This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
Sure, you've got quality postseason baseball you could be watching right now, especially since every game seems to be taking forever to finish. However, don't forget about hockey. There are seven NHL games Thursday, and here are some of the most enticing values for your daily fantasy lineup…
GOALIE
Arizona Coyotes, ARI vs. DET ($15,200): Yes, the Coyotes really struggled last year, but Detroit's offense has been lackluster, too. Last season, the Red Wings averaged a mere 2.41 goals and 28.5 shots on net. This year hasn't been any better, as they've averaged 2.33 goals and 28.7 shots. Antti Raanta struggled in his last game, but in his last three years as a backup, he's been serviceable (.922 save percentage in 30 appearances last season).
CENTER
Logan Couture, SAN vs. BUF ($12,600): The Sabres allowed a league-high 34.3 shots on net per game last season, and that number is at 34.7 this year. That's a good sign for Couture, who notched 25 goals in 2016-17. He's also averaged more than three minutes on the power play over the last five seasons, and the Sabres had the 25th-ranked penalty kill last year.
Bo Horvat, VAN vs. WPG ($10,400): Horvat broke out last season with 20 goals and 52 points. The 22-year-old's minutes are up this year, and he has two goals and six shots on goal through two games. Even if he hadn't been playing so well, you've got to like this matchup. The Jets have allowed 15 goals through three games, allowed an average of 38.3 shots on net to boot.
WING
Nikolaj Ehlers, WPG vs. VAN ($12,100): Ehlers has four points through three games, but they all came in one contest. Still, his talent is undeniable, as he notched 25 goals and 39 assists last season. Like the Jets, the Canucks had defensive woes last year, as they finished in the bottom six in both goals and shots on net allowed. Jacob Markstrom may be off to a good start, but he's been kept busy, as the Canucks have allowed 77 shots on net through two games.
Ondrej Palat, TAM vs. PIT ($10,200): The Penguins played Wednesday, which means they are on the second night of a back-to-back. Antti Niemi could be tending goal, and he had a 3.30 GAA and a .892 save percentage last season. That puts Tampa, and Palat, in good position for success. Palat has averaged 3:47 on the power play so far, as well, after tallying 15 points with the extra man in 75 games last year.
Thomas Vanek, VAN vs. WPG ($8,800): Given Winnipeg's generosity when it comes to giving up goals the past two seasons, why not go with another Canuck? Vanek has started 72.7 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone for Vancouver. At this price, and in this matchup, that could be a recipe for major fantasy success.
DEFENSEMEN
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI vs. DET ($10,100): Ekman-Larsson is off to a bit of a slow start, but there is reason to believe things will turn around. In addition to his track record, he's averaged 23:34 of ice time, including 3:26 with the extra man. The Wings allowed an average of 2.98 goals per tilt last season, and this year they have given up 36.7 shots on average.
Colton Parayko, STL at FLA ($9,100): Bad puck-luck limited Parayko to four goals last year, but he still put 188 shots on goal and tallied 10 power-play points. Parayko already has a goal with the extra man this year, and he's notched seven shots on goal and six blocked shots through four games. The Panthers allowed an average of 31.6 shots last year, and the 38-year-old Roberto Luongo allowed four goals in his one start this season.
