Here are the top teammate stacks for Thursday, January 14:
C Nicklas Backstrom and W T.J. Oshie, Capitals (vs. Canucks)
The backup stars of the Capitals' top line each come much cheaper than primary attraction Alex Ovechkin. One, or both, of Backstrom and Oshie can be expected to factor into any offensive production Ovechkin generates.
Both their floors are much lower due to Ovechkin's high shot volume, but the upside is similar. Taking both of them offers some security in the unlikely event of Ovechkin having an off game.
C Nathan MacKinnon and W Alex Tanguay, Avalanche (vs. Devils)
Tanguay has struggled to the tune of two goals and 12 assists through 33 games. He registered multiple shots on goal in his previous game for the first time since Dec. 19.
That said, he will have every chance for success while playing next to MacKinnon and W Matt Duchene. MacKinnon has at least four SOG in six consecutive games, two goals and four points in that span.
Tanguay is older and less skilled than Duchene, but comes at a price that allows him to be paired with MacKinnon. MacKinnon is the main draw here, but Tanguay might get in on the action against the wounded Devils.
C Ryan Johansen and W Filip Forsberg, Predators (at Jets)
Though they were united part way through their previous game, Thursday should mark the first game fully featuring the line of Johansen, Forsberg and W James Neal. Johansen assisted on Forsberg's goal in that game. It was Johansen's second point as a member of the Predators, and Forsberg's second goal since Johansen joined the team.
The two have combined for 19 shots on goal over their past three games. Winnipeg has a Corsi For of just 47% since the beginning of 2016, while Nashville's 57% rate is the best in the league during that time.
