This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
Nine is not only the number of lives a cat has, as referenced in the title of that terrible Kevin Spacey movie where he becomes a cat; it's also the number of NHL games on Tuesday. We've combed over the 18 teams in action to try and help you find some nice value for your daily fantasy lineup.
GOALIE
Cam Talbot, EDM at BUF ($8,700): Talbot's numbers have dropped a bit, but he still has a solid .916 save percentage, which is in line with last season. However, the Sabres rank at the bottom of the league in goal scoring, and they will also be playing on the second night of a back-to-back. It's a great chance for Talbot to pick up a win, since Buffalo shouldn't stress him too much.
CENTER
Sean Monahan, CGY vs. DAL ($6,500): Monahan may be starting to round into form, as he's got five points in his last four games. He's also playing 2:59 a night on the power play, and while he only has two points with the extra man, he had 20 last year. The Stars are last in the league in goals allowed, and their penalty kill ranks only slightly higher. If Monahan wants to keep his point streak going, a matchup with the Stars is about the best thing he could hope for, and it could really help your daily fantasy team.
Travis Zajac, NJD vs. VAN ($5,100): After having a couple of down seasons, Zajac seems like he's in line for a real comeback year. He's already got 20 points, and he's taken 56 shots on goal in 24 games. He's playing his most minutes in years, and his most power-play minutes since 2012-13. Both Canucks goalies are sporting GAAs of 2.73. Zajac is pretty cheap too, making him a potential value.
WING
Rick Nash, NYR at NYI ($6,700): The two New York teams are on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Rangers are the NHL's highest-scoring team, while the Islanders aren't good at anything, including preventing goals. Nash, who had some bad puck luck last year (and dealt with injuries), already has 11 goals on 73 shots. Now that he's looking more like the Nash of old, he's definitely worthy of this price in this matchup.
Marian Hossa, CHI vs. ARI ($6,500): The Coyotes decided to start Louis Domingue last night, leaving Mike Smith to start this game. While Smith does have a .930 save percentage, he also has a 2.74 GAA, and Arizona has defensive questions. Playing on the second of consecutive nights isn't going to help their D. Hossa has 12 goals, six power-play points, and 61 shots on goal in 26 games. Getting to go up against the Coyotes should benefit his stats, as well as your team if you select him.
Thomas Vanek, DET at WPG ($5,000): Vanek is getting back in the groove after a lengthy injury absence. He has three points in his last four games, and he's notched 16 shots on goal in those contests. The Jets are allowing 2.9 goals per game, and their penalty kill is ranked 24th in the league. Playing 2:46 per game on the power play, combined with his recent shot totals, is an encouraging combination for fantasy players.
Craig Smith, NAS vs. COL ($4,700): Smith is a solid, under-the-radar winger. He's scored at least 21 goals in his last three seasons, and he's got six this year on 46 shots on goal. The Avalanche seem to be hurtling downhill not unlike an avalanche, and they are allowing three goals per game with a penalty-kill percentage of 79.1. Smith is quite cheap, so if you are looking to save some money to spend elsewhere, he's a smart choice.
DEFENSEMEN
Dougie Hamilton, CGY at DAL ($5,400): Let's go back to the Flames well, since this is arguably the best matchup any team has. Hamilton's slow start seems decidedly in the rearview mirror, although his three goals on 77 shots on net gives him the lowest shooting percentage of his career. Hamilton also plays 2:35 a night on the power play, which certainly bodes well for him heading into a game with the Stars.
Michael Del Zotto, PHI vs. FLA ($4,600): The Panthers will be on the second night of a back-to-back, which means Roberto Luongo has to play two games in a row, or James Reimer and his .896 save percentage will be in net. Del Zotto has missed several games with injury, but he's made up for lost time whenever he's been able to take to the ice. He's got eight points in 12 games, and has taken 25 shots on goal and blocked 24. There are certainly bigger names on Philly's blueline, but they don't come at the same reasonable price that Del Zotto does.
