DFS: Counterattack - Thursday's Top Contrarian Plays

With a few more games on the NHL schedule for Thursday, October 8, there are more places in which to find value and to separate a lineup from the crowds.

Here's a look at the top contrarian options for use in GPPs:

G Craig Anderson, Senators (at Sabres)

The Buffalo Sabres were a favorite victim of DFS owners last season, thanks to their 3.34 goals against per game. An excellent source of value in 2014-15 was to stack second- or even third-liners against a Sabres team devoid of defensive talent.

A trap that DFS players commonly fell into however, was automatically locking in whichever goaltender was facing the Sabres on a given night. Thanks to a league low 24.2 shots on goal per game, the Sabres could ruin the night of an opposing goalie by managing a single goal. With a low save total, the positives of a win bonus could be negated by the negative points for a goal allowed.

The Sabres' offense is much improved entering 2015-16. The additions of rookie Jack Eichel and the healthy Evander Kane inserts two offensive stars to a team whose points leader last season finished with 46.

Coupled with the fact the Senators allowed the sixth-most shots against per game last season, Anderson should be kept relatively busy, providing him with enough save opportunities to cushion the blow of an allowed goal.

The Senators remain greatly superior to the Sabres on paper, and are a rare road favorite. Anderson may not finish the night with the most fantasy points out of the available goalies, but he should reach value, and he has an excellent opportunity for a shutout.

D Kevin Shattenkirk, Blues (vs. Oilers)

Shattenkirk had 40 points in 48 games from the start of the 2014-15 season through January, before getting injured and playing just a total of eight games in the remainder of the regular season.

One of the league leaders in points by a defenseman at the time of his injury, Shattenkirk finished tied for 20th in the category, despite having played five fewer games than anyone who finished above him.

There are several high profile defensemen in play Thursday, including Erik Karlsson, Kris Letang and Shea Weber. Shattenkirk will offer a similar offensive upside, while being far less popular.

The Blues also share the title of biggest Vegas favorite of the night, with a -200 money line against an unproven Edmonton Oilers team.

W David Perron, Penguins (at Stars)

The addition of W Phil Kessel to the Sidney Crosby line and the audition of rookie Sergei Plotnikov on the second line with Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist has relegated Perron to third-line duties for the time being.

While certainly in a less offensive role, Perron still has the abilities to create offense on his own, and linemates Nick Bonino and Beau Bennett are also high-upside players.

The Stars allowed the fourth-most goals as a team last season, and although they've addressed their defense and goaltending, the Penguins' offense will offer the ultimate test.

C Craig Smith, Predators (vs. Hurricanes)

Filip Forsberg and James Neal were household names last season, and rightfully so, but Smith finished with the same amount of goals as Neal, and just three fewer than Forsberg.

The Predators' second line of Smith, Mike Fisher and Colin Wilson is fully capable of splitting the offensive load this season, and with Nashville being a clear stack option against the Hurricanes, Smith will be an excellent target with a lower ownership rate than the bigger stars.