This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Monday's six-game NHL slate is full of mismatches, with the Blues, Predators and Ducks favored against inferior opponents. While those three teams figure to provide much of the night's value, it's important not to overlook potential value plays on other rosters. The players listed below are all good bets to outperform their respective valuations.
GOALIE
John Gibson, NJ vs. ANH ($35) - New Jersey's offense has been impotent even by the Devils' modest standards lately, as it's managed to top two goals just twice in its last eight games. Gibson is well-positioned to take advantage of those struggles after winning four of his last six starts for the surging Ducks, and his season-long line is fabulous for a netminder priced at only $35.
Goalie to Avoid:
Pekka Rinne, NSH at EDM ($42) - Even with his recent uptick in performance, Rinne's 11-10-5 record and 2.65 GAA on the road leave much to be desired. It's tough to justify his placement as the night's most expensive goaltender based on that split, even against the lowly Oilers.
CENTER
Robby Fabbri, STL at CGY ($17) - Fabbri has quietly stepped up his offense recently, complementing his plus-4 rating over the last six games with two goals and five assists. Look for the 20-year-old center to build on his all-around success against a Flames team that ranks last in the NHL in goals allowed per game. Fabbri is a perfect option for those not looking to break the bank at the center position.
Center to Avoid:
Sean Monahan, CGY vs. STL ($21) - Monahan has finished with 2.0 or fewer fantasy points in three of his last four games. His slim chances of reversing that trend against the stout Blues defense aren't high enough to justify a $21 investment.
WINGS
Jaromir Jagr, FLA at NYI ($19) - Jagr continues to defy father time, as he has picked up five points in his last three games. The veteran forward sports a fabulous all-around resume, and his plus-17 rating and 53 points in 65 games show that he is still able to accrue value in a variety of ways. Jagr's price is still reasonable despite his recent hot streak, so take advantage before it jumps back up.
Jaden Schwartz, STL at CGY ($22) - Schwartz's three assists over his last two games have added to his already-impressive line in limited action this season. With five goals and 11 assists to go with a plus-10 rating, the young forward has been marvelous when not sidelined by injury. He's showing no signs of slowing, and Schwartz's performance this season more than vindicates a $22 investment, especially facing Calgary's porous defense.
Wings to Avoid:
Filip Forsberg, NSH at EDM ($33) - Forsberg's total of 0.0 fantasy points in his last two appearances is unacceptable for a $33 skater. Just 21 of his 52 points this season have come away from Bridgestone Arena, putting his value for Monday's road contest in question.
Jordan Eberle, EDM vs. NSH ($19) - Eberle's 10.0 total fantasy points over his last five games don't inspire confidence in his ability to live up to his $19 value against the Predators. He's struggling harder than almost any other winger at the moment.
DEFENSE
Dustin Byfuglien, WPG at VAN ($21) - Byfuglien continues to live up to his reputation as an offensively gifted defenseman, with points in 10 of his last 12 games. A date with a Vancouver team that has trouble keeping the puck out of its net is perfect for Big Buff to flash his offensive prowess, and $21 is a small price to pay for the league's fourth-leading goalscorer among blueliners in a convenient matchup.
Roman Josi, NSH at EDM ($26) - With 85.0 fantasy points in his last nine games, Josi has been more than living up to his $26 valuation of late, and a game against a subpar Oilers team should only help him build on his 9.4 fantasy point per game average from that span. As one of just two NHL players (along with $29 Flames defenseman Mark Giordano) with at least 160 shots on goal and 160 blocked shots this season, Josi's ability to rack up points in a variety of ways makes him all the more likely to find success facing an inferior opponent Monday.
Defenseman to Avoid;
Cam Fowler, ANH vs. NJ ($23) - Fowler has totaled -1.0 fantasy points in his last three games, as the cage he's wearing to protect his broken nose has been severely limiting his peripheral vision and overall performance. Avoid Fowler until he either adjusts to the cage or is able to shed it altogether.
