Squad Up Daily NHL Fantasy Dose: Ovechkin and Crosby will bring their best

Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more. And download Squad Up, theScore's free-to-win-money sports game.

Here is a look at the Squad Up daily NHL fantasy picture for Wednesday, January 11 (all advanced statistics courtesy of Corsica.Hockey and apply to 5v5 situations):

Dynamic Duos

  • C Nicklas Backstrom (52K) & LW Alex Ovechkin (73K), Capitals (vs. Penguins): Ovechkin has three goals and four assists during Washington's six-game winning streak. He has 28 goals in 46 career games against Pittsburgh. Marc-Andre Fleury has been absolutely horrendous on the road this season.
  • C Sidney Crosby (62K) & LW Conor Sheary (29K), Penguins (at Capitals): While Ovechkin's numbers vs. Pittsburgh are impressive, Crosby, as usual, has the edge. He has 55 points in 39 career games against Ovi and the Caps. His price is lowered because of how well Braden Holtby is playing right now, so users need to buy low.
  • C Joe Pavelski (72K) & RW Timo Meier (25K), Sharks (at Flames): San Jose's top prospect, Meier, is getting a chance to play on the top line with Joe Thornton and Pavelski. He hasn't been able to capitalize yet, but he is averaging exactly three shots per game and getting 3.11 iSCF60 (individual scoring chances for per 60 minutes).

Bargain Plays

  • G Carey Price (76K), Canadiens (at Jets): It's not everyday that the best goaltender on the planet is 1K above the minimum price. Squad Uppers need to take advantage. Price did get shelled in his last start and Montreal is banged up, but don't overthink the best goalie in the world at 76K.
  • LW Phillip Danault (26K), Canadiens (at Jets): Montreal's forward depth, specifically down the middle, has been tested. Danault has been granted a glorious opportunity to center the Habs' top line between Max Pacioretty and Alexander Radulov. He has five points in his last six games and is getting 3.47 iSCF60 this season.
  • D Jacob Trouba (30K), Jets (vs. Canadiens): Trouba has 10 points in his last 13 games. In addition to his offense, he will contribute a handful of hits and blocks each night, adding to his value in Squad Up.

Top Fades

  • G Marc-Andre Fleury (91K), Penguins (at Capitals): As previously mentioned, Fleury has been terrible on the road this season. He has an .886 SV% and a 3.83 GAA in 10 games away from home. Do not put your trust in him against the streaking Capitals.
  • C Mathieu Perreault (45K), Jets (at Canadiens): Perreault has just 10 points in 29 games this season. He is -12 and fails to contribute in any secondary statistics. Do not invest 45K in him.
  • LW Max Pacioretty (75K), Canadiens (at Jets): At 75K, it's going to take a lot for Pacioretty to return value. Connor Hellebuyck has a .924 SV% and a 2.32 GAA at home this year. You're better off paying 2K less for Ovechkin.

Contrarian Options

  • C John Tavares (82K), Islanders (vs. Panthers): Priced at 20K more than Crosby, Tavares will likely go unowned. However, Johnny T has 19 points in 22 home games this year.
  • RW Blake Wheeler (59K), Jets (vs. Canadiens): Wheeler has 11 points in his last 11 games, but he will likely be faded as long as Carey Price is in the opposing crease. Wheeler contributes in more than just goals and assists though, as he has 57 hits, 26 blocks and 26 PIMs. Expect the Jets' captain to continue to step up in Patrik Laine's absence.
  • D Kris Letang (40K), Penguins (at Capitals): Letang is questionable to play with an illness, so his ownership will be lower than the Marianas Trench. He has 22 points in 27 games this season and is always capable of a multi-point night.

Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Leave a Reply