This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
It's business as usual in the NHL on Tuesday, with nine games on the slate. Spring – and the NHL playoffs – are almost here, but for now let's focus our attention on Tuesday's daily fantasy possibilities. Here are some players you'll want to consider for your lineup, because they have the potential to really pay off:
GOALIE
Frederik Andersen, TOR vs. DET ($8,500): Yes, the Maple Leafs are 3-4-3 in their last 10 games, but the Red Wings have been no better with a 3-6-1 mark. Additionally, despite Toronto's recent struggles to win, Andersen has been decent. Over his last four games, he has a 1.92 GAA and a .942 save percentage. Detroit has only scored 2.40 goals per game, and their power play ranks dead last, so it's possible Andersen won't be challenged too much.
CENTER
Nathan MacKinnon, COL vs. CAR ($5,600): Just because the Avalanche have struggled, don't overlook MacKinnon. He's averaged 20:08 of ice time per game, and has tallied 200 shots on goal in 64 contests. If not for his unexpectedly low 6.0 shooting percentage, he'd be having an even better fantasy season. Carolina has allowed 2.82 goals per game, and their netminders have a .898 save percentage. That's partially because over his last 14 games, Cam Ward has posted a 3.57 GAA and a .875 save percentage.
Jordan Staal, CAR at COL ($5,100): Staal has to be just as happy about his matchup as MacKinnon is with his. Colorado has allowed 3.33 goals per game, which is the most in the league, and they've also allowed 32.3 shots on net per contest. Staal has five points in his last 10 games, but just as notably has tallied 31 shots on goal during that time. If he remains as active offensively, it could really pay off for your fantasy lineup.
WING
Wayne Simmonds, PHI at BUF ($6,600): Simmonds has notched 27 goals in 64 games this season, including six over his last 10 games. He has also fired 31 shots on goal during that span, and the Sabres have allowed 34.1 shots on net per contest – the most in the league. Additionally, Simmonds has 21 power-play points, including 13 goals. Buffalo's penalty kill is ranked 29th in the NHL, so his power-play success makes him quite enticing in this matchup.
Viktor Arvidsson, NAS at ANA ($6,400): There is no timetable for John Gibson's return, and that changes the goaltending situation for Anaheim quite a bit. Jonathan Bernier is not on the same level, with a 2.85 GAA and a .905 save percentage. Arvidsson has averaged 13.4 fantasy points per game, owing in part to the fact he's notched 23 goals on 199 shots in 63 games. He's been particularly good since the beginning of February by racking up 17 points and 50 shots on goal in 15 games.
Brandon Saad, CLM vs. NJD ($6,000): The Devils have given up 2.85 goals and 31.3 shots on net per game. Cory Schneider seems unlikely to turn things around this late in the year, and he's posted a 2.65 GAA and a .914 save percentage. After a nice run of play, he has dipped to a 2.83 GAA and a .907 save percentage in his last six games. Saad isn't a power-play contributor, but hasn't needed to be by amassing 20 goals and 25 assists in 64 games, while averaging 11.3 fantasy points per game.
William Nylander, TOR vs. DET ($5,700): Detroit's offense hasn't been good, but the same thing goes for their defense. The Red Wings have allowed 2.97 goals and 30.7 shots on net per game. Nylander has been one of several impressive Toronto rookies, notching 17 goals on 160 shots in 63 games. He's scored nine points over his last 10 games, including four with the extra man. Nylander has been particularly potent on the power play, tallying a whopping 21 power-play points.
DEFENSEMEN
Rasmus Ristolainen, BUF vs. PHI ($5,400): Ristolainen has been having quite the fantasy season. He's hit 162 shots on goal in 66 games, including 36 in his last 11 contests. The Finn has also been excellent on the power play, scoring 22 points and averaging 3:28 per game. The Flyers have the 12th-ranked penalty kill, which isn't bad, but they have allowed 2.91 goals overall. On top of that, Philly has averaged 60.0 shot attempts per 60 minutes, fourth most in the NHL. Ristolainen has blocked a hearty 122 shots, so there's a good chance he'll contribute on both ends of the ice.
Oscar Klefbom, EDM vs. NYI ($4,800): Klefbom has already put up career highs across the board, including 162 shots on goal in 65 games. The Islanders have allowed 32.0 shots on goal and 2.95 goals per contest. Klefbom has also been particularly productive recently, tallying eight points in his last nine tilts. He also has nine power-play points, and the Islanders rank 20th in penalty-kill percentage. Plus, he's blocked 105 shots, which could add a little more fantasy value in this matchup.
