This article is part of our FantasyAces NHL series.
Conference matchups rule the roost Thursday, so pinpointing the favorable schedule spots on this 13-game night is crucial, especially with so many playoff-bound clubs facing one another.
Here are my recommendations to aid your FantasyAces lineup assembly Thursday.
Player Recommendations
G: John Gibson, ANA at LA ($7,400): Although there is a degree of risk starting a netminder against Los Angeles, banking on Anaheim taking advantage of the Kings' recent struggles (3-6 without beating a playoff team) could pay off handsomely. Gibson is 8-4-2 through his past 15 games with a .926 save percentage and 1.91 GAA, too. In this potentially soft matchup, his form-salary combo has contrarian upside Thursday.
C: Jason Spezza, DAL vs. COL ($5,350): The pivot has continued to be a reliable offensive contributor down the stretch with 12 goals, six helpers and 59 shots through his past 20 games. Colorado also has just a single win over its past seven outings while allowing at least three goals in each contest (with an average of 4.14 per game).
C: Nick Bjugstad, FLA at OTT ($4,500): Over his past 15 games, Bjugstad has a healthy 11 points, including a three-game point streak with 15 shots on net since taking over as the No. 2 center. Bjugstad has also found himself skating with the top power-play unit, and Ottawa owns a 75.4 percent penalty kill for the campaign. Furthermore, the Senators have allowed over three goals per game through their past seven contests.
W: Johnny Gaudreau, CGY vs. VAN ($5,750): Mr. Scotiabank Saddledome is a near lock whenever he plays a home game, considering his 23 goals, 32 assists and 111 shots with a plus-22 rating over 39 games in Calgary this season. Vancouver will also be playing its second road game in consecutive nights, and Gaudreau already has a goal and four helpers through four games against Vancouver this season.
W: James Neal, NAS vs. ARI ($5,100): The high-volume shooter has found the scoresheet in nine of his past 11 games and lands a high-end matchup Thursday. Over that 11-game stretch, Neal has eight goals, seven assists and 44 shots with a plus-7 rating. Meanwhile, Arizona has allowed 4.0 goals per game through its past five outings and 3.26 goals per road game for the season.
W: Calle Jarnkrok, NAS vs. ARI ($4,000): Stacked with Neal, Jarnkrok provides excellent cap relief and upside, especially given his current form and the aforementioned matchup. Through his past 11 outings, Jarnkrok has averaged 16:50 of ice time, returning seven points and 18 shots with a plus-4 rating.
W: Vladislav Namestnikov, TB at NJ ($3,750): You'll want to ensure he's in the lineup (he left Tuesday's game after taking a big hit), but as long as Namestnikov is playing, he's a high-floor value Thursday. He has an assist in consecutive games and projects to see an uptick in playing time with Steven Stamkos injured, especially in offensive situations.
D: Dougie Hamilton, CGY vs. VAN ($4,800): While the recent results have been minimal, Hamilton is still just three games removed from posting 14 points through 14 outings. He's also has averaged 5:22 of power-play time over his latest two contests. Look for a bounce-back showing Thursday.
D: Brian Campbell, FLA at OTT ($4,350): The veteran has been a sneaky fantasy contributor of late via his plus-10 rating through the past seven games. While the rest of his numbers don't jump off the page (two assists, five shots and 10 blocked shots), it all adds up to a safe investment and a cap-friendly salary. The matchup is attractive, too.
