FanNation hockey throwdown fantasy game picks for Tuesday Dec. 9
If you haven't tried our daily Hockey Throwdown fantasy game, check it out. The link in the tile will take you to the game page where you can set up a head-to-head challenge with a friend, an enemy, the cable guy, the vicar, me ... basically anyone. Pick three players on three different NHL teams who you think will surpass their projected totals in such categories as wins, saves and goals-against average for goalies; and goals, assists, plus-minus, PIM and shots on goal for forwards and defensemen. Your team earns points based on live game stats. Highest score wins. You can play for free or wager anywhere from $1 to $500.
Each day, I offer up three picks that I think are primed to have a big night. Here are today's best bets:
Forward: Alex Galchenyuk, Canadiens (hosting Canucks, 7:30 p.m. EST; SNP, RDS, SNE)
It's tough to lay off the Stars' red-hot Tyler Seguin, but his projections (0.7 G, 0.6 A, 0.5 +/-, 0.5 PIM, 3.9 SOG, 0.3 PPP) set him up to be a bust tonight against the Jets. Instead, let's take a chance on Galchenyuk, who is expected to skate on Montreal's top line alongside Max Pacioretty and Brendan Gallagher. The flashy forward has spent most of his time on the wing this season but impressed at center in training camp. Take advantage of his soft projections (0.2 G, 0.4 A, 0.6 PIM, 2.1 SOG, 0.1 PPP) and the emotional boost that should come from the Jean Beliveau ceremony and go with your gut here.
#http://www.120sports.com/video/v103584816/kopitars-recent-struggles
Defenseman: Jacob Trouba, Jets (at Stars, 8:30 p.m. EST; TSN3, FS-SW+)
There's not a hotter defenseman in action tonight than Trouba, who has run up 2-6-8 totals over his past six games. He'll look to extend that run against a porous Dallas defense that gave up just one to the Canadiens on Saturday, but allowed five goals in each of the four games prior. (0.2 G, 0.3 A, 0.2 +/-, 0.8 PIM, 1.8 SOG, 0.1 PPP)
#http://www.120sports.com/video/v103584154/pavel-datsyuks-fantasy-value
Goalie: Pekka Rinne, Predators (at Avalanche, 9 p.m. EST; FS-TN, ALT)
For some reason, Rinne (0.4 W, 2.8 GA, 23.4 SV) is at the bottom of today's list despite playing an Avalanche team that's dropped three straight and allowed 14 goals in the process. Meanwhile, Nashville's star keeper is rolling along as one of the best options in fantasy, winning seven of his past nine games. Oh, and those two losses? He allowed just two goals in each and made 51 saves—good enough to get him over the hump on the other two stats.
#http://www.120sports.com/video/v103584500/blackhawks-goalie-situation
Other games tonight: Capitals at Lightning (7:30 p.m. EST; TVA, CSN-DC, SUN); Blackhawks at Devils (7 p.m. EST; CSN-CH, MSG+); Flyers at Blue Jackets (7 p.m. EST; CSN-PH, FS-O); Kings at Sabres (7:30 p.m. EST; NBCSN, FS-W); Flames at Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m. EST; SNW, TSN4); Islanders at Wild (8 p.m. EST; MSG+ 2, FS-N); Oilers at Sharks (10:30 p.m. EST; SNW, CSN-CA)