Yahoo Fantasy Sports: Top Plays and Winning Strategies for Thursday, November 30th

In the NHL on Thursday, there are 14 games scheduled, with only Montreal and Washington playing in back-to-back contests, in which the second team will play at home. The matchups starting earliest in the day are San Jose/Boston, Chicago/Detroit, Florida/Montreal, New Jersey/Philadelphia, Pittsburgh/Tampa Bay, Seattle/Toronto, Islanders/Carolina, Minnesota/Nashville, Buffalo/St. Louis, Edmonton/Winnipeg, Colorado/Arizona, Dallas/Calgary, Washington/Anaheim, and Vegas/Vancouver. Below, you’ll find recommended options for creating an effective lineup.

GOALIE

Stuart Skinner, EDM at WPG ($26): Despite his less than stellar stats this season (7-7-1, 3.31 GAA, .876 save percentage), Skinner has won three straight games, giving up only six goals on 75 shots. At a great salary, Skinner is aiming for his fourth consecutive win on Thursday.

GOALIE TO AVOID

Antti Raanta, CAR vs. NYI ($27): Following a rough performance, Raanta, who has a 6-3-0 record with a 3.47 GAA and .854 save percentage, will try to make amends after sitting out the last two games. He aims to bounce back against the Islanders after a disappointing showing against Tampa Bay.

CENTER

Connor McDavid, EDM at WPG ($37): Undoubtedly one of the hottest players in the NHL at the moment, McDavid has claimed 12 points in his last three games. After being hampered by injury, McDavid has returned to top form with a five-game point streak, making him a strong bet against the Jets.

CENTER TO AVOID

William Karlsson, VGK at VAN ($20): Karlsson, who had a strong start to the season, has slowed down significantly with only one point in his last five games. Despite his prior success, his recent performance may not make him the best choice for Thursday’s lineup.

WING

Alex Tuch, BUF at STL ($23): Tuch is on a scoring spree, netting three goals and five points in his last three games. With eight goals and 16 points in 19 games this season, Tuch has excelled since his trade to Buffalo from Vegas, making him a solid addition to your lineup.

Tyler Toffoli, NJ at PHI ($23): Toffoli has continued his strong play from last season, racking up 11 goals and 19 points in 20 games. Playing alongside Jack Hughes, Toffoli has seamlessly transitioned to the Devils, making him a strong offensive presence.

WINGS TO AVOID

Alex Ovechkin, WAS at ANA ($33): With only five goals and 12 points in 19 games this season, Ovechkin seems to be facing a downturn in his performance, making him a risky choice for Thursday’s lineup. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand, BOS vs. SJ ($28): Marchand, stuck in a four-game point drought, may not be the best value given his recent struggles and age.

DEFENSE

Cale Makar, COL vs. ARI ($34): Makar has reclaimed the lead in scoring among defensemen, notching six goals and 32 points in just 21 games. With a recent hot streak, including three goals and 18 assists in the last 11 games, Makar is a valuable addition to your lineup.

Evan Bouchard, EDM at WPG ($23): Bouchard has been on a seven-game point streak, amassing five goals and 21 points in 21 games. His role in quarterbacking the Edmonton power play has significantly bolstered his fantasy value, making him a strong defensive choice for Thursday.

DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID

Gustav Forsling, FLA at MON ($16): Forsling has struggled to make an impact in recent games, managing only two goals and five points in the absence of top defensemen Brandon Montour and Aaron Ekblad. Meanwhile, Brent Burns, CAR vs. NYI ($17): Although Burns has scored five goals and four assists in 21 games, his recent three-game slump may make him a risky choice due to his age and declining performance.