This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
The majority of the sports world will be preoccupied with the first game of the World Series. But just because you are watching baseball, that doesn't mean you can't play daily fantasy hockey. Here are some of the best values from the 11 games going down Tuesday.
GOALIE
Petr Mrazek, DET vs. CAR ($8,600): Mrazek has been up-and-down, but that's par for the course; he's been one of the streakier goalies in the league since he started getting regular playing time. However, the Wings are on a four-game winning streak, while the Hurricanes only have one win. Mrazek has one of the best winning opportunities on Tuesday, and that means a lot in daily fantasy. This would also hold true for his backup Jimmy Howard ($8,500), should he get the nod.
CENTER
Ryan O'Reilly, BUF at PHI ($6,100): The Flyers aren't a super favorable matchup, although the fact they are on the second night of a back-to-back helps. O'Reilly is off to a strong start: he's got five points, three on the power play, with 12 shots on goal in four games. O'Reilly is Buffalo's top center, and he's taking advantage of the role. At this price, he's worth taking even if the matchup isn't perfect.
Tyler Johnson, TB at TOR ($5,900): Johnson has been disappointing, with only two points in five games. We shouldn't let that overshadow Johnson's track record and his successful time with the Triplets. His slow start may be the reason he will only cost you $5,900 on Tuesday, but that makes him a real value with a great matchup against the Leafs.
WING
Alexander Steen, STL vs. CGY ($6,600): The Flames only let in two goals Monday. That means they've let in a mere 29 goals in seven games this season. Now they are on the road for the second night of a back-to-back, and Steen gets to take advantage of that. He has seven points, and last year he took 172 shots in 67 games. There's a great chance he can make the most against Calgary.
Taylor Hall, NJD vs. ARI ($6,200): The new Devil is doing everything he can to get this offense going. New Jersey has eight goals on the season, and Hall has three of them. More importantly, he's taken 21 shots in five games. Hall is not shy about shooting the puck, and that's very beneficial against a team like Arizona.
Patrik Laine, WPG at DAL ($5,000): Sure, there's something about the fact Laine was the second overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft that makes him more enticing; it gives him a bit of flash. However, that doesn't imply his value is inflated. He's proven his worth with four goals and an assist in five games, and the Jets have given him a big role right off the bat. Winnipeg will probably lose to Dallas, but it could very well be a high-scoring affair, and that bodes well for Laine.
DEFENSEMEN
Alexander Edler, VAN vs. OTT ($4,700): Edler is sort of forgotten, on account of the fact people don't pay a lot of attention to Vancouver these days. This is also somewhat forgivable, because he only has one point. That may not impress, but also keep in mind he's taken 16 shots in six games, playing almost 25 minutes a night (and more than two minutes on the power play), and he's blocked 25 shots (which are often overlooked in daily fantasy). Edler is super cheap, and this is also a good matchup because Ottawa has offensive talent (good for potential shot blocking) and defensive questions (good for possibly getting on the scoresheet).
Zach Werenski, CLM at LAK ($4,600): If Edler is a good value at $4,700, Werenski is a great value at $4,600. Werenski has also taken 16 shots on goal – along with five points – in only four games. Don't forget the Kings are without Jonathan Quick, which makes this a much more favorable matchup. Their muddled goaltending situation shouldn't scare you off from grabbing Werenski at this price.
