Here are the top contrarian picks for Thursday's eight-game slate:
G Connor Hellebuyck, Jets (vs. Predators)
No team has scored fewer than Nashville's five goals on the road over the past month. The Predators have been outscored 15-5 in their seven road games since Dec, 14, all thanks a dismal 3.2% on-ice shooting percentage, per WarOnIce.com. Their 52.1% Corsi For Percentage is sixth in the league over that time, while their 93.2 PDO is dead last.
Their luck is bound to turn around at some point - they have a 6.4% on-ice shooting percentage at 5v5 this season. Until that happens, continue picking against their slump.
D Justin Faulk, Hurricanes (at Blues)
The Blues have allowed eight power-play goals in 14 games over the past month. Their penalty-kill percentage ranks third for the season, but that's counteracted by the fact they've taken the third-most minor penalties to date.
Faulk is a power-play specialist, with 16 of his 32 points coming with the man advantage. The Blues' injury list is extensive, and it includes starting G Jake Allen. Faulk could find twine for the first time since Dec. 27 against G Brian Elliott.
W T.J. Oshie, Capitals (vs. Canucks)
There's no doubt W Alex Ovechkin will be the most owned member of the Capitals on Thursday, and he may be the most owned player overall. Rightfully so, as Ovechkin has compiled five goals and 19 shots on goal over his past three games.
Oshie's ownership will be considerably lower. So is his price. He has 15 goals to Ovechkin's 26 this season, but remains on pace for a near-30-goal season. He has all kinds of opportunity while playing across from the Great 8. Oshie's a considerably safer option with most owners chasing his linemate.
C Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings (at Coyotes)
Thought Datsyuk's 18 points in 28 games this season are well below his normally-lofty standards, he continues to play a big role for the Red Wings. He's centering the second line at even strength, and he runs the point on the first power-play unit.
He has three assists and six SOG in his past three games, twice exceeding 20 minutes in ice time. He continues to be one of the league leaders in terms of driving puck possession. His 15.63 on-ice Corsi, per BehindTheNet.ca, ranks second among qualified Red Wings skaters.
