This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Sunday's evening NHL slate consists of just three games, but that doesn't mean there aren't valuable fantasy commodities to be found. The Islanders should get plenty of love against the Oilers after beating them 8-1 just three weeks ago, but it's important not to ignore the night's other two contests if you want to top the competition. Regardless of your DFS strategy, the players listed below are all smart lineup choices due to their strong chance of outperforming their respective valuations.
GOALIE
John Gibson, ANH vs. LA ($30) - Considering Gibson's 14-8-2 record and 2.10 GAA, it's remarkable that the young netminder is available for just $30. He's catching the Kings at the right time, as they have just eight total goals in their last six games. With few alternatives available, his combination of opposition and affordability make Gibson worthy of a spot in all lineups.
Goalie to Avoid:
Martin Jones, SJ at VAN ($37) - Jones' $37 price tag is ambitious considering he's given up 12 goals in losing three of his last four games. It's tough to commit so much salary to a goaltender with such a spotty recent record.
CENTER
Leon Draisaitl, EDM vs. NYI ($14) - Those looking for a cheap option at the center position need to take a long look at Draisaitl. His 43 points through 52 games show the rookie's high scoring upside, and the second-line center's rewarding role allows him to consistently get on the scoresheet. Take advantage of his minuscule price, as it's bound to shoot back up if Draisaitl maintains his season-long scoring rate.
Center to Avoid:
Joe Pavelski, SJ at VAN ($27) - Pavelski has just one goal in the month of February, which has made him a consistently overpriced commodity. Maybe he'll turn things around in March, but don't trust Pavelski to close out the second month of 2016 on a high note.
WING
Josh Bailey, NYI at EDM ($12) - Bailey is hot coming off his Thursday overtime game-winner against the Flames, and facing the worst defensive team in action Sunday should help him stay that way. Playing him also allows owners to gain access to New York's top line for the minimum $12, and the Islanders' eight-goal outburst against the Oilers back on Feb. 7 suggests there should be plenty of offensive production to go around in their rematch.
Daniel Sedin, VAN vs. SJ ($25) - Sedin's recent play makes him well worth his price as the night's most expensive winger, as the Swede has eight points in his last six games. He continues to show excellent chemistry with twin brother Henrik on Vancouver's top line, and should have no problem maintaining his strong play against San Jose's below-average defense. If you're gonna spend big money on a skater, Sedin offers the greatest chance at a solid return.
Wings to Avoid:
Kyle Okposo, NYI at EDM ($21) - Okposo has little chance of repeating his Feb. 7 hat trick against the Oilers, as he has averaged just 3.9 fantasy points per game in eight subsequent appearances. His road production also pales in comparison to Okposo's scoring rate at the Barclays Center, making him a weak investment Sunday in Edmonton.
Taylor Hall, EDM vs. NYI ($18) - Hall is in the midst of an extended slump dating back to Feb. 6, with just 36.0 total fantasy points in 11 games since that date. Don't count on him to break out Sunday, as he faces a top-10 defense that held the Oilers to just a single goal only three weeks ago.
DEFENSEMEN
Drew Doughty, LA at ANH ($21) - Doughty has taken advantage of his massive recent minutes total, posting four assists in his last five games while playing at least 31 minutes in each. He has found success against the Ducks throughout his career, as the defensemen's 21 points in 39 career meetings with them are just one off his high water mark against any team. Look for the blueliner to once again continue his strong play against Anaheim, as his high minute totals should continue to lead to productive fantasy nights considering his terrific all-around skillset.
Johnny Boychuk, NYI at EDM ($20) - Boychuk is New York's most productive defenseman when healthy, and he should be able to demonstrate his skills against a pitiful Oilers squad. The Islanders are bound to score often against the league’s 26th-ranked defense, and his 19 points and plus-14 rating through 48 games show Boychuk is more than capable of chipping in when they do. At just $20, the first-pairing defenseman is well-positioned to outperform his price tag.
Defenseman to Avoid:
Hampus Lindholm, ANH vs. LA ($20) - Lindholm has underperformed often of late, with just four games above 3.0 fantasy points in his last 10. The young defensemen has failed to take a step forward this season, and facing an elite Kings team won't help his case.
