This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Saturday's eight-game evening slate figures to be exceptionally high-scoring, with 11 of the 16 teams ranking among the top 14 in goals per game. Predicting where those goals will come from isn't always easy, but the players listed below have the best chance of piling up some points at affordable prices.
GOALIE
Mike Condon, OTT vs. NJ ($28): One of the five low-scoring teams in action is New Jersey. The Devils have potted only 2.38 goals per game, including just five during their current four-game losing streak. This plus matchup represents an excellent opportunity for Condon, who sports a solid 2.34 GAA and .920 save percentage through 11 appearances. Even if he just matches his numbers this season, Condon would be a strong value play at $28.
Goalie to Avoid
Marc-Andre Fleury, PIT at TOR ($25): Fleury will likely start for Pittsburgh on the second night of a back-to-back, but that doesn't mean he should be starting for fantasy managers. While the tired Penguins still possess enough skill to possibly eek out a road win against an inferior Maple Leafs team, this promises to be a high-scoring affair since Toronto averages 2.86 goals per game. Fleury's low price makes him a tempting target, but chances are he won't significantly outplay $25.
CENTER
Derick Brassard, OTT vs. NJ ($14): Brassard has been a disappointment in his first season with the Senators, but he has a good chance of bucking that trend Saturday. No other team in this slate allows more goals per game than New Jersey's 2.97, and $14 is a terrific bargain for a first-line center coming off consecutive seasons with at least 58 points. With so many high-octane offenses in action, the savings from going cheap at center with Brassard will help maximize options elsewhere.
Center to Avoid
Jonathan Toews, CHI at STL ($21): Toews has managed just one assist in two games since returning from a nine-game absence, and the division-rival Blues aren't going to make life any easier for the Blackhawks' captain. His 5.8 fantasy points per game represent the worst output of the 16 centers priced over $19, so the value is very poor. If you're going to spend in this price range, grab one of the myriad higher-upside options.
WINGS
Phillip Danault, MON at WAS ($14): Danault was moved up to the second line following Alex Galchenyuk's injury, and he has responded with a goal and two assists in the past three games. The 2011 first rounder is already having his most productive season at age 23, so his price should climb as he continues to skate in a top-six role for the league's fifth-ranked offense. Most will avoid him due to this subpar matchup, but Danault's combination of price and role is too good to pass up even against the Capitals.
Jonathan Drouin, TB at EDM ($15): Drouin has been excellent over his last five games heading into the weekend, averaging 10.6 fantasy points per contest while scoring at least 6.0 in each one. He should be able to keep the good times rolling against a skidding Oilers club that has won just three of its past 11 games. Drouin has been outplaying his $15 price for a while now, so get him on the cheap while you still can.
Wings to Avoid
Viktor Arvidsson, NSH vs. NYR ($18): Arvidsson's ice time has been trending in the wrong direction despite his five-game point streak, as he has played less than 14:30 in consecutive contests. Even if he plays more Saturday, extending that point streak to six will be difficult against a Rangers team that has shut out three of its past four opponents. There are too many strong alternatives available to commit $18 to a player in such a tough situation.
Taylor Hall, NJ at OTT ($27): Hall has done little to justify his $27 price of late, totaling just 2.0 fantasy points in his past three outings. With a minus-7 rating in December for the skidding Devils, he has too much downside for a winger who's priced above all but three options at the position.
DEFENSEMEN
Kevin Shattenkirk, STL vs. CHI ($19): Shattenkirk is tied for the league lead among defensemen with 13 points on the power play, and he should be able to add to that total against Chicago's 30th-ranked penalty kill. The Blackhawks have allowed a 26.7 percent success rate with the extra man, which is why the offensive-minded blueliner has been able to compile three power-play points and eight shots on goal in their first two meetings. Shattenkirk's offensive upside in this one is as high as it gets for a sub-$20 blueliner.
Jake Gardiner, TOR vs. PIT ($16): Some will see that Gardiner faces the Penguins and immediately discount his chances of success, but the American defenseman has many factors working in his favor. He has been entrusted with over 22 minutes of ice time in seven consecutive games while topping 8.0 fantasy points in four straight. Plus, the Leafs will be catching Pittsburgh on the second game of a back-to-back set. Add in that projected Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has a 3.42 GAA, and suddenly extending his point streak to five doesn't seem like a farfetched proposition for the affordable blueliner.
Defensemen to Avoid
Shea Weber, MON at WAS ($28): Weber takes a seven-game point drought into the weekend, and a road tilt with a Capitals team that allows the third-fewest goals per game makes for an unlikely breakout scenario. You need offensive output from $28 defensemen, and Weber is unlikely to provide it Saturday.
P.K. Subban, NSH vs. NYR ($23): Subban's minus-11 rating indicates that he's often a liability when he fails to get on the scoresheet. Putting the puck in the net will be tough against a Rangers team that has allowed just two goals in its past four games, especially since Subban has just one point and a minus-4 rating in his past six. His poor recent play and tough matchup are both red flags.
