This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
There are six games on Sunday's slate, giving DFS players plenty of options. Patrick Kane, Artemi Panarin and the rest of the Blackhawks should have no problem scoring against the Red Wings, who will likely be starting Jimmy Howard, and must at least contain the Blackhawks' offense to give themselves a chance.
The Stars should be able to score a few goals against the Senators, especially if captain Jamie Benn, who voiced frustration over the team's recent performances, follows through on his comments and turns the game into a one-man show. Likewise, the Pens offense should have no problem against Keith Kinkaid, who will likely get the nod for New Jersey.
The Islanders-Rangers and Wild-Blues game should be tight-checking affairs, with division rivals battling for a playoff spot. Any small slip-up could be costly down the road, so all four teams may want to come out aggressively but take care of their own end first. When that happens games tend to be lower scoring, even if they feature a large amount of star power. The Jets-Oilers game doesn't have as many implications, but features lots of talent as well and odds are this game won't feature a shutout.
GOALIE
Corey Crawford, CHI vs. DET ($36) - There is no better team in the league than the Blackhawks, at least until this current Capitals core wins at least one Stanley Cup. They have a deep roster, elite talent and plenty of winning experience. The Red Wings were once a symbol of that, but would hardly be considered the favorite today. Crawford won his previous start against the Wings with a 31-save effort, and it's also strangely comforting to know that Crawford sports a .942 save percentage on Sundays.
Goalie to Avoid
Ondrej Pavelec, WPG vs. EDM ($32) - Even if the banged-up Jets can managed to pull off a win in front of a raucous home crowd, Pavelec's numbers are bound to be anywhere from average to horrible. The Oilers have scored seven goals in their past two games while Pavelec has allowed at least three goals in each of his past three starts (TB, DAL, FLA). Michael Hutchinson ($29), if he starts, isn't an appetizing option either.
CENTER
Leon Draisaitl, EDM at WPG ($15) - Connor McDavid ($24) is still the Oilers' best scoring option, but Draisaitl might be the better value play. He scored a goal against Columbus on Friday and has two goals in his past four games, which won't blow anyone away, but it's solid enough production. Draisaitl is a very good player and will get his chances against a team with inconsistent goaltending.
Center to Avoid
John Tavares, NYI at NYR ($31) - Tavares has not scored a point in his past three games and has just 50 points in 59 games on the season, despite being a player who has the talent to challenge for the Art Ross Trophy. But he's kind of taken the Jonathan Toews route and fashioned himself into a strong two-way center instead, winning games in other areas. The Rangers' defense is good, and should still be able to keep the Islanders to a low score despite possibly not having Henrik Lundqvist (neck).
WINGS
Vladimir Tarasenko, STL at MIN ($24) - He just notched his second consecutive 30-goal season, though his ceiling is more like 40 goals, or maybe even 50. He's one of the league's most dangerous snipers and though the Wild have won four straight (FLA, COL, TOR, BUF), they haven't faced a winger as dangerous as him.
Kyle Palmieri, NJ vs. PIT ($20) - He's been kind of a one-man show in New Jersey lately, and as a legitimate top-six scoring winger he could do some damage against the Pens, who have a few turnover machines on their blue line. He didn't score in his most recent game against Dallas but still managed three shots on goal.
Wings to Avoid
Phil Kessel, PIT at NJ ($22) - He has four points in his past five games but it's hard to justify paying a first-line price for a marginal first-line player. Barring a late-season run, for the second straight season his point-per-game average will slip, and for the second straight season he will fail to score 30 goals.
Bobby Ryan, OTT vs. DAL ($15) - It shouldn't be too surprising that Ryan was left off the initial World Cup roster for Team USA, as his play this season hasn't warrant a spot, even though he's been a mainstay for quite some time. He's scored a goal every five games for the past month, so odds indicate he's going to score Sunday, but there are too many better wingers available to consider Ryan.
DEFENSEMEN
Dustin Byfuglien, WPG vs. EDM ($28) - He doesn't have the same upside as Erik Karlsson or Kris Letang, both of whom are the same price, but Byfuglien's on a seven-game point streak, and after Edmonton surprisingly shut out Philadelphia on Thursday (it happens), it's safe to believe they won't be shutting anyone out again for the rest of the season.
Ryan McDonagh, NYR vs. NYI ($19) - His strong play this season has been overshadowed by better seasons from other defensemen, but otherwise McDonagh should be part of the Norris Trophy conversation. He's on a four-game point streak, and other than a 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Thursday, the Rangers have been on a roll.
Defensemen to Avoid
Brandon Davidson, EDM at WPG ($18) - What's the saying? "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me... you can't get fooled again"? After recommending Davidson over Andrej Sekera ($16) on Friday, only to see him finish with zero points and a minus-2 rating, I'm staying clear this time. But hey, maybe I'm just misunderestimating him.
Travis Hamonic, NYI at NYR ($17) - Discounting his goal against Vancouver because it was an own goal, Hamonic hasn't found the net since Feb. 11 and has just 17 points on the season. He's a good shot blocker and has been very good for the Islanders this season, but from a fantasy standpoint he's not particularly valuable. He has zero power-play points this season.
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