Yahoo DFS Hockey: Sunday Picks

Yahoo DFS Hockey: Sunday Picks

This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.

All four of Sunday's games are included in the main DFS contests at Yahoo with the first matchup beginning at 1 p.m. EDT. However, it's also worth noting there are additional contests consisting of the three later games beginning at 4. Pittsburgh comes in as the largest favorite on the docket followed up Dallas, Vegas and Tampa Bay.

All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.

GOALIE

Tristan Jarry, PIT vs. NJ ($32): Pittsburgh topped New Jersey 3-1 on Saturday and Jarry has settled in after a rough start with a 9-3 record, .927 save percentage and 2.33 GAA through his past 12 appearances. The Devils have scored the sixth fewest goals per game in the league and their 14.5 power-play percentage also ranks near the bottom.

GOALIE TO AVOID

Sergei Bobrovsky, FLA at TB ($27): You're always starting a goaltender against the Lightning at your own risk, so even with Bobrovsky's .920 save percentage through 10 starts and manageable salary in mind it's probably best to look elsewhere. After all, Tampa Bay has averaged the most goals and there are multiple pivots to consider.

CENTER

Chandler Stephenson, VGK at LA ($16): After missing two games with an undisclosed injury, Stephenson returned Friday and slotted back in between Max Pacioretty ($34) and Mark Stone ($30) while also receiving 2:21 of power-play time. The line attempted 16 shots - including two goals and four high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five during - so look for Stephenson to find the scoresheet Sunday. 

CENTER TO AVOID

Joe Pavelski, DAL vs. NSH ($26): There's been nothing scary about a date with the Predators for months, but this is still a back-to-back game with travel for the 36-year-old Pavelski. He's only scored once through his past six, but still carries an unsustainably high 20.1 shooting percentage and steep salary. Circling back, just note Nashville has allowed the sixth most goals per game in the league and the Preds' 69.0 penalty-kill percentage ranks last in the league.

WING

Jonathan Huberdeau, FLA at TB ($24): With backup Curtis McElhinney ($22) likely starting for the Lightning, it isn't as daunting a matchup for the Florida offense with the veteran posting an underwhelming .874 save percentage and 3.19 GAA through six appearances. Huberdeau enters with a fourth-ranked 4.01 points per 60 minutes and is coming off a season-high eight shots against Nashville on Saturday.

Joel Kiviranta, DAL vs. NSH ($10): A potential low-salary flyer to consider for cap relief, Kiviranta skated with Joe Pavelski and Jamie Benn during Saturday's win and appears locked into a top-nine role if bumped down the depth chart. As noted, it's a cushy matchup against the reeling and injury-riddled Predators, so there's upside for the 24-year-old Finn who's registered a respectable seven points - with three goals - through 18 games.

WINGS TO AVOID

Filip Forsberg, NSH at DAL ($21): The Predators lost in Florida on Saturday, so a trip to Dallas for the second leg of a back-to-back road set isn't a favorable schedule spot. Additionally, it's Nashville's eighth away game over 15 days. Forsberg's also been held off the scoresheet in five straight and the Stars have surrendered the third fewest goals and second fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league at five-on-five.

Janne Kuokkanen, NJ at PIT ($17): A recent four-game goal streak skyrocketed Kuokkanen's salary, but he's been held off the scoresheet and attempted just four shots through the past two games against Pittsburgh. As highlighted, Penguins' starter Tristan Jarry has also been solid of late. 

DEFENSE

Miro Heiskanen, DAL vs. NSH ($19): The third-year blueliner has seen his ice time climb to 26:21 per game with 3:37 on the power play through his past 10 outings while racking up three goals, three assists and 28 shots. With a Predators a plus-matchup, Heiskanen stands out from his salary range. 

Keith Yandle, FLA at TB ($14): There's all kinds of risk with the matchup against the Lightning, as Tampa Bay has allowed the fewest goals against per 60 minutes in the league at five-on-five and boast a seventh-ranked 83.8 penalty-kill percentage. Still, this salary presents value given Yandle ranks 11th in points per 60 minutes this season among regular defenseman at 1.98, and his 2.0 mark dating back to the beginning of the 2018-19 campaign ranks fourth.

DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID

Aaron Ekblad, FLA at TB ($21): It's likely best to look elsewhere at defense from this salary range. While Ekblad offers the high-floor, high-ceiling profile you're after from a blueliner with 10 tallies, 20 helpers, 10 power-play points and 84 shots through 30 games, Tampa Bay represents a matchup nightmare. 

Mattias Ekholm, NSH at DAL ($18): With the highlighted tough schedule spot and opponent, Ekholm's far less appealing. He's recorded a respectable four points, 13 shots and six blocks through the past five games as the Preds' No. 1 defenseman, but there projects to be a lot of tough minutes against the stingy Stars.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Neil Parker plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: naparker77, DraftKings: naparker77.
RotoWire Community
Join Our Subscriber-Only NHL Chat
Chat with our writers and other RotoWire NHL fans for all the pre-game info and in-game banter.
Join The Discussion
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Parker
A loyal Cubs, Cowboys and Maple Leafs fan for decades, Neil has contributed to RotoWire since 2014. He previously worked for USA Today Fantasy Sports.
NHL Picks Tonight: Best NHL Bets and Player Props for April 26, 2024
NHL Picks Tonight: Best NHL Bets and Player Props for April 26, 2024
DraftKings NHL: Friday Breakdown
DraftKings NHL: Friday Breakdown
FanDuel NHL: Friday Targets
FanDuel NHL: Friday Targets
NHL Bets: Expert NHL Picks and Props for April 25, 2024
NHL Bets: Expert NHL Picks and Props for April 25, 2024
NHL Picks: Stanley Cup Playoffs Parlay Picks for Thursday, April 25
NHL Picks: Stanley Cup Playoffs Parlay Picks for Thursday, April 25
DraftKings NHL: Thursday Breakdown
DraftKings NHL: Thursday Breakdown