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NHL Fantasy Hockey Waiver Wire Defensemen Pickups Jan. 11 - Faulk Takes PP1; LaCombe Extends Streak

On every game day this season, THN Fantasy will highlight players and goalies for fantasy managers to stream or roster for the rest of the season. The recommended players and goalies can be used in standard fantasy leagues or for daily fantasy games.

Justin Faulk<p>Matt Blewett-Imagn Images</p>
Justin Faulk

Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

Cam Fowler, STL vs. CBJ (42% rostered)
Justin Faulk, STL vs. CBJ (18% rostered)

Fowler continues to be quite steady for the Blues, though he's ceded the PP1 spot to Faulk. However, it's likely the Blues swap out their PP1 QB every now and then to change things up since neither Faulk nor Fowler profile as your typical offensive defenseman.

Still, Fowler's getting top-pairing minutes and scored 10 points in 13 games since joining the Blues, and I think he has more upside on offense than Faulk, who is usually a better bet for hits and blocks. The Jackets are allowing the second-most goals per game.

Radko Gudas, ANA at PHI (34% rostered)
Jackson LaCombe, ANA at PHI (30% rostered)

LaCombe's points streak is now at four games with 16 shots on goal. This spike in shooting volume is nice because LaCombe can be a boom-or-bust player since he doesn't offer much in hits or blocks. The Flyers are having some issues in net, giving LaCombe an opportunity to extend his streak.

If you're looking for some hits, Gudas might be in line for a big game. This is Cutter Gauthier's first return to Philadelphia since getting traded, and he won't be greeted warmly by the Flyers or its fans. Gudas has a league-high 30 hits over the past two weeks.

Matt Grzelcyk, PIT vs. OTT (8% rostered)

Grzelcyk's three-game assist streak was snapped against the Oilers and he's ceded the PP1 QB spot to Erik Karlsson once again, which lowers his fantasy value, but I think Grzelcyk still has some offensive upside. Grzelcyk will help Kris Letang on PP2, and until Grzelcyk goes ice cold, I think he's a defensible streaming play. The Sens have allowed have allowed four goals in six of their past seven games during their 1-5-1 slide.

Alexander Romanov, NYI at UTA (6% rostered)

Romanov's usually great for hits and blocks, but recently he's started to pile up the points. He's assisted on seven goals in his past eight games, all at even strength. Utah is expected to start Connor Ingram, who's getting his first start since November after taking a leave of absence, and he might be rusty.

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