DFS: Dynamic Duos - Thursday's Top Teammate Plays
Here are the top line-stacking options for Thursday, December 3's eight-game NHL slate.
W Jamie Benn and C Tyler Seguin, Stars (at Canucks)
The NHL's second and third-leading scorers were held off the score sheet for the first time in eight games Tuesday. Benn looks the better value due to his 18 goals to Seguin's 13, but Seguin's actually shooting more frequently, averaging four shots per game to Benn's 3.1, and Benn's shooting percentage of 23.4 percent seems unsustainable, having finished last season at 13.8.
Regardless of their long-term prospects, the pair have an excellent chance to get back on track against the Canucks and goaltender Ryan Miller, who has allowed at least three non-shootout goals in eight of his last 10 starts.
W Patrick Kane and C Artem Anisimov, Blackhawks (at Senators)
Kane's point streak is up to 20 games, and it's hard to see it ending against the defensively-suspect Senators, who have given up 15 goals in their last four games and also allow the most shots per game (34.1).
Given Kane's (rightfully) high price, pairing him with the cheaper of his two linemates makes financial sense. Anisimov has one goal in his last four games, but had a five-game point streak prior to that. W Artemi Panarin, significantly more expensive than Anisimov, has only managed two assists in his last four, so his current form doesn't justify the additional outlay.
W Mike Hoffman and C Kyle Turris, Senators (vs. Blackhawks)
As mentioned above, while the Senators have struggled defensively of late, the team has no trouble putting the puck in the net, having scored 24 goals in their last six games. Ottawa's the ultimate high-event team, averaging the fifth-most goals per game and conceding the seventh-most.
With forwards Milan Michalek and Mika Zibanejad likely sidelined Thursday, expect the Hoffman-Turris-Bobby Ryan trio to shoulder a heavier burden than usual. Hoffman's averaging better than a point-per-game this season and has six goals and two assists in his last five games. Turris has rebounded from a rough November stretch with three goals and four assists in his last seven.
W/C Brandon Pirri and C Aleksander Barkov, Panthers (at Predators)
Pirri has come on as of late as a winger on the Barkov-Jaromir Jagr top line. His overall numbers don't look that impressive, but he has two goals, two assists and 20 shots in his last five games.
The 20-year-old Barkov has five points (three goals, two assists) and 19 shots in his last six games. While Pirri is the bigger bargain, Barkov gets the nod over Jagr as the ex-Blackhawk's linemate of choice by virtue of his increased goal threat (2.86 shots per game to 1.86).
Belying their reputation as a defensively solid team, the Predators have allowed 22 goals in their last seven games, improving the Florida duo's prospects Thursday.