This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Sunday's NHL slate features seven games with multiple fantasy-friendly bottom-dwelling teams in action. Even though matchups like Buffalo-Edmonton don't have many playoff implications, the lower amount of attention they receive allows some of the best value plays from those games to fly under the radar. While there is value in utilizing mismatches, the best lineups also contain players from toss-up games. Regardless of which team they play for, the players listed below should exceed their valuation and help form the solid core of any fantasy lineup.
GOALIE
Roberto Luongo, FLA at NJ ($35) - Luongo is riding a four-game winning streak and has allowed just five goals in that span. Meanwhile, the Devils have dropped six of their last nine, which makes Luongo a prime candidate to pick up the six fantasy points that come with victory. With most of the other goaltenders available either riddled with question marks or too expensive, Florida's netminder is the most sensible play.
Goalie to Avoid:
Henrik Lundqvist, NYR vs. OTT ($42) - There's never a good time to bench Lundqvist, but there are better ways to spend your salary cap than dropping $42 on him in a matchup against the league's fourth-best offense after he's lost three of his last four starts. You know Lundqvist will give it his all, but the Rangers team in front of him may not provide enough support to make him worthwhile.
CENTER
Jack Eichel, BUF at EDM ($20) - Connor McDavid's shoulder injury will deprive viewers of a clash between the top two picks from the 2015 NHL entry draft, but the No. 2 overall pick could easily produce enough on his own to make people forget about McDavid. Eichel has two goals, an assist and a plus-3 rating in his last five games, and he has a strong chance of continuing his recent excellence against the struggling Oilers. While Eichel's minus-4 rating this season is his biggest red flag, Edmonton's minus-13 goal differential suggests the rookie has a strong chance to continue his recent strong play in that category.
Center to Avoid:
Elias Lindholm, CAR vs. ARI ($16) - Lindholm's price has risen due to a recent five-game point streak that ended Thursday against the Devils, but it's going to be hard for him to live up to his $16 price considering he only has seven points in 25 games this season. Factoring in his minus-6 rating just makes Lindholm look that much less appealing.
WING
Kevin Hayes, NYR vs. OTT ($14) - Hayes has seen a steep reduction in price due to his recent lack of production, making now the perfect time to pounce on the talented sophomore forward. The slumping Hayes has just one assist in his last six appearances, yet he still has 15 points in 27 games this season after picking up 45 in 79 games as a rookie. Considering that he has outscored the vast majority of players in his price range and the Rangers' strong team play insulates his plus/minus, Hayes makes for an intriguing option as long as his price remains in its depressed state.
Jaromir Jagr, Fla at NJ ($13) - Jagr is in a similar situation to Hayes, as his price has plummeted all the way to $13 despite the Czech winger's 18 points in 24 games played, making him a prototypical buy-low candidate. The 43-year-old has managed to play very well this season despite his advanced age, and his four-game pointless skid was preceded by a five-game point streak. With extra motivation facing one of his many former employers, look for Jagr to start a new point streak Sunday night.
Wings to Avoid:
Jakob Silfverberg, Anh vs. Pit ($15) - Silfverberg has been a massive disappointment this season, posting a paltry two goals and three assists with a minus-8 rating through 27 games. Pittsburgh is a tough opponent to get back on track against due to their solid team defensive play and goaltending.
Nikita Kucherov, TB at LA ($19) - Despite him playing at a 41-point pace this season, Kucherov's price continues to hover in the high teens. With his usual center Tyler Johnson doubtful for the game and goaltender Ben Bishop sitting the contest out, Kucherov's offensive production and plus/minus are both in line to take a further hit against a tough Los Angeles team.
DEFENSEMEN
Duncan Keith, CHI vs. WPG ($22) - The red-hot Keith has two goals and five assists during a five-game point streak, and a home matchup against a Winnipeg team that surrenders more than three goals per game is a perfect recipe for the offensive-minded blueliner to keep the good times rolling. Keith is the likeliest option among all defensemen to put the puck in the net without taking a massive chunk out of your fantasy wallet, especially as the powerplay quarterback of a squad facing a bottom-10 penalty kill.
Andrej Sekera, Edm vs. BUF ($14) - Sekera plays the point on Edmonton's top power-play unit, which makes him a good bet to pick up a point or two with the man advantage against the NHL's fourth-worst penalty kill. Additionally, the top-pairing defenseman is less of a plus/minus risk than usual, as his Oilers actually have a strong chance of pulling out a win playing at home against an almost equally inept Sabres squad. Sekera's recent performance should dispel any last doubts you may have about him -- he's put up at least 6.0 fantasy points in four of his last five games.
Defensemen to Avoid:
Ryan McDonagh, NYR vs. OTT ($20) - The blueshirts' captain has just 5.0 fantasy points total in his last four games, as his slowdown in production has coincided with a rare cold spell for the whole team. Until the Rangers rebound, it's probably wise to hold off on using McDonagh, because plus/minus is a big part of the all-around defenseman's value.
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