Yahoo DFS Hockey: Sunday Picks

Updated on October 16, 2016 11:16AM EST

GOALIE

Jaroslav Halak, NYI vs. ANA ($32): Halak allowed four goals in the season opener against the Rangers, which likely is an aberration after posting a 2.30 GAA last season. The Ducks will play their third road game in four nights as they opened the season with a five-game trip. The trip hasn't gone well, as Anaheim is 0-2 with two goals scored in each game.

Goalie to Avoid:

Eddie Lack, CAR at VAN ($25): Lack will make his first regular-season appearance for the Hurricanes after ceding the first start of the season to Cam Ward. The subpar Hurricanes don't give him much upside, however.

CENTER

Connor McDavid, EDM vs. BUF ($28): It might be tempting to face McDavid, as he's the most expensive center and likely will be highly owned. But why get cute? McDavid totaled three points in each of his first two games, while the Sabres gave up four goals to Montreal on Thursday.

Center to Avoid:

Bo Horvat, VAN vs. CAR ($19):

A fourth-line center, Horvat had less than 17 minutes of ice time in the season opener and did not find the scoresheet. Horvat is a rising fantasy star, but he doesn't offer enough upside at this price.

WING

Nick Ritchie, ANA at NYI ($12): Ritchie is an excellent value at half the price of the slate's top center, teammate Corey Perry. Ritchie shares the top line with Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, which should benefit him soon. He had four shots in the opener and played more than 21 minutes Saturday. Fade Perry, save the money and go with Ritchie.

Ryan Strome, NYI vs. ANA ($12): Going with another cheap wing play in Strome will open spending elsewhere. And Strome is a good bet to continue to produce. With four shots on goal in two games and more than two minutes on the power play in both, Strome is getting opportunities to shine.

Wings to Avoid:

Loui Eriksson, VAN vs. CAR ($21): Eriksson is the third-most expensive winger, offering little profitability Sunday. He had an assist in the opener and scored Saturday, but he'll usually have to share, if not take a backseat, on the top line to Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin.

Kyle Okposo, BUF at EDM ($22): Okposo is expected to play Sunday after missing the opener Thursday with a sore knee. The Sabres, though, are without the injured Jack Eichel and Evander Kane. He'll likely slot into the top line on the right wing and could be heavily relied on, but he's not considered a top-tier player good enough to carry a team. At his price, there's too much risk.

DEFENSEMEN

Johnny Boychuk, NYI vs. ANA ($17): Boychuk contributes in multiple categories, totaling an assist, four shots and four blocked shots in two games. Use the savings elsewhere to pay up for Boychuk, the third-most expensive defenseman, against a Ducks team playing its third road game in four nights.

Nick Leddy, NYI vs. ANA ($13): Leddy has seven blocked shots in two games, adding an assist. With plenty of ice time (22:36) and a moderate price, Leddy offers a decent value play.

Defenseman to Avoid:

Zach Bogosian, BUF at EDM ($20): Bogosian is still recovering from a groin injury that limited him all preseason. He played 22:21 in the season opener but didn't register a point. He's too risky as the second-most expensive defenseman.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.