NJ)
Kovalchuk is trying out something new lately: assists.  He has a buttload of them lately.  8 in the last 5 games to be exact.  Overall, he has 11 points in his last 5 games for the Devils, getting him back on pace for an 81 point season.

Phil Kessel (TOR)
Kessel keeps plugging away at his career season.  He has nine points over his current four game scoring streak.  He just reached 30 goals and 30 assists on the season.


Tyler Bozak (TOR)
Since returning to the money line with Kessel and Lupul, Bozak's stats are back in the impressive territory. He's registered points in four straight games, with 4 goals and 3 assists over that span.

Jamie Benn (DAL)
Benn has dialed back his minutes since returning from appendectomy surgery, but it hasn't slowed down his goal scoring.  With 2 tallies last night, he has four in his last five games and two more assists to boot.


Mike Smith (G-PHO)
Smith is tearing it up for the Coyotes these days.  He's won four straight contests.  Over his last 3 games, he's allowed 1 goal in each contest.

Martin Brodeur (G-NJ)
It's a shame that his ankle injury has interrupted his recent run.  He's won four straight games, including a shutout in his last matchup with the Rangers.


Who's Cold


Loui Eriksson (DAL)
Eriksson is paid to score goals for the Stars.  Recently, he's not fulfilling the requirements of his job description.  8 games and running without a goal.  He's gone five games now with no points at all.  His shot totals have been severely limited recently, too, giving little signs of life.  His time apart from Benn and Ryder has not been kind to him.

David Krejci (BOS)
Since being bumped down to third line action with Pouliot and Caron, Krejci has been unable to find his way to the stat sheet.  He has gone four games now without a point.  He's a -3 over that stretch.

Ryan Callahan (NYR)
Callahan finally snapped a five game scoreless streak last night, but it's still looking bleak for the Ranger's winger these days.

Marian Hossa (CHI)
It's been a rough two weeks for Chicago's leading scorer.  He has no points in the last four games and is a -5 for those games.  He hasn't put more than 2 shots on goal in a game since mid-January.

Tuukka Rask (G-BOS)
Tough times have suddenly brought the Bruins down to earth.  The normally stellar Rask has suffered along with the team. Over his last 3 starts, Rask is 0-3 with a 4.26 GAA.


Who's Hurt

    • Nathan Horton (BOS) - out indefinitely with a concussion
    • Chicago - half the team is down with the flu.
    • Brendan Morrow (DAL) - on IR for neck problems
    • Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM) - returned, then went down again.  2 weeks.
    • Adam Larsson (D-NJ) - back problems, out indefinitely
    • Danny Briere (PHI) - returned to action
    • Henrik Sedin (VAN) - almost missed action with bruised foot, but kept the streak alive
    

Value Picks of the Week

Here are some guys currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

Olli Jokinen (C-CGY) - $6,500
Five games and counting for Jokinen showing up on the scoresheet.  That includes a hat trick / 4-point night against the Sharks.  He's a fine value at center right now.


David Clarkson (RW-NJ) - $6,100
Clarkson is a big part of the recent surge the Devils are enjoying.  And he's doing it without the help of New Jersey's stud wingers.  He's produced 8 points in the last 6 games, while toiling on a line with old-timers  Zubrus and Sykora.


Alex Goligoski (D-DAL) - $5,400
Goligoski is running at a point a game pace over the past couple of weeks. He's the best thing going in Dallas right now.

 

Who's Hot

 

Sam Gagner (EDM)

Gagner is riding a big two game point streak.  In case you missed it, last night's game featured 4 goals and 4 assists from the Oiler center.  Gagner was a first round (6th overall) pick in 2007, who has since been overshadowed by all the other young studs in Edmonton.  Perhaps this is a sign that he's ready to be part of that conversation as well.

 

Martin St. Louis (TB)

St. Louis continues to be red hot, riding an eight game point streak.  During that span, he's racked up 13 points.  He and Stamkos are back to dominating the opposition, while the rest of the Lightning roster lags behind.

 

Mikhail Grabovski (TOR)

Grabovski put together a couple of monsters games before and after the All Star break.  He has 3 goals and 6 assists over the last four games.

 

Dany Heatley (MIN)

He's a shadow of his former self, but the former sniper has woken up in the past two weeks.  He has points in four straight, including 3 goals and 4 assists.

 

Logan Couture (SJ)

Yes, he was left alone on the stage during All-Star pickup hour, but that hasn't slowed up down in the real world.  He has a five game point streak running, including 4 goals and 4 assists.

 

Marc-Andre Fleury (G-PIT)

If Fleury's in net, there's a darn good chance that the Pens are winning.  Despite being unjustly left off of the All-Star roster (Price???), he has put together wins in 8 straight games.

 

Pekka Rinne (G-NAS)

Not to be outdone by Fleury, Rinne has pieced together wins in 9 straight games.  Over that stretch, his GAA is an amazing 1.56, including 1 shutout.

 

 

 

Who's Cold

 

Milan Michalek (OTT)

Michalek finally registered an assist in his last game, after going four straight without a point.  He has just 2 points in the last 8 games and is a -5 over that span.

 

Henrik Zetterberg (DET)

Is the offense dead in Zetterberg's game?  Another three games without a point.  More telling: He has just 1 goal in the last 21 games, putting him on pace for a lousy 14 this season.  Perhaps it's time to label him a defensive forward, as a opposed to a 2-way threat.

 

Thomas Vanek (BUF)

Vanek missing Buffalo's last game with an upper body injury.  At least he now has an excuse for not scoring.  7 games played and counting without a point for Vanek.

 

Johan Franzen (DET)

Mr. Streaky is back at it.  Three games without a point, and just 1 in his last five.  All that means is that he's probably due for a 5 goal game.

 

Corey Crawford (G-CHI)

Crawford was victimized for 5 goals in the Sam Gagner show on Thursday.  He's dropped four straight games, averaging 4+ GAA in that time.  The door is open for Emery if he can step it up.

 

 

 

Who's Hurt

 

• Jason Blake (ANA) - lower body injury.  Does this mean the rally in Anaheim is over?
• Nathan Horton (BOS) - concussion - day to day
• Adam Henrique (NJ) - groin
• Marc-Andre Bergeron (D-TB) - upper body, day to day
• Ryan Malone (TB) - upper body - IR
• Danny Briere (PHI) - close to returning

 

 

Value Picks of the Week

 

Here are some guys currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

 

Mike Fisher (NAS) - $6,100 - 2.8 FPPG

Fisher is the man in Nashville right now as far as goal scoring is concerned.  He has 6 goals in the last 6 games and is priced at just $6,100.

 

Ryan Whitney (D-EDM) - $4,500

Whitney has been hammered by injuries over the past few years (ok, his entire career), so expectations are low right now.  So is his salary.  He found the scoresheet twice in the Gagner show, giving him 3 points in 3 games since returning from his ankle injury.

 

Thomas Greiss (G-SJ) - $6,100

He doesn't get a ton of action playing behind Niemi, but when he gets the chance, he delivers at a value.  Greiss is 3-0-1 in 2012 with a 1.22 GAA.  Few goalies linger around 6k on Fanduel, so grab him when you can.

 

Andrew Shaw (CHI) - $4,600 - 2.9 FPPG

The rookie has seen a ton of playing time on the top lines in Chicago.  Occasionally, he's even popped in some points.  Can't beat that price right now.

 

Joe Thornton (SJ) - $6,700 - 3.2 FPPG

Thornton is quietly creeping back to a point-a-game level for the season.  He's even started to see some entries in the goal column.  He has 7 points in the last three games.

 

Taylor Hall (EDM) - $6,400 - 3.6 FPPG

Hall just can't get any respect from the salary setters at Fanduel, despite being on pace for 30 goals in his sophomore season.  He has 3 goals and 4 assists over the last three games.

 

 

 

For more on daily fantasy hockey, check out my articles on the Fanduel Insider at http://www.fanduel.com/insider

 

If you want to try daily fantasy hockey on Fanduel, use this link:

http://www.fanduel.com/?invitedby=landsharkhockey&cnl=da

 

 

Who's Hot

 

Any Goalie facing the Penguins or Sabres.  With an insane number of injuries to both squads, particularly on offense, Pittsburgh and Buffalo seem incapable of scoring right now.  The Pens have gone 5 games without scoring more than 1 goal.  Ouch.

 

David Krejci (BOS)

It took him long enough to get going this season, but he seems to be back in playoff form at this point.  Krejci is now riding a 9 game point streak.  During that stretch, he's amassed 5 goals and 9 assists for 14 points.

 

Ilya Kovalchuk (NJ)

Kovalchuk is finally  starting to earn that outrageous salary.  He has registered 2 points in each of the last four games and has 5 goals in that span.  His shot totals are impressive, averaging about 7 a game right now.  #17 is back.

 

Curtis Glencross (CGY)

Glencross is the midst of a career year, thanks to an impressive run in January.  He has 4 goals and 9 points over the last 6 games for the Flames.  He's really clicking with Olli Jokinen right now.

 

Saku Koivu (ANA)

While little brother Mikku is struggling in Minnesota, the old man in Anaheim is looking young again.  Since returning from injury on New Year's Eve, Saku has put up 9 points in 5 games, including a hat trick on Tuesday against the Stars.  He's leading a mini-resurgence for the Ducks right now.

 

Craig Anderson (G-OTT)

Anderson's GAA climbed to dismal 3.36 at Christmas time, since then, that number has been in a freefall (which is a good thing), and the wins have been piling up (even better thing).  He's 6-0-1 in his last seven games, posting a .940 save percentage during this amazing run.

 

Jonas Gustavsson (G-TOR)

With Ottawa stepping it up on defense, Toronto has answered the call with the Monster.  Over the past four games, he's 4-0 with two shutouts.

 

Adam Henrique (NJ)

Henrique is continuing to pile up the points in his rookie season.  He has six points in the last four games on a line with Kovalchuk.

 

Dan Boyle (D-SJ)

At age 35, Boyle doesn’t seem to be slowing down much.  He's on a fine run right now, with six points over the last two games.

 

 

 

Who's Cold

 

Tomas Plekanec (MON)

Over the past five games, Plekanec has one lousy assist.  He's still earning top line minutes in Montreal, but the production is completely absent.  He's on pace for a mere 15 goals this season.  The -12 plus/minus rating isn't helping either.

 

Pascal Dupuis (PIT)

When the Pens were healthy, Dupuis was obviously feeding off the momentum.  Lately, he's gone cold with no points in the last 6 games.

 

Marian Gaborik (NYR)

Mr. Streaky is back on the down slope now.  His stats are a perfect sine wave.  After piling up 7 goals in five games, he has just one tally in the last 6 games.

 

Tomas Fleischmann / Stephen Weiss (FLA)

The hot start will soon be forgotten if he can't break out of the funk.  No points in three games for Florida's top two offensive threats.

 

 

 

 

Who's Hurt

 

• Jonas Hiller (G-ANA) - just when the Ducks started scoring, their goalie goes down again
• Thomas Vanek (BUF) - questionable for tonight (upper body)
• Derek Roy (BUF) - out indefinitely
• Patrick Sharp (CHI) - out a month (hand)
• Jeff Carter (COB) - out indefinitely with a separated shoulder
• Jordan Eberle (EDM) - out 2 to 3 weeks (knee)
• James Neal (PIT) - back from supposed broken foot in a day
• Jordan Staal (PIT) - out 4 to 6 weeks (MCL)

 

 

Value Picks of the Week

 

Here are some guys currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

 

Sergei Bobrovsky (G-PHI) - $6,600 / 4.6 FPPG

With Bryzgalov in a hole, his countryman has stepped it up for the Flyers.  He's making the case for more and more starts, going 6-2 over his last 8 games with a 1.66 GAA in that span.

 

Adam Henrique (C-NJ) - $5,900 / 3.1 FPPG

See above on what he's doing.  Don't pass on him this week.

 

David Krejci (C-BOS) - $6,400 / 3.1 FPPG

Again, see above.  His salary hasn't kept pace with his recent production.

 

Taylor Hall (LW-EDM) - $6,300 / 3.7 FPPG

Hall is carrying the weight in Edmonton with Eberle and Nugent-Hopkins on the shelf.  He has 4 goals and 2 assists over the last 5 games and comes rather cheap.

 

Daniel Alfredsson (RW-OTT) - $6,400 / 3.5 FPPG

Remember that old guy from Ottawa?  Just maybe he's going to actually deserve that All-Star berth.  He has come on in a big way over the last month, racking up 17 points in 13 games.

 

 

 

For more on daily fantasy hockey, check out my articles on the Fanduel Insider at http://www.fanduel.com/insider

 

If you want to try daily fantasy hockey on Fanduel, use this link:

http://www.fanduel.com/?invitedby=landsharkhockey&cnl=da

 

With NFL action winding down, many fantasy addicts will be turning to the NHL.  Read on to get a jump on some trends before setting your rosters this weekend.

 

Who's Hot

 

Alex Ovechkin (WAS)

#8 is finally shaking off the cobwebs and putting the puck in the net.  He has 6 goals in the last 5 games and a total of 11 points on a recent 7 game scoring streak.  It's safe to make him a regular once more on your Fanduel lineup.  He's still lingering just under 8k, but that won't last long.

 

Blake Wheeler (WPG)

Despite being separated from sniper Evander Kane on the top line, Wheeler continues to produce for the Jets.  He has 9 points in his last 7 games and remains a bargain on Fanduel.

 

John Tavares (NYI)

The Islanders are showing signs of life in early January, thanks in large part to the performance of J.T.  His last three games have featured multiple points, giving him 7 points in the past week.  He's proven himself to be one of the streakiest players in the league, so climb on board while the going's good.

 

Steve Downie (TB)

One way or another, Downie is generating fantasy points.  After posting 7 points in 3 games, he was held scoreless on Sunday; however, he managed to put up 20, yes 20, penalty minutes that night.  Playing sidekick to St. Louis and Stamkos is a recipe for fantasy success.

 

Eric Staal (CAR)

Signs of life from the Captain in Carolina.  After a six game scoreless streak, he showed up with a three point game against Toronto and followed that up with 2 points versus the Lightning.  He's an attractive center option who remains undervalued on Fanduel.

 

Dion Phaneuf (D-TOR)

Phaneuf continues to make his case for the Norris Trophy this season, and he's been a fantasy workhorse lately.  The Toronto defenseman has 5 points in his last 3 games, and 8 in his last 7.  He's also piling up the shots on goal, averaging 5+ a game over the past two weeks.

 

Tomas Vokoun (G-WAS)

First he was forgotten, now he's unstoppable.  After a 5-game stint on the bench, Vokoun has responded in fine fashion, going 4-0 with a 1.25 GAA over that stretch.  He's officially out of Hunter's doghouse.

 

Evgeni Nabokov (G-NYI)

If you were bold enough to take a chance on the low-priced Nabokov this past week, you probably cashed in.  He's gone 3-0 with a 1.62 GAA over this past week.

 

 

 

 

Who's Cold

 

Danny Briere (PHI)

While the top line in Philly is pulling its weight, Briere has been MIA.  He hasn't scored a point since Dec. 19th and has just 1 in the last nine games.

 

Milan Michalek (OTT)

Michalek once led the league in goals this season, then came the five game concussion hiatus.  Since that time, he just hasn't been the same player.  He has just a single assist and no goals in the last five games.  He didn't even register a shot against Tampa last night.

 

Derek Stepan (NYR)

After a fantastic run in December, things have slowed down considerably for Stepan.  He just registered an assist last night to break a four game scoreless streak.

 

Corey Perry (ANA)

Nothing outside of Selanne is working in Anaheim this season.  Even last year's MVP has hit the wall.  He has just 1 point in his last 5 games.

 

Brent Burns (D-SJ)

The last six games have netted zero points and a -3 rating for Burns on the Sharks defense.

 

Mikka Kiprusoff (G-CGY)

Kiprusoff hasn't won a game in his last 4 appearances and is averaging 3+ goals against over that stretch.  The Flames are back on the downward spiral.

 

 

Who's Hurt

 

• Brad Marchand (BOS) - missed the romp in Calgary last night with the flu
• Rene Bourque (CGY) - not hurt, but won't be playing for 5 games, thanks to the ruling from Shanahan
• Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (EDM) - will miss a month with a shoulder injury
• Slava Voynov (D-LA) - missed last night's game with an upper body injury
• Shea Weber (D-NAS) - returned last night from concussion issues
• Jaromir Jagr (PHI) - will miss a couple weeks with the ole' groin injury
• Nicklas Backstrom (WAS) - questionable for Saturday (head)

 

 

Value Picks of the Week

 

Here are some guys currently undervalued on Fanduel that you should cash in on in the short term:

 

Evgeni Nabokov (G-NYI) - $5,600

(see above)

 

Erik Karlsson (D-OTT) - $6,600

I rarely endorse a defenseman in this price range, but Karlsson is in another universe right now for Ottawa.  At least one of those Ottawa All-Star berths were merited.

 

Nazem Kadri (C-TOR) - $4,300

Since finding his way back from the minors, Kadri has done his fair share with limited playing time.  If he can earn a few more minutes on one of the top lines, we might see some serious production from the young center.

 

Jiri Hudler (LW-DET) - $5,300

Hudler is heating up with 3 goals in the past two games.  You'll be hard pressed to find better value on the wing than Hudler at this salary right now.

 

Michael Ryder (RW-DAL) - $6,200

Ryder just can't get any respect from the salary setters at Fanduel this season.  Despite sitting at 17 goals for the year, he remains value-priced.  He has 12 points in the last 10 games.

 

P.A. Parenteau (RW-NYI) - $5,900

He's bouncing around between lines on the Island, but continues to produce.  He's registered 8 points in the last 7 games.

 

 

 

For more on daily fantasy hockey, check out my articles on the Fanduel Insider at http://www.fanduel.com/insider

 

If you want to try daily fantasy hockey on Fanduel, use this link:

http://www.fanduel.com/?invitedby=landsharkhockey&cnl=da