This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
The NHL's three evening games are included in the main contests at Yahoo. The Blackhawks and Golden Knights are the only teams not playing for the second consecutive night while Chicago and Minnesota enter as the two largest favorites. Here's a look at a few recommendations and fades at each position.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
GOALIE
Cory Schneider, NYI at VGK ($23): There's definite risk starting Schneider with New York playing its second consecutive road game and sixth to start the campaign. However, the salary is right for a No. 2 goalie and the Golden Knights are riddled with injuries. If Ilya Sorokin ($34) receives the starting nod following Saturday's shutout, he's probably a safer start - albeit a more expensive one.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Robin Lehner, VGK vs. NYI ($36): The veteran is 1-3 with a .901 save percentage and 3.59 GAA to start the campaign. And as noted, the Golden Knights are playing without a number of regulars. Add Lehner's contest-high salary, and there's ample reason to consider other options in goal.
CENTER
Dylan Larkin, DET at CHI ($18): In a shallow center pool, Larkin stands out as a solid value. He's found the scoresheet in three of four outings with 16 shot attempts and seven individual high-danger scoring chances. Chicago has also surrendered 21 goals through five.
CENTER TO AVOID
Chandler Stephenson, VGK vs. NYI ($34): Youngsters Peyton Krebs ($10) and Nicolas Roy ($14) are a far cry from Stephenson's usual linemates Mark Stone (lower body) and Max Pacioretty (lower body), and the center's fantasy upside is notably lower as a result. There's also statistical correction ahead in the goals column for Stephenson as he's scored twice and sports an unsustainably high 33.3 shooting percentage with only seven shot attempts and four individual high-danger scoring chances.
WING
Kirill Kaprizov, MIN vs. NSH ($25): The Russian winger has been on the ice for 16 high-danger scoring chances and has collected five assists through four contests. However, he hasn't found the back of the net despite registering 21 shot attempts - albeit none of the high-danger variety. This matchup should also be favorable with the Predators allowing three or more goals in four of their first five to start with a 1-4 record.
Josh Bailey, NYI at VGK ($10): It's odd to see Bailey at minimum salary, and he should soon see statistical correction. The veteran posted a respectable 2.31 points per 60 minutes over the previous three seasons, but currently sits at 1.42 through five games after collecting an assist in Saturday's win.
WINGS TO AVOID
Alex DeBrincat, CHI vs. DET ($24): The 23-year-old winger's upside takes a considerable hit with Patrick Kane (COVID-19) out of the lineup. The duo clicked for a high-end 5.05 goals per 60 minutes over the past three years, but DeBrincat dips to a 3.17 mark when he's not skating with Kane.
Filip Forsberg, NSH at MIN ($21): It's been a respectable start for Forsberg with a tally, two helpers and eight shots through the first five appearances. However, he's only registered three individual high-danger scoring chances and carries a minus-3 rating. Forsberg has also missed the scoresheet in three straight.
DEFENSE
Matt Dumba, MIN vs. NSH ($18): With three assists, 18 shots and 32 attempts, Dumba is off to a solid start to the campaign. His salary is manageable and has also racked up 10 blocks, which further illustrates his high-fantasy floor. As noted, the Predators shouldn't be viewed as a daunting opponent.
Gustav Lindstrom, DET at CHI ($11): Lindstrom is finding ways to move the fantasy needle with two helpers, six shots and 14 blocks through the first five games. The rookie is unlikely to provide contest-winning results, but the cross-category production is respectable from his salary range.
DEFENSE TO AVOID
Roman Josi, NSH at MIN ($23): The Nashville captain has been solid to start, but he's also the most expensive blueliner and hasn't reached double-digit fantasy points since Opening Night. He also projects to skate against Minnesota's best players most of the night, and the Predators come in as a significant road underdog.
Seth Jones, CHI vs. DET ($19): Similarly, Jones' season-high total in fantasy points is 7.8 with a minus-6 rating that has significantly capped his upside. With such an inconsistent start to the campaign, it's hard to justify spending up for him with so many decent values available from the defense pool.
