This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
It's a jam-packed schedule in the NHL on Thursday with 12 games. There should be no issues finding mismatches or contrarian players to target, so with that in mind, here are a number of recommendations across multiple price ranges to considering while assembling your FanDuel lineups.
GOALIE
Darcy Kuemper, MIN at CAR ($7,800): Strictly a flier, Kuemper and the Wild land in a solid bounce-back spot. Minnesota has gone 2-5 in March, and Kuemper sports an underwhelming .896 save percentage and 3.34 GAA over his past five outings. While Carolina's generated the third-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.26), the 'Canes also own an eighth-worst 8.27 shooting percentage and average just 2.54 goals per game. A solid performance from a scarcely owned Kuemper should prove beneficial Thursday.
CENTER
Henrik Zetterberg, DET at ARI ($6,300): With Arizona allowing the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (13.14), this is a good spot for Zetterberg to continue his strong offensive run. He's posted five goals, 22 points and 52 shots through his past 19 contests, which includes an active two-game point drought. The manageable salary makes Zetterberg a worthwhile gamble to exceed value and snap his scoreless skid. He's posted 15 multi-point games this season, after all.
Nick Schmaltz, CHI at OTT ($4,100): A low-priced flier, the rookie is projected to center Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin at 5-on-5, which is a solid fantasy gig. Schmaltz has compiled three goals, 13 points and 17 shots through his past 13 outings, and Kane and Panarin have posted a solid 2.97 goals per 60 minutes over the past two seasons. Additionally, Mike Condon has been unimpressive through his past four starts with a 2.95 GAA and .909 save percentage.
WING
Nikita Kucherov, TAM vs. TOR ($8,100): Toronto allowed seven goals Tuesday and has surrendered the fifth-most scoring chances per 60 minutes (30.59) in the league through its past 10 outings. Kucherov's high-end offensive production dates back three seasons (3.14 points per 60 minutes with a 3.48 mark this year), and his current binge goes to the tune of 10 goals, 20 points and 46 shots over the past 11 games. You can also add his 41 points -- 19 goals -- through 31 home games to the equation, if you're looking for added incentive.
Markus Grandlund, VAN vs. DAL ($4,000): The 23-year-old Finn has hit a groove while skating alongside Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin. Granlund has notched seven goals and 11 points while averaging 18:34 of ice time (2:16 on the power play) over his past 15 outings, and he carries a modest price considering his role, production and matchup. Dallas has allowed 17 goals through its past three outings and owns a league-worst .894 team save percentage.
Joshua Ho-Sang, NYI vs. WPG ($3,700): Currently sporting a three-game point streak with consecutive multi-point outings, Ho-Sang's elite offensive talents are coming to the forefront at the highest level. It's also encouraging that head coach Doug Weight hasn't shied away from icing the rookie with John Tavares. Ho-Sang's salary and matchup are solid: Winnipeg has allowed 17 goals during its four-game losing skid and owns the third-worst team save percentage (.897) in the league, after all.
DEFENSE
Dustin Byfuglien, WPG at NYI ($6,100): The Islanders have allowed the second-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.03) this season, and they've surrendered three goals or more in six of their past nine outings. Byfuglien tips the scales across all categories and is particularly hot of late with five goals, 21 points, 84 shots and 41 blocked shots while averaging 27:38 of ice time (3:07 on the power play) over his past 25 games. His high-floor, high-ceiling combo is attractive and worth spending up for.
Alexander Edler, VAN vs. DAL ($4,100): The Rotowire NHL lineup optimizer is fond of Edler on Thursday, and the matchup checks out, as noted. In particular, Dallas has been a mess while shorthanded. The Stars own the league-worst penalty kill percentage (73.9) and have allowed the most goals per 60 minutes (9.79) down a man. As the power-play quarterback on the No. 1 unit, Edler checks out as a strong value. It has to be noted that his current offensive form -- one goal and one assist through his past 10 outings -- is extremely underwhelming, though. He's a potential low-priced flier or a piece of a contrarian Vancouver stack.
