Here are theScore's center value rankings for Sunday's six-game slate.
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Marchessault (TB) | vs. OTT | 8 |
| Pavel Datsyuk (DET) | vs. CGY | 7 |
| Aleksander Barkov (FLA) | vs. VAN | 7 |
Marchessault has a three-game point streak, and despite his third-line role, has been seeing first-unit power play time. He's barely above the minimum price, and given that he's averaging two shots per game, it won't take much to return value against the high-scoring, defensively-suspect Senators.
Datsyuk may take on a first-line role with Henrik Zetterberg questionable to play with a lower-body injury. He has four points in as many games, with at least three shots in each of those contests, and is rounding into form after missing the first few weeks of the season.
Vancouver has lost three of four, giving up 15 goals in that span, which provides a favorable matchup for Barkov and the Panthers. The Russian has four points and seven shots in his last three games, and looks primed to continue his strong play Sunday.
Best of the Rest
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Vladislav Namestnikov (TB) | vs. OTT | 7 |
| Jared McCann (VAN) | at FLA | 7 |
| Patrik Elias (NJ) | at BOS | 7 |
| Joe Pavelski (SJ) | at CHI | 7 |
| Vincent Trocheck (FLA) | vs. VAN | 7 |
| Kyle Turris (OTT) | at TB | 6 |
| Sean Monahan (CGY) | at DET | 6 |
| David Krejci (BOS) | vs. NJ | 6 |
Steven Stamkos is struggling and isn't justifying his high DFS price, but taking a flyer on linemate Namestnikov is an inexpensive gamble. McCann will assume top line duties if Henrik Sedin (undisclosed) sits out a second straight game.
Pavelski is expensive and doesn't have a great matchup, but with six points and nine shots in three games, he's justifying his price.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Toews (CHI) | vs. SJ | 5 |
| Patrice Bergeron (BOS) | vs. NJ | 5 |
| Nicklas Backstrom (WAS) | at NYR | 5 |
| Steven Stamkos (TB) | vs. OTT | 4 |
Bergeron and Backstrom's consistency is admirable, but the duo look unlikely to explode when facing Cory Schneider and Henrik Lundqvist, respectively.
Stamkos has a favorable matchup, but with six points in 10 games, he hasn't been coming close to returning value of late.
