This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
With just two games on Wednesday's slate, finding the perfect options to use could make or break your fantasy day. Let's look at some choices...
Goalie
Jake Allen, STL vs. CGY ($34)
Allen and Sergei Bobrovsky make for the obvious choices Wednesday. Both goalies are facing mediocre offenses on the second half of back-to-backs, but Allen gets the edge here because his lower price will allow you to spend your budget elsewhere with the limited slate. Plus, Allen has faired well in his only two home games this year, allowing just two goals each to the Stars and Blackhawks in convincing wins.
Goalie to Avoid
Eddie Lack, CGY @ STL ($25)
Lack has yet to start a game this season and, at the time of writing, has not even been confirmed as Wednesday's starter. But assuming he does go, the Swede is probably in a position to fail. The defense in front of him, that is already allowing 35.4 shots per game, will be on the second half of a back-to-back and the Blues have scored nine goals in their two home games.
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Center
Alexander Wennberg, CLS vs. BUF ($15)
After a 59-point campaign, Wennberg entered with high expectations in 2017-18. While his six points on the season could come as a disappointment, it's not bad enough to justify his incredibly low price Wednesday, especially considering he still occupies a spot on the Blue Jackets' potent top power-play unit. With the Sabres coming off a hard-fought game Tuesday night, the Swedish pivot could be primed for an offensive explosion Wednesday.
Center to Avoid
Brayden Schenn, STL vs. CGY ($18)
Schenn has adapted decently to his new home in St. Louis, but his main problem has been with consistency -- the 26-year-old has recorded as many as nine shots on goal in a game, but has also had two shots or fewer five separate times. With the limited number of games Wednesday, you'll want to find a stabler option at a more reasonable price.
Wing
Artemi Panarin, CLS vs. BUF ($24)
Panarin has potted just one goal since coming over from Chicago in the offseason, but it hasn't been for lack of trying -- the Russian winger has taken 21 shots in his last five contests while averaging 20:57 of ice time (3:19 on the power play) over that span. Panarin will get to face a tired, mediocre Buffalo defense Wednesday and could make for a nice stack with Wennberg.
Kyle Okposo, BUF @ CLS ($13)
It's been a slow start to the campaign for Okposo, as he sports just a single assist to go with a poor minus-6 rating. That said, the Minnesota native remains in a position of immense opportunity, running on Buffalo's first line with Jack Eichel and seeing 3:57 of average power-play ice time. At this incredibly low price, he's worth the risk against a vulnerable Bobrovsky, who has lost two straight starts.
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Wings to Avoid
Johnny Gaudreau, CGY @ STL ($22)
Gaudreau has struggled of late, sporting a minus-2 rating in his last five contests and has seemingly lost some ground with the power-play unit. The Boston College alumnus will be playing his second game in as many nights and Jake Allen has proven difficult to beat at home, making Johnny Hockey not worth the asking price Wednesday.
Jason Pominville, BUF @ CLS ($17)
Pominville started the season hot but has recently started to lose his luster. The 34-year-old has three pointless games in his last five outings and has taken just 11 shots on goal over that span.
Defense
Seth Jones, CLS vs. BUF ($17)
Jones has proven himself to be an essential cog in the Blue Jackets' defensive corps, leading the team in ice time. To that end, he has had plenty of time to rack up fantasy stats, taking at least a shot on goal in every game (peaking at five twice). He's also seen significant time with the power-play group, making him a nice play against the fatigued Sabres.
Vince Dunn, STL vs. CGY ($15)
Dunn attracted a lot of hype coming into this season and perhaps for good reason -- the rookie blueliner has netted two goals and sports an impressive plus-5 rating in his last five games. Dunn is steadily gaining more ice time, including on the power play where he logged 3:20 in Saturday's overtime loss to the Golden Knights, so he could prove to be a bargain for Wednesday night's showdown.
Defensemen to Avoid
Alex Pietrangelo, STL vs. CGY ($25)
Pietrangelo has earned a reputation as one of the league's premier defensemen, but his Wednesday price is $5 more than anyone else. If the veteran was scoring goals consistently, it might be worth it, but you can get plenty of good value Wednesday without spending so much coin.
Zach Werenski, CLS vs. BUF ($20)
Werenski has an assist in his last two games, but he's also taken just three shots on goal and recorded a minus-3 rating. Until he ups his production, he probably isn't worth $20.
