This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
There are nine games in the NHL on Tuesday. At Yahoo, it's always worth scrolling all the way through the player pool because some solid players can be found at, or near, minimum price. With that said, here are some targets, fades and values to consider when assembling your lineups.
GOALIE
Cory Schneider, NJD vs. VAN ($29): With three goals or more allowed in each of his past six starts, Schneider is arguably mired in the worst stretch of his career. After all, through his first three years with the Devils, he posted a .924 save percentage and a 2.14 GAA over 172 games. Vancouver enters averaging a 28th-ranked 2.2 goals per game, so this sets up as a nice bounce-back spot for Schneider, and this is a cushy salary.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Carey Price, MON at STL ($39): Typically, you fade Price at your own risk. However, he didn't have a sterling run on the Habs' recent swing through California (1-2 record with a .919 save percentage and a 2.65 GAA), and St. Louis has been dominant at Scottrade Center (11-1-3). Additionally, the Canadiens will be without No. 1 center Alex Galchenyuk and playing their final leg of a five-game road trip, which is a potential letdown spot.
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CENTER
Leon Draisaitl, EDM at BUF ($16): With 13 points including seven goals in his last 11 games, Draisaitl is scorching hot. Additionally, over the past two seasons, his 2.07 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five ranks 25th in the league among skaters with at least 1,000 minutes. Add his assignment next to Connor McDavid in all situations, and Draisaitl's worth a long look at this salary.
CENTER TO AVOID
Nathan MacKinnon, COL at NAS ($23): Nashville is allowing just 1.83 goals per game at home this season, and MacKinnon is currently reeling with a four-game point drought. The Avalanche are dealing with injuries to some key cogs (Gabriel Landeskog and Erik Johnson) and generating the sixth-fewest high-dangers scoring chances per 60 minutes (8.81) in the league. The talent and potential aren't a concern for MacKinnon, it's the hefty price tag and daunting matchup that make him a tough sell.
WING
Jaden Schwartz, STL vs. MON ($19): Expected to return to Vladimir Tarasenko's flank, Schwartz receives a fantasy boost skating with the star sniper. Plus, he has posted a 2.53 points per 60 minutes over the past three years, which ranks 38th among all skaters with at least 2,000 minutes played. Montreal might be in a letdown spot in the final leg of a five-game road trip, too.
Brock Nelson, NYI vs. NYR ($16): Projected to play with John Tavares at five-on-five, Nelson is a solid value play Tuesday. The Rangers are allowing the fourth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (11.11), and their league-high 104.8 road PDO is eyeing negative regression. Nelson should have low ownership while possessing nice upside.
WINGERS TO AVOID
Patrik Laine, WPG vs. DET ($27): Despite a fourth-ranked 1.86 goals per 60 minutes among skaters with at least 300 minutes this season, Laine's game-to-game consistency is underwhelming. After all, he's missed the scoresheet in five of his past eight games. He's proven to have as high a fantasy ceiling as anyone, but the floor can sink your lineup at this cost.
Marian Hossa, CHI vs. ARI ($22): With just a single goal through his past eight games, the 37-year-old veteran is slowing down considerably. Additionally, his offensive drought also aligns with Jonathan Toews' (back) current six-game absence. This is a ripe matchup for Hossa to snap out of his slump, but that's a big gamble at this price. Plus, despite his recent offensive skid, he still owns an unsustainbly high 103.7 PDO.
DEFENSE
Oscar Klefbom, EDM at BUF ($15): After a strong five-game span in late November (five points, 19 shots and 22:56 of ice time per night), it looked like Klefbom was about to go on a huge offensive run. However, he's fallen back to earth and now gone three consecutive games without even registering a point. Look for a rebound showing against Buffalo on Tuesday, though. The Sabres are on the wrong end of back-to-back games after losing in overtime Monday. Additionally, Klefbom should have a low ownership percentage.
T.J. Brodie, CGY at DAL ($12): At minimum price, it's hard to ignore Brodie. He practiced with the No. 1 power-play unit Monday, and he has consecutive 40-point seasons on his resume. Dallas has also allowed the most goals per game (3.27) and sixth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (10.43) this year.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Shea Weber, MON at STL ($29): Pointless with just six shots on net through Montreal's three-game tour of California, Weber lands in another daunting road matchup Tuesday. He'll be tasked with blanketing Vladimir Tarasenko, which will likely hinder his offensive upside, considering Tarasenko owns a career 55.3 Corsi For percentage and 3.1 points per 60 minutes over the past two years.
Mark Giordano, CGY at DAL ($21): Likely to be matched up against Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin all night, Giordano is a risky fantasy investment Tuesday. He was also bumped from the No. 1 power-play unit in practice Monday, and his 10 points through 28 games this year certainly don't jump off the page.
