This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
It's a busy 10-game slate for the main contests at Yahoo. However, interestingly, there isn't a single huge favorite on the docket. Marquee matchups include the Bruins-Maple Leafs, Flyers-Capitals and Islanders-Jets bouts, and the Jets, Coyotes, Rangers and Devils are all playing their second game in consecutive nights. Here's a peek at a number of recommendations and fades at each position.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
GOALIE
Philipp Grubauer, SEA at ARI ($26): Entering in solid form, Grubauer has stopped 87 of 93 shots through his past four starts to post a 3-1 record. Saturday, the Kraken face the winless Coyotes, and Arizona has scored the fewest goals per 60 minutes in the league. The salary is right for Grubauer in this favorable matchup, too.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Ilya Sorokin, NYI at WPG ($38): While the Jets are playing the second leg of a back-to-back set, they also enter with an active 6-0-2 record and 33 goals during the stretch. Add that Sorokin is the most expensive goalie in the player pool, and there's plenty of incentive to look down the salary list for other options.
CENTER
Nathan MacKinnon, COL at CLS ($30): Look for statistical correction ahead on MacKinnon's current 4.8 percent shooting. He's only found the back of the net once this year despite attempting 47 shots through seven contests. For reference, the superstar posted an 11.5 percent mark over the previous four seasons.
CENTER TO AVOID
Mika Zibanejad, NYR at CGY ($30): The Flames have surrendered the third-fewest goals per 60 minutes in the league this season, and Zibanejad and the Rangers will be playing their second game in consecutive nights. Additionally, there could easily be some negative regression in puck luck for Zibanejad. He's scored three times on six shots over the past two games.
WING
Drake Batherson, OTT vs. TB ($19): There's contrarian appeal here because Tampa Bay projects to be a tough opponent. However, Batherson's racked up an impressive five tallies, five helpers, 22 shots and 39 attempts through the past seven contests. For what it's worth, the RotoWire Lineup Optimizer is bullish on the 23-year-old winger, too.
Jaden Schwartz, SEA at ARI ($17): It's a mess all around for the Coyotes, as they're also allowing the most goals per 60 minutes in the league, and Arizona is also playing for the second consecutive night. Schwartz enters this plus matchup with a five-game point streak and a manageable salary. Playing top offensive minutes also boosts his upside.
WINGS TO AVOID
Jonathan Huberdeau, FLA vs. CAR ($30): These scoring settings just don't match up well with Huberdeau's fantasy profile. Despite finding the scoresheet in nine of 10 contests to start the campaign, the 28-year-old winger has only reached double-digit fantasy points three times. Add that the Hurricanes are 9-0 and allowing the fewest goals per 60 minutes in the league, and Huberdeau's salary provides ample cause to fade.
Jake Guentzel, PIT vs. MIN ($23): The Penguins remain without multiple regulars, and most specifically for Guentzel's prospects, centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin remain out. The winger was on the ice for a pedestrian 1.8 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five over the past three seasons while skating away from Crosby and Malkin.
DEFENSE
Devon Toews, COL at CLS ($18): The second-year Av has been activated from injured reserve and is expected to debut as the quarterback on the No. 1 power-play unit while skating on the top pairing at five-on-five. Toews also offers a high-fantasy floor after averaging 2.3 shots and 1.6 blocks per game last season.
Jeff Petry, MON vs. VGK ($13): It's been a disastrous start to the season for Petry, as he's recorded just 0.41 points per 60 minutes. His salary is way down as a result, and there's obvious upside considering his top role with the Canadians.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Adam Fox, NYR at CGY ($28): Another star to consider fading because of his hefty salary, Fox has found the scoresheet in four straight games with a goal, six assists, 10 shots and 15 blocks. However, he had also failed to deliver double-digit fantasy points in each of his five outings before the point streak. As noted, this is also a back-to-back spot for the Rangers, and Calgary has been stout defensively.
MacKenzie Weegar, FLA vs. CAR ($19): With Carolina's noted strong start to the season, there are probably better options in and below Weegar's salary range. His three assists, 10 shots and 16 blocks through the past eight contests are sound statistics, but far from spectacular.
