This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
The NHL saved its best for last Sunday, as the three-game evening slate features all four teams that headed into the weekend as division leaders. All eyes will be on the two premier interconference matchups, with the Canadiens traveling to Chicago and the Rangers visiting Edmonton. Much of the night's fantasy value can actually be found in the third game though, as it features a top-heavy Bruins team that's capable of exploiting a defensively deficient Avalanche squad. The top plays and fades can be found below.
GOALIE
Corey Crawford, CHI vs. MON ($33): Crawford is catching Montreal at the right time, with the Canadiens having to travel for the second night of a back-to-back after hosting the Red Wings on Friday. Plus, his opponent in net will be Chicago-born backup Al Montoya rather than elite starter Carey Price. On a night with few alternatives, Crawford looks like the best value play given the situation.
Goalie to Avoid
Al Montoya, MON at CHI ($33): Montoya is the backup in Montreal, but he doesn't offer the discount price that usually accompanies that role. He'll be fighting an uphill battle in this one as the Canadiens play their third game in four nights against a Blackhawks team that had won seven straight prior to Thursday's loss to Washington. While Montoya won't give up 10 goals like he did in his last outing, he's unlikely to live up to his $33 price, either.
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CENTER
Ryan Spooner, BOS at COL ($15): Spooner offers sneaky value as the least expensive top-six forward on the Bruins. His spot on the second line should earn him some quality chances against an Avalanche team that has allowed 3.0 goals per game. While a slow start has limited Spooner's season-long stats to this point, he has begun to show his true form with three points in his last five games heading into the weekend. A player of his caliber and role is tough to ignore at this price given the matchup.
Center to Avoid
Connor McDavid, EDM vs. NYR ($34): McDavid is rarely a poor play, but he has been struggling to live up to his lofty price tag of late with 6.0 or fewer fantasy points in six of his past seven appearances. That slump includes a 2.0-point performance the last time he faced this elite Rangers team. There's better value to be found, considering every alternative at the position is at least $10 cheaper.
WING
Michael Grabner, NYR at EDM ($17): Grabner is averaging an astronomical 13.7 fantasy points per game in his last six heading into the weekend. He proved capable of delivering against tough competition by dropping 32.0 on the Lightning and 20.0 on the Oilers in that span, so don't let the tough matchup scare you away from the moderately-priced winger. The dearth of alternatives with weaker opponents and Grabner's ability to pile up shot attempts in bunches make him the clear choice at $17.
Patrick Maroon, EDM vs. NYR ($16): Even though superstar McDavid may not go off in this one, his elite playmaking could still propel his linemates to success. The cheaper option among them is Maroon, who has taken advantage of his prime lineup spot with goals in four of his past five. His role is so far superior to those of comparably-priced players that he's still worth a look here despite the tough opposition.
Wings to Avoid
Brad Marchand, BOS at COL ($29): Marchand has cooled down significantly after a hot start, averaging just 5.0 fantasy points per game in his last 10. While the matchup is tempting, the bang for the buck just isn't there at $29. Bruins in general make for smart plays Sunday, but not Marchand in particular.
Chris Kreider, NYR at EDM ($26): Kreider hasn't been the same since returning from a neck injury, as he's averaging just 4.4 fantasy points per game since then. It's best to avoid him until his production creeps back up to pre-injury levels, especially since you have to pay a hefty $26 to get the smooth-skating power forward in your lineup.
DEFENSE
Andrei Markov, MON at CHI ($15): Markov's offensive instincts and and power-play productivity give him upside not typically possessed by $15 defensemen. Three of the veteran Russian's eight points have come with the man advantage, and he has an excellent opportunity to add more against Chicago's league-worst penalty kill. He gives you all the upside of upper-echelon blueliners without burning a hole through your wallet.
Torey Krug, BOS at COL ($18): Krug just scored his first goal of the season Thursday against the Blue Jackets, topping 11.0 fantasy points for the second time in three games in the process. The offensively gifted blueliner still hasn't seen the requisite price increase after finding his scoring touch, and is still available for just $18 in a plus matchup against the league's seventh-worst defensive team. Expect Krug to maintain his recent high level of play here.
Defensemen to Avoid
Kevin Klein, NYR at EDM ($16): Klein has played less than 17:30 in five of his last six games, and hasn't been much of a contributor on offense in general with just three points all season. Three of his higher-usage, higher-scoring teammates can all be had for the same price, so it doesn't make sense to roll the veteran out at this time.
Brent Seabrook, CHI vs. MON ($19): Seabrook has seen his ice time drop in two consecutive games, and now has to deal with a Montreal team off to a red-hot start. He's more than capable of delivering in this tough matchup, but the odds are stacked further against him than usual given the tough competition. There are better days to play Seabrook.
