This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
Things aren't the way they seem. When playing Daily Fantasy Sports -- especially hockey -- it's smart to consider the previous statement. A certain game may look like a safe bet to exceed six goals combined, but when you take a closer look it's really a trap. A top-tier forward may be lined up for a huge performance when in actuality he really isn't needed to produce against a weaker opponent. These misconceptions are what makes or breaks a lineup on any given night, and it's important to keep every possible scenario in mind.
An example of one of these "traps" is a game like Flyers at Hurricanes on Saturday. Both teams are in the basement as far as goals per game this season, but both teams are also poor defensively. While it may appear that this game will be tight and low scoring, it will most likely be a higher scoring contest due to sloppy defense.
Normally when the Sharks head to Buffalo, one can expect a wide margin of victory. But San Jose has really struggled and the Sabres have played their best hockey lately. If you're going to buy into a team in that game, Buffalo makes a lot more sense despite recent history.
GOALIE
Chad Johnson, BUF vs. SJ ($23) - The Sabres have improved, winning five of their last six games. Johnson has only started one of those contests -- a 4-1 win against the Lightning on Tuesday -- so not only is he coming off a quality win, he's pretty fresh too. When Johnson has started on three or more days this season, he is 3-0-0 with a 1.32 GAA and .949 save percentage in four appearances. And the best part has to be that his salary is the lowest among goalies in Yahoo DFS.
Goalie to Avoid:
Antti Niemi, DAL vs. MIN ($34) - This game features two of the top six offenses in the NHL, so goals likely will be plentiful. It also features a goalie matchup that should solidify that last statement. Niemi has allowed three or more goals in six straight appearances. His salary remains high because the Stars are tied for the most wins in the league, so while his potential to get a victory in this one is high, it doesn't mean he won't get lit up for four goals in the process.
CENTER
Steven Stamkos, TB vs. FLA ($21) - In today's edition of "Superstar center's who are severely underpriced," we have the captain of the Lightning. Stamkos has scored in back-to-back games, and the Panthers have allowed at least three goals in their last four. The reigning Eastern Conference champions really need to string together a nice winning streak, so expect a big game out of Stammer.
Center to Avoid:
Nathan MacKinnon, COL at MTL ($30) - In today's edition of "Young center's who are relatively overpriced," we have the 2013 first overall pick. MacKinnon had two goals and four assists in four games prior to laying an egg Thursday against the Bruins. The Avalanche get into the heart of a seven-game road trip Saturday against a Habs squad that hasn't allowed more than three goals since October. Fading MacKinnon in all contest types would be a wise move.
WING
Patrick Sharp, DAL vs. MIN ($23) - When you're playing on a line with two of top point producers in the NHL, the points are going to start to pile up. That's exactly the case with Sharp lately, as the veteran winger is starting to make Stars GM Jim Nill look like a genius yet again. Sharp has posted double-digit scoring in Yahoo DFS in three of his last four games, a stretch where he's scored three goals and added two assists. Chances are Sharp will have a high ownership in tournaments, but he's a premier cash-game option Saturday.
Jakub Voracek, PHI at CAR ($17) - Voracek's got to score a goal eventually, right? If he is going to end his scoring slump, Saturday against the Hurricanes seems like the perfect opportunity. Carolina's expected to start Cam Ward, who has actually been worse at home than on the road this season. It won't be too long before he loses the nickname "Scoracek," something he probably cares a great deal about.
Wings to Avoid:
Anthony Duclair, ARI at CBJ ($15) - Duclair was the talk of the league the first week of the season, but hasn't done much to spark chatter lately. Since scoring his first career hat trick on Oct 14 against Anaheim, Duclair has just three goals in 13 games. The Blues Jackets -- while vulnerable on defense -- are still a pretty physical team that should be able to contain the young winger.
Nikolaj Ehlers, WPG at NSH ($18) - Like Duclair, Ehlers is another rookie sensation who has sputtered out after a strong start to the season. He has just three assists in the last eight games and will have a tough time going up against the Preds at home. Until Ehlers catches fire again, it'd be best to fade him, as he's nothing more than a home-run play in tournaments.
DEFENSEMEN
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI at CBJ ($20) - The reigning goal-scoring champion among defensemen hasn't had the same success as last season, but is starting to come around. He's on a four-game points streak and showcased his impressive wrist shot with a goal in Thursday's 4-1 win over the Oilers. If it were this time last season, OEL would likely be one of the highest priced defensemen in Yahoo DFS, so at an affordable price he offers a lot of upside.
Duncan Keith, CHI at STL ($19) - After missing 10 games due to a torn MCL, Keith will make his return to the lineup Saturday against the Blues. Again, he's an elite defenseman whose price has dropped significantly without any correlation to his production. Keith has simply been sidelined and will return for what should be a high-scoring contest against the rival Blues. The two teams scored a combined 11 goals Nov. 4 and that was with Keith watching from home.
Defenseman to Avoid:
Tyson Barrie, COL at MTL ($21) - Big things were expected out of Barrie after a 53-point season in 2014-15, but he hasn't experienced the same success this season. He hasn't scored a goal in 13 games, and while he does have nine points, those will be hard to come by against the Canadiens. Barrie is more of a power-play specialist, and oh, did I mention that Montreal sports the highest penalty kill percentage (89.7) in the NHL this season? Yeah, steer clear of Barrie on Saturday.
