This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
There are 10 games in the NHL on Tuesday. At Yahoo, it's always worth scrolling all the way through the player pool because some solid players can be found at, or near, minimum price. With that said, here are some targets, fades and values to consider when assembling your lineups.
GOALIE
Cam Ward, CAR vs. VAN ($30): There is blow-up potential in trusting Ward, as he entered 2016-17 with an underwhelming .907 save percentage over the previous four seasons. However, this is a great spot for Carolina. This is the final leg of the Canucks' current five-game road trip, and Vancouver has lost three of the first four outings. Additionally, at home, the Hurricanes boast a fourth-ranked 53.1 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Sergei Bobrovsky, CLM at EDM ($32): With five wins (and no regulation losses), a .947 save percentage and a 1.32 GAA over his past six starts, Bobrovsky has extended his hot start into December. However, Edmonton has offensive firepower, and this game could turn into a high-event, back-and-forth shootout. Plus, as good as Bobrovsky has been for stretches throughout his career, his current .932 save percentage and .938 mark at five-on-five is likely unsustainable.
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CENTER
Jason Spezza, DAL vs. ANA ($16): The Stars have loaded up their top line and Spezza is skating with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn in all situations. The Benn-Seguin-Spezza line has combined for 21.21 scoring chances per 60 minutes over the past three years, and during that stretch, all three rank within the top-12 in points per 60 minutes among players with at least 3,000 minutes played.
CENTER TO AVOID
John Tavares, NYI vs. WAS ($25): Despite 20 points including eight goals over his past 22 games, Tavares has just two multi-point showings during that span. That kind of consistent production is fine for season-long formats, but in a single-night contest, you're looking for more offensive upside. The Capitals have also allowed the second-fewest goals per game in the league (2.11).
WING
Brandon Saad, CLM at EDM ($21): Saad has been an offensive juggernaut at five-on-five this year with a second-ranked 3.22 points per 60 minutes. The Oilers are also allowing the third-most high-danger scoring chances per game (11.73). Additionally, Saad has positive regression ahead with the man advantage, as he is still looking for his first PP point of the season despite playing 1:38 a night on Columbus' top-ranked unit that features a 24.7 power-play percentage.
Tomas Tatar, DET vs. ARI ($13): With Arizona coming off a 7-0 road thrashing and allowing a league-high 13.62 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes and 3.18 goals per game, Tatar checks in as a solid value option for Tuesday. Even with his underwhelming season-long numbers (four goals and 11 points through 29 games), he has a goal and 10 shots through his past three games with 3:01 of power-play time per night. His uptick in shot volume and a top-line role are encouraging in this juicy matchup.
WINGERS TO AVOID
Alex Ovechkin, WAS at NYI ($35): While the matchup is solid, as the Islanders have allowed 13.85 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five through five December games, Ovechkin's consistency is troubling at this salary. The winger's 13 goals and 21 points are solid marks, but he's also missed the scoresheet entirely 13 times. As the highest-priced skater in the player pool, you're putting a lot of eggs in a single basket.
Corey Perry, ANA at DAL ($22): Perry will likely build on his six goals and 6.8 percent shooting as the season progresses, but he's also slowed down significantly at five-on-five alongside Ryan Getzlaf. Over the previous five seasons, Perry and Getzlaf combined for a solid 2.88 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five, but they're down to just 1.96 goals per 60 minutes this year. Additionally, over the past three years, Perry has just 27 road goals compared to 46 at the Honda Center.
DEFENSE
Ryan McDonagh, NYR vs. CHI ($19): Not only do the Blackhawks own the worst penalty-kill percentage (72.7) in the league, they've lost five of their past eight road games. McDonagh provides a high fantasy floor with 17 points, 50 shots and 58 blocked shots while averaging 24:02 of ice time per night (3:22 on the power play) over 30 games.
Noah Hanifin, CAR vs. VAN ($12): The Canucks are on the final leg of a five-game road trip and have lost three of the last four outings. Hanifin is at minimum salary, but owns a 10th-ranked 5.2 points per 60 minutes with the man advantage among defenseman with at least 50 power-play minutes this season. There is also likely some positive regression ahead for Hanifin, as he has just two goals over his past 17 games.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Duncan Keith, CHI at NYR ($21): Defensemen who log big minutes and typically play against the opposition's top players are often underwhelming fantasy options on the road. Keith played the bulk of Friday's home game against the Rangers' No. 1 line and came away with no points, a minus-1 rating, two shots and three blocked shots, which isn't exactly production worth this salary. New York is also allowing just 2.3 goals per game for the year
Cam Fowler, ANA at DAL ($21): As noted, the Benn-Seguin-Spezza line has been dominant and a matchup nightmare over the past three years. Unfortunately, Fowler projects to spend most of his night opposite the Stars' top trio. He is having a breakout campaign, and he owns a high fantasy floor because of his cross-category contributions (seven goals, 18 points, 64 shots and 38 blocked shots through 29 games), but this likely isn't the best night to spend up for him.
