Counterattack - Crown Gallagher Versus the Kings
Here are the top DFS contrarian picks for Thursday, March 3:
RW Brendan Gallagher, Canadiens (at Kings)
Gallagher played just over 16 minutes in Wednesday's shootout loss against the Ducks. Montreal is on the wrong end of back-to-back road games, leaving many of their star players off DFS radars. Not a bad choice, but unless Jonathan Quick records a shutout, there is value to be found. That said, the Kings are the only team to have blanked Montreal this season.
Gallagher has seven points over his last 10 games, including five goals. He has 36 shots on goal and has generally been a plus player. He's also found more success away from the Bell Centre with 19 points in 23 road games compared to 16 points in 24 home contests. Take a flier on him. He hasn't gone back-to-back games without a point in a month.
G Tuukka Rask, Bruins (vs. Blackhawks)
Rask has not been his normally reliable self. Despite three home shutouts, he has a considerably better save percentage on the road (.935) than he does at home (.903). Chicago features one of the most potent offensive attacks, averaging 30.9 shots per game. If Rask can turn the bulk of them aside, a couple of goals against will not neutralize his return.
The matchup, his high price tag, and relative home struggles should keep his ownership low. He has won four of his last five starts, allowing a single goal in three of them. Avoid him in cash games, but roster him in tournaments.
D Roman Josi, Predators (vs. Devils)
The Devils have allowed the fifth-fewest goals and feature one of the stingiest defenses around. This will scare people off of a defenseman like Josi in DFS on Thursday. It shouldn't.
Keith Kinkaid will be between the pipes for New Jersey. Way back in October, the only other time these two teams met, Josi scored a pair of goals. Kinkaid was in net then, too. Look for Josi to block a few shots and wind up a force in the box score.
C Evgeni Malkin, Penguins (vs. Rangers)
At his salary, Malkin should need a couple points - preferably including a goal - to return appropriate value in DFS. Thursday, he faces an uphill battle against G Henrik Lundqvist, who is 8-2 with a .939 save percentage and a pair of shutouts over his last 10 starts. One of those shutouts came against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.
Malkin did not play in that game, and his added firepower should be intriguing. In three games since returning from injury, Malkin has gradually increased his ice time, culminating with 19:17 against the Capitals, wherein he scored a goal on three shots. Take a risk in a dodgy matchup. His upside is worth it.