This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
With just two games on Monday's slate, you'll need to be extra tactical about where you spend your money. Here are some ideas on where to find the values.
Goalie
Carter Hutton, BUF vs. EDM ($24)
Considering Hutton has missed his last two starts due to a lower body injury, you'll have to make sure he is starting before you lock him in. Assuming he does go, the 33-year-old could shine, as he'll be coming off extended rest and will be playing at home, where he has compiled a .923 save percentage, 2.45 GAA and 11-6-2 record. Additionally, this Edmonton offense is shallow and doesn't play great on the road.
Goalie to Avoid
Frederik Andersen, TOR @ CGY ($35)
It's true that, at least statistically speaking, Andersen is the best goalie on the board Monday. That said, you shouldn't entertain drafting him because he will devastate your budget and he's far from a sure bet to deliver the promised value. Calgary's offense comes into the matchup leading the NHL with 4.10 goals per home game and having won seven of their last eight contests, making this a tricky situation for the Danish keeper.
Center
Sean Monahan, CGY vs. TOR ($27)
The red hot Flames offense has been driven all season by the outstanding first line of Monahan, Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm, and has now combined for 45 goals on the season, tied for second in the league. Monahan in particular is enjoying perhaps the finest season of his career, as he has already set career highs in assists, points, power-play goals and power-play points. Fire him up against a Leafs team that has lost two straight road games.
Center to Avoid
Mikael Backlund, CGY vs. TOR ($21)
Backlund, Monahan's teammate on the second line, has been tremendously streaky at times this season -- prior to recording nine points in the last eight games, the Swedish pivot posted no points and a minus-3 rating over the previous five. Notably, he doesn't see lots of ice time with the man advantage and he has just one power-play assist to show for those minimal efforts. He's a risky play here.
Wings
Leon Draisaitl, EDM @ BUF ($28)
There are fewer players in the league hotter than Draisaitl right now -- the young German extended his active point streak to 10 games Saturday by recording his 40th goal of the season, ranking him second in the league in scores behind only Alex Ovechkin. Draisaitl has crushed his previous career highs for points and goals, and there's no reason to think he can't keep it going against a leaky Buffalo defense.
Sam Reinhart, BUF vs. EDM ($18)
Reinhart is seeing a lot of the tangential benefits of running alongside aggressive scorers in Jack Eichel and Jeff Skinner, as the 23-year-old now has 40 assists to go with 18 goals to this point in the season. Like Buffalo's defense, Edmonton's is not the most secure either, as it allows 3.25 goals per game. This could be a high-scoring matchup, so look for Reinhart to get in on the action.
Wings to Avoid
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, EDM @ BUF ($20)
While some of his teammates continue to see success, Nugent-Hopkins himself has fallen on hard times -- over the last 10 games, the Canadian winger has just four points and a minus-7 rating. In fact, dating back 17 games to Jan. 20, RNH shows a hideous minus-12 rating, meaning even if he plays decently, his fantasy score can be dragged down by his poor defense. He's not a good play in this road game.
Andreas Johnsson, TOR @ CGY ($20)
Over his last 13 contests, Johnsson is averaging over a point per game, but the good form is about as fluky as they come -- during that stretch, the Swede shows an absurd 34.6 shooting percentage and eight of his 14 points over the span have come in just three games. There are players below Johnsson's price that are surer bets for production, so don't be fooled by the valuation here.
Defensemen
Darnell Nurse, EDM @ BUF ($18)
Because people love to hate on the Edmonton defense as much as they do, it's easy to overlook Nurse's accomplishments this season. The 24-year-old has set new career highs in goals, assists and points, both at even strength and on the power play, as he has taken on a larger role in the Oilers' schemes. Running with Connor McDavid is nice and Nurse boasts a nice floor via blocked shots and shots on goal.
Rasmus Dahlin, BUF vs. EDM ($17)
With so few defensive options Monday, it's nice to find a truly great bargain in the pile. Enter Dahlin, who has looked good towards the tail end of his rookie season, posting two goals and five points, including four with the man advantage, in his last six games. The last bit is particularly significant for Monday considering the Oilers have a 75.4 penalty killing percentage, the third worst mark in the league.
Defensemen to Avoid
Morgan Rielly, TOR @ CGY ($25)
With so few players on the slate Monday, sacrificing Rielly is a smart way to conserve some of your budget. The 24-year-old still leads all NHL defenseman in goals, which is remarkable considering he's scored just three in the 28 games since Dec. 28. It's a testament both to Rielly's amazing start to the season, as well as the Maple Leafs' recent struggles, but either way, you'll want to avoid this dangerous Flames team.
Oscar Klefbom, EDM @ BUF ($17)
Klefbom has not looked right in the 13 games since returning from finger surgery, posting just one goal on 3.0 percent shooting, two assists and a minus-3 rating over that span. The Swedish national can often find himself in trouble when confronted with decent offense, and that's just what he'll be facing Monday against a Sabres team that averages 3.13 goals per home game.
