This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
With only four games on the docket Monday, goalie selection becomes critical. Additionally, it is almost always more difficult to pluck values from a shallow player pool.
One lineup approach is avoiding skaters from an entire game that has the makings of a low-scoring affair. Hint, hint, Los Angeles-Detroit has 2-1 outcome written all over it.
Honing in on the other three games with your skaters should prove beneficial.
GOALIE
Henrik Lundqvist, NYR vs. BOS ($32) - There is nothing positive to spin about Lundqvist's current form, and the Rangers are 4-5-1 over their last 10 games. However, New York is 15-5-2 and has allowed just 2.27 goals per game at home. Plus, Lundqvist has gone into these mini funks in the past. He is arguably the most talented goalie in action Monday, so the savings are attractive.
Goalie to Avoid:
Roberto Luongo, FLA at VAN ($42) - While the due factor should never be the focal point of analysis, Florida has won six one-goal games during its active 12-game winning streak, and the "levee's goin' to break" eventually. The main qualm here, though, is Luongo's contest-high salary. Not only will he need the win kickback, but he'll also have to be nearly flawless in the process. Even with all the shortcomings, Vancouver has some chalkboard material here, too.
CENTER
Nick Bjugstad, FLA at VAN ($14) - The hulking pivot hasn't registered a point through his four games after missing 15 games with an upper-body injury, which was later revealed to lingering migraine headaches. It is time to dip in while the salary is low because the upswing will be profitable. Bjugstad scored .33 goals per game last season and finished with 24 through 72 games. A strong second half is ahead.
Center to Avoid:
Ryan Spooner, BOS at NYR ($20) - The Rangers one-two punch up the middle projects unfavorably for the undersized pivot. He has been inconsistent all season, and matching up against either of the top two lines Monday has the potential to impact Spooner negative in the plus/minus column. Given Derick Brassard ($20) and Derek Stepan ($20) are the same price, pivoting to the home bodies isn't a stretch.
WING
Tomas Hertl, SJ at CGY ($14) - Hertl provides cheap exposure to Joe Pavelski ($27) and Joe Thornton ($20), and the line's third wheel is coming off a three-point game where he posted 29.0 Yahoo fantasy points. While Calgary has tightened up defensively lately (1.6 goals against over its last five games), the Flames are still allowing 3.08 goals per game for the season. Hertl could also find chances as a part of the No. 2 power-play unit with Calgary killing penalties at just 74.2 percent.
Alexandre Burrows, VAN vs. FLA ($12) - Purely a speculative value stab, Burrows will join the top line with Henrik Sedin ($14) and Daniel Sedin ($21), which has been a fantasy honey pot for a decade-plus. And while this sample size dates to the 2010 season, Burrows most frequent linemates have been the Sedin twins, and he has a 3.02 goals for per 60 minutes and 58.2 CorsiFor percentage with Henrik and a 2.94 GF60 and 58.9 CF% with Daniel. Don't expect a vintage showing from the trio, but the chemistry is there.
Wings to Avoid:
Tyler Toffoli, LA vs. DET ($24) - A strong case could be presented for Toffoli as the most talented offensive winger in the player pool, so fading him has inherent risk. That said, he has proven to be extremely streaky the last three seasons, and he has just one goal, no helpers and nine shots in his past four games. Detroit has won four straight and allowed just 2.0 goals per game over its past five, too.
DEFENSE
Keith Yandle, NYR vs. BOS ($18) - Over his past eight games, Yandle has averaged 6.5 Yahoo fantasy points with a goal, four assists, 17 shots on net, nine blocked shots and a plus-2 rating. With the New York blue line back at full health, Yandle's minutes are more tilted to offensive opportunities and zone starts. Given his current form, the rearguard is a solid value.
Defenseman to avoid:
Dougie Hamilton, CGY vs. SJ ($16) - After showing signs of turning his game around, Hamilton has a signal goal and just seven shorts with a minus-2 rating over his past five outings. Interestingly, he has also averaged just 16:18 minutes of ice over his last two outings, which means you're paying a dollar a minute for his services. Aim higher Monday.
