Three-game nights are tough, and grabbing high-floor players with a high-shot volume is encouraged. Additionally, being on the right side of the plus/minus battle is critical to not giving away points.
While typically not encouraged, it isn't out of the question to start two opposing goalies to essentially lock in the win bonus. Target only a low-scoring game, though.
GOALIE
Mike Smith, ARI at TOR ($31) - The Leafs registered 52 shots on net against the Canadiens on Saturday, but given their clientele, there were a lot of routine saves. If the shooting gallery continues Monday, Smith will have a legitimate shot at returning the most points from the player pool.
Joni Ortio, CGY at NYI ($22) - For those open to risk, Ortio is priced as a skater. He has a solid track record outside the NHL and fits the value billing. It is an incredibly daunting matchup, and the Flames are on the wrong end of consecutive road games, though. Still, the savings opens lineup flexibility, and at Ortio's cap hit there are a number of paths to returning value.
Goalie to Avoid:
Frederik Andersen, ANA at CHI ($34) - Perhaps a rematch of the Western Conference Finals from last season could yield another win for Anaheim, but the Ducks aren't scoring (0.86 goals per game). Add the Blackhawks' stout defense (1.4 goals allowed per game at home), and Andersen likely will have a tough time grabbing the win bonus.
CENTER
Martin Hanzal, ARI at TOR ($18) - While still without a goal, Hanzal is a load in the offensive zone, and he has been locked in with rookies Max Domi and Anthony Duclair in all situations lately. The savings opens cap space to spend up elsewhere, and Hanzal is in a solid matchup against the Leafs, who have lost three straight and allowed 3.14 goals per game on the season.
Center to Avoid:
Jonathan Toews, CHI vs. ANA ($22) - This likely isn't one of the matchups where Toews' real-world value translates to the fake game. Toews will grab a difficult matchup against Ryan Getzlaf or Ryan Kesler, and Anaheim is in must-win mode given its start. At his cap hit, Toews is a risky start in the daily racket.
WING
Anthony Duclair, ARI at TOR ($16) - The winger has slowed lately with just a single goal and three shots in his last four games. However, a mini stack with Martin Hanzal is cheap, and Duclair will benefit from playing with Max Domi in all situations. Plus, Toronto allows 3.14 goals per game and boast a target-worthy 75.0 penalty-kill percentage.
Goalie to Avoid:
Jakob Silfverberg, ANA at CHI ($18) - A strong finish and playoff run last year hasn't parlayed into fantasy results to start the 2015-16 season. Silfverberg sits at minus-5 with just 18 shots through seven games, and, most important, he hasn't landed on the score sheet yet. Given the options in his price range and limited player pool, there is no reason to risk a bagel or negative return.
DEFENSEMEN
Trevor van Riemsdyk, CHI vs. ANA ($12) - The minimum price is attractive, and with Duncan Keith (knee) out, it has been van Riemsdyk who has climbed up to the second pairing. Van Riemsdyk has played more than 22 minutes and registered five shots and four blocked shots over his last two games.
Nick Leddy, NYI vs. CGY ($16) - Marek Zidlicky was replaced by Leddy on the No. 1 power-play unit last time out, which makes Leddy a huge profit play Monday. Leddy has just one assist and five shots through his first eight games, but the lone helper came during his 2:55 power-play minutes in his last game. Plus, Calgary owns an 80.0 penalty-kill percentage, allowing 3.88 goals per game.
Defensemen to Avoid:
Mark Giordano, CGY at NYI ($23) - Don't overlook that Giordano's production has come in just two games, and with the Flames on the second leg of consecutive road games, it is a tough spot. Giordano likely warrants the highest price tag among his peers, but it doesn't mean he is worth targeting, especially because he has yielded a lackluster -- or worse -- showing in six of his eight games this season.
