This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
Monday has a few matinee games on the schedule, but they aren't included for daily fantasy purposes in FantasyDraft's NHL contests. Instead, you'll have four evening games to choose from when assembling your lineups. Here's a few players to consider…
GOALIE
Anaheim Ducks, ANA vs. CGY ($16,500): The Flames were middle-of-the-pack in goals per game last season, but they only averaged 29.1 shots on net. The Ducks, meanwhile, only allowed 2.40 goals per game on average, and John Gibson had a 2.22 GAA and a .924 save percentage.
CENTER
Jonathan Toews, CHI at TOR ($12,600): Toronto's offense has been great, but they've averaged 3.50 goals and 36.0 shots allowed so far this year. That's after they allowed the third most shots on net per game (32.6) last season. Toews' fantasy numbers were a little lackluster last year thanks to a massive drop in shooting percentage, but he already has three points this season, so perhaps he's in for a rebound.
Evgeny Kuznetsov, WAS at TAM ($12,100): Kuznetsov has been moved to the top line for the Capitals and it's really paid off thus far to the tune of seven (!) assists in two games. The Lightning have given up 84 shots through two games.
WING
Brandon Saad, CHI at TOR ($13,600): Like Kuznetsov, Saad finds himself on his team's top line to start this season. On top of that, the move back to Chicago has worked wonders for Saad. He already has five points, and he's put five shots on net in both games. As previously mentioned, the Maple Leafs generally allow plenty of shots, too.
Corey Perry, ANA vs. CGY ($12,100): Last season was rough for Perry, who had an 8.8 shooting percentage, which was a major drop from his usual numbers. Despite that, though, he still managed 20 power-play points. Meanwhile, Calgary's starting netminder is Mike Smith, who has a career save percentage of .913.
Milan Lucic, EDM vs. WPG ($9,200): Though Lucic was a "disappointment" in his first season with Edmonton, he still scored 23 goals on 175 shots and tallied 25 power-play points. Last season, Winnipeg gave up 3.11 goals on average, and this year isn't going well for the Jets, as they've allowed the most goals per game in the league.
DEFENSEMEN
Duncan Keith, CHI at TOR ($10,00): Keith has been a workhorse for a lot of years, and over his last three seasons he has averaged over 25 minutes per game. He's also played a ton of minutes on the power play and has put up double-digit power-play points in his last nine seasons. Toronto's potent offense also yields a lot of shot attempts, which increases the chances of Keith blocking a shot or two.
Kris Russell, EDM vs. WPG ($6,500): Russell gets most of his fantasy value from blocking shots. Last year, he led the league in with 213 despite only playing in 68 games. He already has seven blocked shots through two games this season, but he also has two points. Against a defensively woeful team like the Jets, perhaps Russell can chip in on offense again while doing his usual shot-blocking. At this price, he's definitely worth the gamble.
