This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
A rivalry game between the Penguins and Capitals has huge real-world intrigue, but being on the wrong side of it in the daily racket will be costly. There is also potential for a low-scoring affair.
Similarly, the Predators travel west to face the Sharks, and the Predators went 0-2 without scoring at the Shark Tank last season.
The game between the Senators and Flames projects to feature the loosest play, and likely, the most fantasy returns.
GOALIE
Martin Jones, SJ vs. NSH ($31) - Only Jonas Hiller is priced below Jones, and while the Sharks might not stack up quite as high as the Preds on paper, the game will be played on ice. Jones has been lights out in five of his seven starts, and he boasts a .940 save percentage with two outings where he allowed four goals. Plus, as strong as Nashville has been, it shouldn't be viewed as an elite offensive team.
Goalie to Avoid:
Craig Anderson, OTT vs. CGY ($35) - The Senators have coughed up 15 goals during their four-game losing streak, and they're dealing with a number of injuries -- Clarke MacArthur, Marc Methot, Mike Hoffman and Curtis Lazar. Anderson has only stopped 44 of his last 50 shots faced in consecutive loses, and while Calgary is reeling offensively, its opportunistic players capable of breaking out offensively.
CENTER
Sean Monahan, CGY at OTT ($19) - The hulking pivot should present a matchup issue for the Senators. Monahan has found the score sheet in five of nine games this season, but his 97.5 PDO highlights potential for an upcoming uptick in offense. He is the go-to offensive center in all situations for Calgary, too.
Center to Avoid:
Sidney Crosby, PIT at WAS ($24) - With scoreless showings in seven of eight games this season, a position-high salary and a steady diet of on-again, off-again wingers, Crosby is a risky play. You can't count the superstar out, but you also can't count on his given his current form.
WING
Matt Nieto, SJ vs. NSH ($15) - Up to 16 minutes of ice time in his lasting outing, Nieto grabs a huge value boon alongside Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. The 23-year-old winger stands to have a breakout showing, and he owns plus-wheels and the offensive acumen to thrive with the two Joes.
Shane Prince, OTT vs. CGY ($13) - An accomplished scorer at junior and minor league levels, injures have opened the door for Prince with Kyle Turris and Mark Stone on the Senators' No. 1 line. The depth chart jump makes his low salary an excellent bargain, and the Prince already has a pair of helpers through four games this year. Plus, Turris and Stone have been a strong one-two punch dating to the midseason last year, too, and their third wheel has always benefited in the virtual game.
Wing to avoid:
Pascal Dupuis, PIT at WSH ($19) - The fantasy appeal is his assignment next to No. 87, but the reality is the 36-year-old winger has played just 57 games since the beginning of the 2013-14 season with just 13 goals during the span. The potential is there, sure, but you're paying a premium for it.
DEFENSEMEN
Mark Giordano, CGY at OTT ($22) - There is some profit room in Giordano's salary, and small game slates are when spending up for a rearguard makes more sense and can separate your lineups from the pack. The defenseman has 18 shots in his last five games and logs just south of 25 minutes per game.
Matt Niskanen, WSH vs. PIT ($15) - It has been an interesting start for Niskanen, as he has frequented the score sheet, yet he's hardly tipped the scales in the peripheral categories. While the fantasy community won't complain about his five points -- two goals -- through seven games, if the offensive output is suddenly supported by his typically high-shot volume and frequent blocked shots, look out. All said, Niskanen owns both a high floor and a high ceiling, especially at his generous cap hit.
Defensemen to Avoid:
Ryan Ellis, NSH at SJ ($19) - Ellis' three-point showing Thursday has been his only plus-showing this season, and it has inflated his salary. He is a triggerman with the No. 2 power-play unit, but he has also played fewer than 20 minutes in six of seven games this season. There is better value to be found on the blue line Wednesday.
