This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
It's an unusually light Tuesday in the NHL with just five games scheduled. At Yahoo, it's always worth scrolling all the way through the player pool because some solid players can be found at, or near, minimum price. With that said, here are some targets, fades and values to consider when assembling your lineups.
GOALIE
John Gibson, ANA vs. NYI ($33): Despite averaging the sixth-most high danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, the Islanders own the 21st-ranked offense (2.47 goals per game). They're also travelling across the continent to face the Ducks, and Gibson owns a career .924 save percentage and 2.10 GAA at the Honda Center. At this salary, he also offers some savings.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Tuukka Rask, BOS vs. STL ($39): St. Louis' 54.13 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five is first in the league, and while Boston is second (53.18), the Blues are starting to heat up with three consecutive wins and 10 goals scored during the streak. Rask has also been unsustainably hot to start the year with a .946 save percentage, so this might be the matchup that kick-starts the expected negative regression for the veteran.
[Join a Yahoo Daily Fantasy Hockey contest now]
CENTER
Aleksander Barkov, FLA vs. PHI ($19): Philadelphia has allowed the most goals per game in the league this year (3.42), and Barkov is eyeing positive regression in the goal column. After posting a 15.0 shooting percentage over the past two years, he owns a 6.3 percent mark to start this season. Additionally, he's the Panthers' top offensive center in all situations, and doesn't break the bank.
CENTER TO AVOID
Patrice Bergeron, BOS vs. STL ($23): Always a better real-world player than a fantasy asset, Bergeron has just five points (three goals) through 15 games, and he should play the majority of Tuesday's game against Vladimir Tarasenko's line. Furthermore, Bergeron has started a career-high 61.5 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, and considering his career mark is 45.8 percent, his lack of production stands out even more.
WING
Corey Perry, ANA vs. NYI ($24): The Islanders have allowed the fourth-most high danger scoring chances per 60 minutes this season (11.45), and they're travelling across the continent for a daunting road matchup. Perry has now gone 11 games and 33 shots without a goal, so this might be just the opponent to help him break his slump. Plus, he scored 23 goals in 40 home games last year.
Alexander Radulov, MON vs. OTT ($19): During his current six-game point streak, Radulov has eight assists and a plus-5 rating. He's locked into a top offensive role in all situations, and the Senators have surrendered nine goals while losing consecutive games. Ottawa also allowed the most goals per road game in the league last year (3.32), so the flood gates might open up for the Habs at the Bell Centre. Montreal is 11-0-1 on home ice, after all.
WINGERS TO AVOID
Wayne Simmonds, PHI at FLA ($23): Through his past seven games, Simmonds has just 11 shots, and he's been held to two shots or fewer in six of the seven outings. He's still posted four points (three goals) during that stretch, but the fantasy star hasn't been living up to his hefty salary of late. A road date against Florida doesn't stand out as a spot to get out your wallet for Simmonds.
Brendan Gallagher, MON vs. OTT ($22): There is positive regression ahead for Gallagher. He has gone 13 games and 31 shots without scoring a goal, and he has just four assists during the stretch. However, he's been bumped from the No. 1 power-play unit and his price hasn't sustained a hit despite his limited production, so it makes it difficult to justify spending up for Gallagher unless you're looking to go full-out contrarian.
DEFENSE
Kevin Shattenkirk, STL vs. BOS ($21): Among all skaters with at least 100 power-play minutes over the past three seasons, Shattenkirk's 7.86 points per 60 minutes paces the league. He's an elite offensive defenseman who carries a modest price in comparison to his production, as the 28-year-old has 14 points (four goals) through 19 games thus far.
Keith Yandle, FLA vs. PHI ($17): As noted, this is a cushy matchup, and Yandle is shouldering huge minutes for the Panthers with an average of 22:29 per night and 3:24 with the man advantage. Additionally, his 1.64 points per 60 minutes ranks ninth in the league among defenseman with at least 3,000 minutes played over the past three years.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Erik Karlsson, OTT at MON ($30): Until Montreal proves beatable or even slightly vulnerable on home ice, fading visiting players at the Bell Centre is advised. The Canadiens have surrendered just 1.42 goals per home game, and Karlsson's salary is far too high to take on the risk of a poor outing.
Shayne Gostisbehere, PHI at FLA ($22): After being a healthy scratch Thursday, Gostisbehere returned to the lineup and logged 6:17 of power-play time Saturday. However, he posted another minus rating and owns a minus-5 mark for the campaign. Given the uncertainty of his role and standing with head coach Dave Hakstol, this salary makes him a risky investment, although he is a high-ceiling flier.
