This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Monday's four-game NHL slate is New York-heavy, with the two Metro-area teams hosting half of the night's action. Nonetheless, the night's most promising game from a fantasy perspective probably hails from a different country entirely, as the lack of defensive ability shown by the Flames and Maple Leafs makes both teams likely to produce plenty of the night's top value plays. Regardless of which teams they play for, the players below have the strongest chance of topping alternatives as the best options at their respective prices.
GOALIE
Henrik Lundqvist, NYR vs. FLA ($34) - Lundqvist's recent struggles have lowered his price to $34, making him a prime buy-low candidate playing at home Monday. The veteran netminder is 19-5-2 with a 2.18 GAA at Madison Square Garden, suggesting he's likely to bounce back against a Panthers team that has struggled to beat playoff-bound opponents lately.
Goalie to Avoid:
Thomas Greiss, NYI vs. PHI ($32) - Greiss has struggled in a full-time starter's role since Jaroslav Halak went down, winning just once in his last six appearances. Even at the reduced price of $32, Greiss isn't an appealing option continuing his recent results.
CENTER
Mikael Backlund, CGY at TOR ($20) - Backlund has piggy-backed on his line's recent success, picking up four goals and four assists in his last eight games. His combination of momentum and matchup make the Swedish center, along with linemates Michael Frolik and Joe Colborne, terrific value plays at their reasonable valuations.
Center to Avoid:
Claude Giroux, PHI at NYI ($28) - Giroux's production has slowed to a crawl over the last five games, as he has no goals and just two assists over that span. That level of production isn't worth anywhere near $28, especially against an Islanders team that ranks eighth in goals against.
WING
Michael Frolik, CGY at TOR ($22) - Frolik has caught fire lately, piling up 62.0 fantasy points in his last four games. When you couple those numbers with the fact that he is facing the cellar-dwelling Maple Leafs, he makes for an enticing option at just $22. Look for Frolik to continue getting on the scoresheet playing alongside Joe Colborne and Mikael Backlund.
Tanner Pearson, LA at NSH ($16) - Pearson has been contributing consistently for the Kings with eight points in his last 11 games, yet he is still available for the shockingly low price of $16. On a night with few available alternatives, Pearson provides arguably the best bang for the buck Monday.
Wings to Avoid:
Rick Nash, NYR vs. FLA ($21) - This shouldn't bear saying, but Nash doesn't deserve to be anywhere near DFS lineups until he breaks out of his current funk. The slumping winger has no goals or assists, and a minus-3 rating since returning from injury.
Tyler Toffoli, LA at NSH ($20) - With just 49.0 fantasy points in his last 12 games, Toffoli has been disappointing owners for a while now. Don't expect a reversal of fortune against streaking Predators goalie Pekka Rinne.
DEFENSE
Mark Giordano, CGY at TOR ($30) - Giordano has put his momentary lapse in production behind him, outpacing the team's forwards with seven points in his last five games. Between his offensive potential and shot-blocking prowess, the Calgary captain's consistent ability to accrue value in a variety of ways makes him deserving of his place as the night's most expensive defensemen. Facing a young Maple Leafs team that ranks last in the NHL in points only enhances Giordano's value.
Ryan McDonagh, NYR vs. FLA ($20) - McDonagh has been a terrific all-around contributor for the Rangers recently, topping 5.0 fantasy points in each of his last four games thanks to his goal and plus-5 rating in that span. With 18 points and a plus-16 rating in 30 home games this season, the Rangers captain has returned tremendous value at Madison Square Garden this season, and should continue to do so.
Defenseman to Avoid:
Mark Streit, PHI at NYI ($17) - Streit has been unimpressive in March, averaging just 4.3 fantasy points per game in eight appearances this month. Don't expect a sudden turnaround against a quality opponent in the playoff-bound Islanders.
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