Here are the top contrarian plays for Thursday's NHL GPPs:
G Antti Niemi, Stars (at Penguins)
Picking the goalie facing Pittsburgh is an easy way to be contrarian. But with Pittsburgh's early season struggles and Niemi's friendly pricing, he is an interesting option.
Niemi's career numbers against Pittsburgh are quite strong (5-1-0, 2.24 goals against average, .929 save percentage), and he blanked the Penguins 3-0 back on Oct. 8. Niemi is 2-1 with a 2.33 GAA and a .930 SV% on the season.
Facing threats like Sidney Crosby, Phil Kessel, and Evgeni Malkin is daunting, and that will scare DFS players away. But with the red-hot duo of Seguin and Benn, Dallas can win this game even if Niemi is not perfect.
W Radim Vrbata, Canucks (vs. Capitals)
The struggling Canucks winger still looking for his first point - but he's in great position to end the drought. Vancouver coach Willie Desjardins had the Czech winger skate with the Sweedish duo at Tuesday's practice, putting him on track to join the twins for Thursday's game against Washington.
Vrbata's lack of points have not been for a lack of trying; He has already fired 29 shots on goal in six games. Thursday should see him earn some power play time in addition to lining up alongside the Sedins.
Vrabta had a strong season last year, scoring 31 goals - the majority of those coming with assists from the Sedins. This will be Vrbata's first game with the Sedins this season so there is some risk in expecting an immediate change.
C Mikko Koivu, Wild (vs. Columbus)
The Blue Jackets continue to be fantasy prey as they have surrendered 4.86 goals per game through seven games. The Blue Jackets should show signs of motivation Thursday with John Tortorella's coaching debut but that should not cover up their atrocious defense.
Koivu has quietly started this season with points in four of five games (two goals, two assists). He has been leading the second line with wingers Jason Zucker and Nino Niederreiter.
Thursday provides Koivu with an excellent opportunity to keep his point streak going, and exploit Columbus' league-worst penalty kill.
D Seth Jones, Predators (vs. Ducks)
The talented young D-man has had a slow start to this season with only two assists in six games - both coming in the season opener. However, Jones has seen an increase in ice time now up to 21 minutes as he starts his third full NHL season. Along with time on the Predators' power play, Jones is in a great position to succeed.
In the past two games, Jones has logged 23 and 24 minutes, respectively, due to Ryan Ellis suffering a lower-body injury. Unfortunately for Jones, Ellis will return to the lineup tonight likely reducing his minutes back to his 21 minute average.
Even with Ellis back, the combination of Jones' talent level, high ice time, and low DFS price make him an appealing pick.
