This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
The NHL season is heading down its homestretch, and we're here to help you make the most of your daily fantasy opportunities while there's still time. There are nine games on the docket Tuesday, providing a plethora of options for filling your lineup. Here are some picks to consider…
GOALIE
Montreal Canadiens, MON at VAN ($16,500): Vancouver's offense has largely sputtered this season, as they've only scored a mere 2.28 goals per game, third fewest in the NHL. On top of that, they've only managed 27.5 shots on goal. Meanwhile, the Canucks have allowed an average of 2.83 goals per game, which is a good sign in terms of Montreal's chances of picking up a win. Carey Price — who has been named the starter Tuesday — has been great recently, as he's notched a 1.40 GAA and a .949 save percentage over his last seven games.
CENTER
Claude Giroux, PHI at BUF ($12,500): While it's been a while since Giroux has scored a goal, he does have four points in his last seven contests. Plus, he finds himself with a 7.6 shooting percentage, which is the lowest of his career, so his puck luck could be turning around. That he's averaged 3:51 per game with the extra man, plus the fact he's scored 26 power-play points, is certainly encouraging. What's more, the Sabres have the 29th-ranked penalty kill.
Alex Galchenyuk, MON at VAN ($11,700): In addition to the 2.83 goals per game surrendered, the Canucks have also allowed an average of 31.3 shots per contest. Galchenyuk, meanwhile, has a five-game point streak going (seven points total). He also has 14 power-play points in a 45 games, and Vancouver has the 27th-ranked penalty kill.
WING
Jeff Skinner, CAR at COL ($12,500): No team has been more defensively porous than the Avalanche, who have allowed a league-worst 3.33 goals per game. Their goalies have a collective .897 save percentage, and the team has given up 32.3 shots on average. Skinner has tallied 202 shots on net in 59 games, and he's also added 14 power-play points for good measure. If he is as productive on the shooting front per usual, that could really pay off against the lowly Avalanche.
Nick Foligno, CLM vs. NJD ($11,300): While Foligno's goal-scoring has perhaps dropped off a bit, he's still got 22 on the season, and he's averaged 12.58 fantasy points per game. There is concern about how much Columbus' power play has cooled off, but the fact remains that he's tallied 19 power-play points while averaging 2:48 with the extra man. The Devils have allowed an average of 2.85 goals and 31.4 shots on goal per contest, and their penalty kill ranks 17th. If the Jackets' power play flips the switch again, look out.
James Neal, NAS at ANA ($10,700): While Neal's goal-scoring, much like Foligno's, has not been up to his usual standards, he still has nine points in his last 10 games. Plus, he's notched 167 shots on goal in 56 contests, so he's been quite active offensively. With John Gibson out indefinitely for the Ducks, they've been rolling with Jonathan Bernier, who only has a 2.85 GAA and a .905 save percentage this year. That makes this a much better matchup than it appears on paper, which makes Neal a potential value at this price.
DEFENSEMEN
Aaron Ekblad, FLA vs. NYR ($9,700): The Rangers have allowed an average of 30.0 shots on goal per game, and Ekblad is one of the most prolific shot-producing defensemen, as he's tallied 211 shots on net in 64 contests. He's been on a particularly potent tear recently, notching 36 shots on goal over his last seven. Catching the Rangers on the second day of a back-to-back also doesn't hurt.
Morgan Rielly, TOR vs. DET ($8,700): Rielly has averaged 10.27 fantasy points per game, and while he's in a bit of a scoring drought, he's still been impactful for the Maple Leafs. In his last seven games, Rielly has averaged 22:48 of ice time while registering 17 shots on goal and 12 blocked shots. The Red Wings have allowed 2.97 goals per game, and Petr Mrazek has a .902 save percentage. They've also allowed an average of 30.7 shots on net per contest, and Rielly has 92 blocked shots, so he might just be able to contribute at both ends of the ice Tuesday.
