This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Just three games grace the National Hockey League schedule Wednesday, and it isn't out of the question to limit your investment in the marquee matchup of night between the Blackhawks and Rangers given the other options. Minnesota was dangerous under new bench boss John Torchetti on Monday and the Flames have allowed 18 goals through their past four games, while the Avalanche grab a plus matchup against the reeling Canadiens.
Here are some profit leans and busts for Wednesday.
GOALIE
Devan Dubnyk, MIN at CGY ($31) - There is intrigue here as the cheapest goalie in the pool to begin with, and when you add the Wild's impressive team showing against the Canucks on Monday, it only improves his appeal. Calgary is strong at home, but a win with two goals allowed or fewer would yield a huge return from Dubnyk.
Player to avoid:
Corey Crawford, CHI at NYR ($40) - A road start against an admirable opponent should cause pause with Crawford. His road numbers are underwhelming and, in this case, the Rangers have been dominant at Madison Square Garden this season with a 21-5-3 record and an average of 3.31 goals per game. Plus, Crawford has allowed seven goals through his past two starts and owns a confidence-shattering .912 save percentage and 2.78 goals-against average on the road for the campaign.
CENTER
Charlie Coyle, MIN at CGY ($14) - During the Wild's recent slide, it has been Coyle who has been one of the lone offensive producers with six goals and an assist through his past 10 games. Additionally, he has now landed on the clear-cut No. 1 line alongside Mikko Koivu and Zach Parise. As mentioned, Calgary has goaltending issues, too.
Player to avoid:
Jonathan Toews, CHI at NYR ($28) - Andrew Shaw and Richard Panik were Toews' most common linemates Tuesday, which shouldn't inspire much confidence, especially as the most expensive pivot in the player pool. You're relying on power-play production here, and the Rangers are allowing just 2.24 goals per home game with an 85.4 percent penalty kill.
WING
Zach Parise, MIN at CGY ($22) - After breaking an eight-game goal drought Monday, look for Parise to kick-start a hot stretch to finish the season. He has 23 shots through his past five outings with a goal and four helpers, so the outburst is already in the initial stages. At this cap hit, it is difficult to pass him by.
Jiri Hudler, CGY vs. MIN ($14) - It has been a disaster season, but of late, Hudler has rattled off four goals and eight helpers through his past 13 games with a plus-9 rating while being reunited with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau on the top line. Obviously, it isn't ideal to load up Hudler against Dubnyk for your lineups, but his price point is attractive given his recent form and role. He is a slam-dunk value if you're fading the Wild goalie, too.
Player to avoid:
Max Pacioretty, MON at COL ($26) - With just one showing above 10.0 Yahoo fantasy points through his past 12 games, relying on Pacioretty is extremely risky, especially because he carries a minus-15 rating during the span. You are paying for name value here and not results.
DEFENSEMEN
P.K. Subban, MON at COL ($27) - At this point, Subban is the top offensive contributor for Montreal with 11 points including two goals through his past nine games, and he's having his best offensive season since the lockout-shortened campaign. Spending up for reliable points from rearguards is even more viable with fewer options, too.
Jared Spurgeon, MIN at CGY ($15) - Following a three-game absence with an oblique injury, Spurgeon found the score sheet twice and posted 17.0 Yahoo fantasy points. He is a cross-category contributor with 21 shots and 28 blocked shots through his past 14 games. Just note, Spurgeon saw next to no power-play time in his first game back.
Player to avoid:
Keith Yandle, NYR vs. CHI ($19) - It has been a nice run for Yandle with an assist in three straight games, a plus-3 rating and an average of 23:26 minutes per night during that stretch. However, Ryan McDonagh (concussion) projects to return Wednesday, which will cut into Yandle's workload and upside.
