If you're going to win in daily fantasy hockey it helps to pull out every beneficial piece of information out there when setting your lineup.  One aspect that tends to be overlooked is targeting teams.  On the offensive side, it helps to identify teams who seem to be on a roll right now.  More so than individual players, once a team gets on a roll and starts scoring, it's usually a fair bet that such success will continue in the short run.  On the other side of the equation, it certainly helps to target teams that are struggling defensively in recent weeks.  Today, I'll break down the latest trends on both sides of the equation, and highlight a handful of players to keep an eye on.

FILLING THE NET

A quick look at the standings shows the following teams have lit the lamp more than any others over the course of the season; however, it doesn't necessarily reflect the current picture:

1. Detroit - 185

2. Boston - 184

3. Philadelphia - 182

4. Vancouver - 180

5. Chicago - 176

While these teams have provided a healthy helping of scoring throughout the season, Detroit stands out as the team who has surged the most lately.  While they haven't dried up completely, Boston and Chicago have fallen on harder times lately.  Over the last two weeks, these teams have been particularly busy on the scoresheet:

NY RANGERS

There are many reasons that the Rangers have climbed their way into first in the East.  Surprisingly, one of those reason has been goal scoring.  The Rangers sit in the middle of the pack over the course of the season, but recently, they've been finding the net more often.  Over their last four games (all wins), they've averaged about four goals a game.  Leading the charge on that front is captain Ryan Callahan (RW).  He has been tremendous, scoring 6 goals over the last 4 games, with at least one in each contest.  Center Brad Richards is also finding his game, with 5 points in 4 games.  Marian Gaborik has also been hot with 6 points in 4 games.

MONTREAL

Apparently, the Canadiens aren't content being sure-fire sellers at the trade deadline.  They're playing the best hockey of the season in recent weeks, and goal scoring has come easy.  Even Scott Gomez has gotten into the game.  The Habs have scored 3 or more goals in five straight games.  Leading scorer, Max Pacioretty, has led the charge with 5 goals in his last 5 games played.  Going back over his last 20 games, he has 12 goals.  Tomas Plekanec has also been solid recently, with 6 points in 5 games.

ST. LOUIS

Over the past 5 games, the Blues have averaged 3 goals per contest.  They've managed to spread the wealth around nicely, as they've done all season long.  Here are a few Blues who have done well for themselves (and the team) over the past 5:

• David Backes - 5 game point streak
• T.J. Oshie - 4 points in 5 games.
• David Perron - 6 goals and 2 assists in 5 games, not including the disallowed glove goal last night

CALGARY

The Flames refuse to go out in the West.  They're putting the puck in the net to on an average of 3 times per night over the past two weeks.  Olli Jokinen continues to be the catalyst for Calgary.  5 goals and 3 assists over the past five games.  Going back 10 games, he has an impressive 13 points on the sheet.  Just as impressive has been the re-awakening of Alex Tanguay.  He has a whopping 9 points in his last 7 games.

TARGETING THE OPPOSITION

When you're looking at day to day matchups, you certainly should consider how weak the opposition is, particularly in recent days.  Over the course of the season thus far, here are the dogs on defense, in terms of total goals allowed:

1. Tampa Bay - 189

2. Columbus -186

3. Ottawa - 181

4. Carolina - 175

5. Chicago - 174

While these five teams have benefitted the opposition throughout the season, only Chicago has been particularly bad recently.  The Hawks are falling apart, allowing an average of 4 goals per game over their current 9 game losing streak.  If there is anything close to a sure thing right now, it's starting your goalie against Chicago and stacking your offense against the Hawks. 

A few other teams to exploit right now:

PHILADELPHIA

While the Flyers remain one of the most prolific goal scoring teams this year, they're also prone to give up quite a few.  They have surrendered 4 or more goals in 4 of their last 6 games.  The goaltenders in Philly have underperformed (shocking, I know).

TORONTO

It's been up and down all season long as far as defense is concerned in Toronto.  In late January, Reimer and Gustavsson were making headlines for their incredible play.  February hasn't been so kind to the Toronto crease.  They've dropped four straight contests, averaging 4 goals against in those games.

SAN JOSE

The Sharks have consistently been on of the toughest teams to score against all season, but they've started to sputter a bit in the last two weeks.  They've allowed 3 goals against in five straight games now.

EDMONTON

It's no surprise to see that Edmonton has been weak on defense lately, having allowed an average of 4 goals against in their 5 February contests.  On the other side, they've actually won 3 of those games, thanks to some terrific offensive outbursts.  As long as +/- stays even, you ought to target players both for and against the Oilers these days.  Just don't invest in one of those Edmonton goalies.

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

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