NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Pickups March 18 - Jason Chen's Best Picks

Every Tuesday and Thursday, THN Fantasy expert Jason Chen will highlight his best picks to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies are rostered in less than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues and can be selected in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games.

Click for the full list of streaming options for goalies, defensemen and forwards. 

Goalies

Tristan Jarry, PIT vs. NYI (23% rostered)

We played the odds last time given Jarry’s historically strong performance against the Blues, and he did not disappoint earning his seventh win in eight career appearances against them. It’s a similar story here; Jarry is 11-4-1 all-time against the Isles with a .918 SP and 2.46 GAA, and 7-1-1 on home ice. True, he was not sharp earlier this season when he allowed five goals on 33 shots (.848 SP) on Dec. 28, but that was on the road and Jarry’s playing his best right now.

There’s obvious risk with Jarry’s save percentage declining with each subsequent start despite winning five in a row. The Isles have trouble scoring most nights and own the league’s worst power play. This game should be close, but being on home ice should tip the scales in the Pens’ favor. I think Jarry’s an option if you’re looking for a win.

Click for the full list of streaming options for goalies.

Defensemen

Justin Faulk, STL at NSH (24% rostered)

The Preds are missing captain Roman Josi on their blue line and their goaltending has been subpar on season. Meanwhile, Faulk is on a three-game points streak, with three of his four points coming on the power play. The Blues offense is clicking right now with 12 goals in their past two games and Faulk’s their PP1 QB.

Dylan Samberg, WPG at VAN (8% rostered)

Samberg has stepped up big time in Neal Pionk’s absence, scoring three points in his past two games and had a season-high five shots in Seattle in their previous game. The Canucks defense is very good but they’re routinely getting outshot, and against the Jets’ strong defense, they might get hemmed in their own zone a lot. Samberg’s offense is a big bonus right now since he usually provides only blocks and hits.

Click for the full list of streaming options for defensemen. 

Forwards

Patrik Laine, LW/RW, MTL vs. OTT (40% rostered)

Laine’s a power-play merchant but this is a good matchup for him. He’s red-hot with a two-game goal streak coming into this game, and the Habs and Sens rank sixth and seventh in penalties taken this season. In a big game with huge playoff implications, special teams could be the difference maker here and both teams should get plenty of opportunities.

Ryan Donato, C/LW/RW, CHI vs. SEA (37% rostered)

The Hawks are struggling but Donato has not, continuing to put up points on a regular basis. He assisted on both of their goals in a 6-2 loss to the Canucks on Saturday, and since Feb. 1 has scored 22 points (!) in 16 games.

Will Cuylle, LW/RW, NYR vs. CGY (36% rostered)

After a quiet stretch, Cuylle is on fire again with a three-game points streak. The Flames are playing the second game of a back-to-back after allowing six goals against the Leafs on Monday, and expected to start backup Dan Vladar. Even if Cuylle doesn’t score, he offers a lot of hits.

Click for the full list of streaming options for forwards. 

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