This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Yahoo's daily fantasy hockey contests kick-start at 3:00 p.m. ET with the Buffalo-Winnipeg bout. At Yahoo, it's always worth scrolling all the way through the player pool because some solid players can jump out at -- or near -- minimum price. With that said, here are some targets, fades and values to consider when assembling your lineups.
GOALIE
Cam Talbot, EDM vs. OTT ($31): There is a stark divide between the Oilers' and Senators' offensive production, with Edmonton boasting a 62.2 GoalsFor percentage compared to Ottawa's 46.8 mark. Talbot has also settled into the starting gig with a .926 save percentage over 51 starts since the calendar flipped to December 2015. It's a lengthy track record, and Talbot has been even better this year.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Michal Neuvirth, PHI at CAR ($27): There will be a lot of motivation to hone in on Neuvirth at this salary, but Carolina is a sneaky good possession team (53.2 CorsiFor percentage) and have allowed just 26.8 shots per game. The Flyers are also in a prime spot for a letdown following a rivalry game against Pittsburgh on Saturday. There are enough values in the crease and throughout the player pool that you don't have to force it with Neuvirth.
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CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS at CGY ($21): With just four helpers through the first seven games of the season, Backstrom is in buy-low territory. After all, he entered 2016-17 with a 0.97 points per game mark over the previous four years, including just the third 20-goal season of his career last season. Backstrom has also reunited with Alex Ovechkin at even strength, and the duo has combined for a 2.45 GoalsFor per 60 minutes at five-on-five. They're also both featured on the No. 1 power-play unit.
CENTER TO AVOID
Jeff Carter, LAK at CHI ($20): Despite his solid start to the season, Carter's price is steep given his underwhelming linemates (Tanner Pearson and Devin Setoguchi) and mediocre production. He had consecutive multi-point showings earlier this year, but outside of that two-game stretch, Carter has a single point over six games. Additionally, the Blackhawks boast a high-powered offense with a 64.0 GoalsFor percentage at five-on-five, which should put Carter in danger of bleeding back points with a minus rating.
WING
Milan Lucic, EDM vs. OTT ($19): Being Connor McDavid's linemate is a cushy gig, and Lucic is pushing towards a career year with seven points through eight games, including a plus-5 rating and 19 shots. Lucic and McDavid have combined for a beastly 3.02 GoalsFor per 60 minutes, and the Senators have allowed a league-high 3.37 goals per 60 minutes this year. Ottawa also finished with the highest goals per road game last year with a 3.32 mark.
Marcus Johansson, WAS at CGY ($14): Daily fantasy can be a funny game, as Johansson was plugged in as a target before posting two goals and an assist Saturday, which delivered 25.0 Yahoo fantasy points. Perhaps it'll prove to be a day late Sunday, but Johansson's skillset alongside Evgeny Kuznetsov at even strength remains intriguing. Additionally, Johansson also skates with the No. 1 power-play unit, and the salary makes him an excellent source of cap relief.
WINGERS TO AVOID
Patrick Kane, CHI vs. LAK ($33): Fading the reigning Art Ross Trophy could obviously backfire, but the Kings continue to suppress shots (second-fewest 24.6) and offense (2.3 goals per game) at five-on-five this year. Kane's salary requires a monster performance, and this matchup doesn't check out as an ideal spot for Kane. He's also only posted two multi-point games thus far.
Nikolaj Ehlers, WPG vs. BUF ($17): With his minutes declining in three consecutive games and back-to-back outings without registering a shot, Ehlers' fantasy stock is dwindling. It's not time to dub it a sophomore slump, but the 20-year-old winger's declining role and production are warning signs.
DEFENSE
Justin Faulk, CAR vs. PHI ($17): Among defensemen with at least 2,500 minutes over the past three seasons, Faulk's 1.47 points per 60 minutes ranks 21st in the league. This salary doesn't jive with his offensive upside, and he's also a high-volume shooter who blocks plenty of shots. The concern is his annual hit in the plus/minus column. However, Philadelphia is in a potential trap game Sunday, and Faulk's salary offers plenty of room for profit.
Nick Leddy, NYI vs. TOR ($13): Toronto is playing its second road contest in consecutive nights and have allowed the fourth-most goals per game (3.63) in the league. Leddy has missed the score sheet in three straight games despite logging 24:12 per night with 2:51 of power-play time. With his top offensive minutes, everything checks out for Leddy on Sunday, especially since his salary is near the minimum.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Mark Giordano, CGY vs. WAS ($23): Giordano will be tasked with slowing down Washington's top line, which is no easy task. While he's been solid to date, he'll need to find the score sheet with hefty returns in the supporting categories to provide value at this salary, and Braden Holtby owns a top-five .922 save percentage dating back to the 2014-15 season.
Drew Doughty, LOS at CHI ($22): Similar to Giordano, there are too many values in the defense player pool to target Doughty -- especially at his salary -- in what projects as a daunting matchup. As noted, the Blackhawks remain a high-octane offense (3.38 goals per game), and Doughty consistently plays the toughest minutes against the opposition's top players.
