FanNation hockey throwdown fantasy game picks for Tuesday, Dec. 16
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Each day, I offer up three picks that I think are primed to have a big night. Here are tonight's best bets:
Taylor Hall trade scenarios; hot Maple Leafs own Ducks; more notes
8:30 p.m. EST; FS-N, FS-WI, CSN-CH)
Versteeg has cooled down since his romp through the month of November, counting for just one assist in his past five games. So why take him? His projections (0.3 G, 0.4 A, 0.5 PIM, 2.3 SOG, 0.1 PPP) are low, he's still playing with Patrick Kane and Brad Richards, and he's still getting pucks to the net (seven shots in Sunday's 2-1 win over Calgary). He's due for a big game.
#http://www.120sports.com/video/v104199664/rick-nashs-streak
Defense: Hampus Lindholm, Ducks (at Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m. EST; TVA, PRIME, TSN4)
Lindholm has gotten past his slow start and rediscovered his offensive touch during the past three weeks, finding his way onto the score sheet in seven of his past nine games. Lucky for us, that success appears to have been completely overlooked in his projections (0.1 G, 0.2 A, 0.5 PIM, 1.8 SOG). There's high risk in the penalty minutes category (he has just one minor in his past 10 games), but he's still the best play.
#http://www.120sports.com/video/v104199732/stars-generous-defense
Goalie: Pekka Rinne, Predators (hosting Bruins, 8 p.m. EST; NESN, FS-TN)
This one's a battle of the miserly against the miserable. The Preds, led by Rinne, are allowing a league-low 1.93 goals per game. Meanwhile the 22ndranked Bruins, who are still missing top center David Krejci, are averaging just 2.47 goals per game. Add that to Rinne's strong play of late—he's allowed two or fewer in eight of his past nine—and his projections (0.6 W, 2.2 GA, 24.5 SV, 0.1 SO) are a steal compared to what's expected of most of his peers. He's the hottest goalie in hockey. No reason not to stick with him here.
Other games on the schedule:Kings at Blues(8 p.m. EST; SN1, SNO, SNP, FS-W, FS-MW);Lightning at Flyers (7 p.m. EST; SUN, CSN-PH); Hurricanes at Canadiens (7:30 p.m. EST; FS-CR, RDS, SNE); Blue Jackets at Red Wings (7:30 p.m. EST; FS-O, FS-D); Capitals at Panthers (7:30 p.m. EST; CSN-DC+, FS-F);Sabres at Jets (8:30 p.m. EST; MSG-B, BELL TV, TSN3); Rangers at Flames (9 p.m. EST; MSG+, SNF); Oilers at Coyotes (9 p.m. EST; SNW, FS-A)