This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
If you want Sunday to be a fun day, there are four NHL games on the slate. Here are some players from the eight teams in action I would recommend sticking into your daily fantasy lineup.
GOALIE
Chicago Blackhawks, CHI vs. NJD ($15,500): Both Chicago and New Jersey played Saturday, but the Blackhawks are at home, which gives them a bit of an advantage. Additionally, since Anton Forsberg started Saturday, Corey Crawford will be in the net for this one. He has a 1.87 GAA and a .942 save percentage, both of which lead the NHL.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. EDM ($12,000): Backstrom finally broke a six-game scoreless streak in his last outing, but there's reason to have faith in the Swedish pivot. He's had at least 70 points in his last four seasons and at least 30 power-play points in those same campaigns. The Oilers have the league's worst penalty kill at the moment, which bodes well for Backstrom given his success with the extra man.
Vladislav Namestnikov, TAM at ANA ($11,800): Namestnikov is now playing on the wing with Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, and it has been quite beneficial for him. He has eight goals and 10 assists through 17 games, including six power-play points. The banged up Ducks have struggled a bit defensively, and they've given up 34.3 shots on net per contest.
WING
Patrick Kane, CHI vs. NJD ($14,900): Kane has started 70.3 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, most of any Blackhawk. He's notched 15 points and 53 shots on net through 17 games, not that you should need much justification to buy into Kane's offensive potential. Since Cory Schneider started Saturday, Keith Kinkaid (2.88 GAA, .903 save percentage) will likely be in net. The Devils had allowed 35.1 shots per game before Saturday, so Kane should be able to get a few pucks on net.
Yanni Gourde, TAM at ANA ($9,700): Gourde's minutes are up this season. He's averaged 17:17 per game, including 2:22 a night on the power play. On top of that, Gourde has a five-game point streak. As noted, the Ducks are missing their top two centers, which has likely contributed to the fact they have allowed 34.3 shots on goal per tilt.
Alex DeBrincat, CHI vs. NJD ($7,600): The diminutive winger with an impressive juniors resume notched two goals and an assist Saturday, giving him five goals and five assists this season. You don't want to overreact to one game, but DeBrincat does have six points in his last six contests. The Devils are on the road for the second night of a back-to-back playing their backup netminder Kinkaid. At this price, he's worth a shot given his upside.
DEFENSEMEN
John Carlson, WAS vs. EDM ($11,400): Carlson has averaged 14.12 fantasy points per game, and that includes six power-play points in 17 games. As noted, the Oilers have the worst penalty-kill percentage in the league. Overall, Edmonton has a 3.07 GAA and has given up 32.0 shots per game. That's encouraging for Carlson, who is averaging career highs in ice time (27:13) and power-play time (4:04).
Brandon Montour, ANA vs. TAM ($7,200): Montour already has five goals on 41 shots through 16 games, and he's notched four power-play points. In his second year with the Ducks, and his first full season, Montour is taking on a much bigger role, especially on the power play (2:56 per game). The Lightning have a 2.59 GAA, which is impressive, but they have allowed 32.3 shots on net per contest. The matchup isn't so daunting as to make you steer clear from Montour at this price.
