This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
There are only two games on Sunday's NHL docket, which means a lot of lineups will have many of the same players in common. The key to winning is playing the right common-sense names while finding the surprising scorers that will help differentiate your team from the masses. This column aims to identify both of those types of value plays and carry you to victory.
GOALIE
Antti Raanta, NYR vs. TOR ($36) - Raanta is an obvious choice, but his name still bears mentioning. New York's backup netminder is expected to get the nod Sunday after Henrik Lundqvist plays Saturday, and his opponent will be the cellar-dwelling Maple Leafs. Raanta has allowed just two goals in three starts this season, and has a strong chance of winning for the red-hot Rangers.
Goalie to Avoid:
Karri Ramo, CGY at CHI ($31) - Ramo is the same price as Blackhawks counterpart Scott Darling, but Darling plays for a superior team and is much more likely to deliver a good performance. There's being contrarian and there's shooting yourself in the foot to differentiate your lineup from the majority; playing Ramo falls under the latter category.
CENTER
Sean Monahan, CGY at CHI ($20) - Sunday's lineups will be dominated by Blackhawks and Rangers, but Monahan is a sensible option despite playing on the underdog Flames. Chicago goalie Scott Darling has a 3.11 GAA, and Monahan is primed to take advantage after finding the back of the net four times in his last four games. There's an inherent plus/minus risk with using players from teams projected to lose, but you're never going to win if you don't take a chance somewhere.
Center to Avoid:
Nazem Kadri, TOR at NYR ($18) - If you're expecting a big game from the Maple Leafs, you're going to have a bad time. Kadri's team could be in for a rough night, putting his minus-3 rating in jeopardy of getting worse. Couple that with his recent lack of production (just one point, an assist, in the last eight games), and using Kadri makes for an unappealing proposition despite his impressive 70 shots on goal through 16 games.
WING
Kevin Hayes, NYR vs. TOR ($20) - Hayes has really picked up his production the last handful of games after switching from center to wing. The sophomore forward has registered at least one point in eight of his last 10 appearances and is likely to keep his hot streak going against a Maple Leafs team that allows three goals per game in 2015-16.
Marian Hossa, CHI vs. CGY ($16) - Hossa is still skating on Chicago's first line with Jonathan Toews despite registering just four points through 13 contests, and the veteran is just too good to stay in this slump for too long. Playing at home against the team that has allowed the most goals in the NHL is a good recipe for getting back on track, and it's hard to imagine Hossa's cost dropping below its current mark. Pounce on him while the price is right.
Wing to Avoid:
Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, TOR at NYR ($15) - None of the Leafs make for particularly appealing options, but Parenteau is an especially weak investment. He's playing less than 14 minutes per game on a mediocre team and has just six points and 23 shots on goal this season. Chicago's Marko Dano and Calgary's Jiri Hudler could be had for the same price and are both in better positions to succeed.
DEFENSEMEN
Brent Seabrook, CHI vs. CGY ($22) - The veteran defenseman has picked up points in eight straight games against teams not named the Devils, and Calgary isn't nearly as proficient as New Jersey at keeping the puck out of its net. Seabrook's Blackhawks are favored Sunday, so he should be a plus/minus asset in addition to any scoring he provides. There aren't a lot of top-end defensive options available, but Seabrook is as close as it gets.
Keith Yandle, NYR vs. TOR ($19) - Yandle isn't exactly cheap, but you should have plenty of money available to grab him due to the lack of high-priced options. Sunday's affair is perfect for the offensive-minded blueliner, as Toronto's mediocre defensive forwards will have a hard time keeping him from finding open ice. Additionally, Yandle's power-play prowess should prove valuable against a Maple Leafs penalty kill that operates below 80 percent.
Defensemen to Avoid:
Dan Girardi, NYR vs. TOR ($18) - His recent outburst of production notwithstanding, Girardi's value stems primarily from his ability to block shots. While that's a useful skill, there are higher-upside blueline options to be had on a night featuring two teams in the bottom third of the league in goals allowed.
Dougie Hamilton, CGY at CHI ($15) - Hamilton has raised his level a bit recently, but he's still hard to trust considering his minus-8 rating and lack of top-pairing status. Look elsewhere for value at defenseman.
