There are 11 games on tap Thursday, with only one game involving a tired team as Colorado plays in Ottawa after losing to Toronto on Wednesday. Tampa Bay plays in New Jersey, Montreal travels to Florida, the Rangers entertain Pittsburgh, Nashville hosts Chicago, Boston travels to Winnipeg, Dallas takes on the Oilers in Edmonton, Calgary plays in Vegas, Vancouver faces the Coyotes in Arizona, Seattle travels down the coast to play San Jose and Columbus takes on the Kings in LA. Below, you’ll find suggested options for crafting an effective lineup.
GOALIE
Igor Shesterkin, NYR vs. PIT ($26): Shesterkin has won three straight games, giving up seven goals on 90 shots. He has won five of his last six starts and is 30-11-7 with a 2.64 GAA and .910 save percentage this season. Shesterkin lost his only start versus the Penguins earlier in the season, giving up three goals on 24 shots in a 3-2 loss. The Penguins are 13th in NHL scoring, averaging 3.28 goals per game this season, but this is a much better Rangers team since acquiring Vladimir Tarasenko and Patrick Kane before the trade deadline.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Vitek Vanecek, NJ vs. TB ($29): Vanecek shut out the Hurricanes on March 12, stopping 32 shots, but it has been the only game in his last five starts in which has given up less than four goals. Despite the shutout, he has given up 17 goals on 135 shots during the five games. Overall, Vanecek has been great for the Devils, going 28-8-3 with a 2.52 GAA and .908 save percentage, but his play of late has to be a concern. He faces the Lightning, who are sixth in NHL scoring, averaging 3.46 goals per game.
CENTER
Connor McDavid, EDM vs. DAL ($37): McDavid is the best player in the world. He leads the NHL in goals with 56, assists with 73 and has already smashed his career high in points with 129. McDavid has been held off the scoresheet only seven times in 68 games this season. To put that in better perspective, he has had 10 games with at least four points. The superstar has been amazing on the power play with 59 points.
CENTER TO AVOID
Patrice Bergeron, BOS at WPG ($26): Bergeron has been slumping of late, as he has only one goal in his last four games. He’s having his typically strong season, scoring 24 goals and adding 25 assists in 66 games and is the strongest two-way center in the league, but as far as DFS is concerned, there are plenty of better centers to select Thursday.
WING
Sam Reinhart, FLA vs. MON ($18): Reinhart snapped a six-game point…