Yahoo DFS Hockey: Tuesday-Wednesday Picks – Yahoo Sports
Two bouts across two days comprise the daily Yahoo contests for Tuesday.
Game 6 between the Penguins and Capitals in Pittsburgh on Tuesday, and Game 7 between the Blues and Stars in Dallas on Wednesday are the matchups, and here are your picks, pans and values.
GOALIE
Matt Murray, PIT vs. WAS ($34): While there are calls for veteran Marc-Andre Fleury to start Game 6, Murray has been an elite goaltender at every level and has played extremely well during the playoffs with a .937 save percentage. Through 23 games dating back to the regular season, he has a .933 mark. This season in the American Hockey League, Murray also had a .931 save percentage, and during the 2014-15 season, he was even better with a .941 mark. You’re forced to start two goalies, so make Murray one of them. The track record is impressive.
Goalie to avoid:
Kari Lehtonen, DAL vs. STL ($32): The Dallas backstop stole Game 5 with a 35 save performance while the Stars sat back after grabbing an early lead. However, St. Louis proved capable of dominating the play, which actually bodes well for the Blues taking another possession stranglehold again in Game 7. Plus, you cannot count on Lehtonen. He’s posted a sub-.900 save percentage in five of his past eight outings.
CENTER
Evgeni Malkin, PIT vs. WAS ($26): A three-game point drought has cut into Malkin’s salary, and the star is now priced for profit. Remember, he had found the scoresheet in each of his six previous playoff games with three goals, six assists and five power play points. Look for a bounce-back showing from Malkin on Tuesday.
Center to avoid:
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS at PIT ($21): Dating back to Game 4 of the first round series against Philadelphia, Backstrom has just three points and 15 shots through his last eight games. He also might remain separated from running mate Alex Ovechkin at even strength, which further limits Backstrom’s upside.
WING
Alexander Steen, STL at DAL ($22): The veteran has raised his game during this series and has three goals, two assists and 14 shots on net through his past five games. Additionally, Steen jumped up to an even strength line with center Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz during Game 6, which bodes well for his fantasy value. He is also a keg cog with the No. 1 power play and has three PP tallies during that five game stretch.
Conor Sheary, PIT vs. WAS ($12): Sitting at minimum price, Sheary is a strong source of cap relief given his strong run in the playoffs and top-line duty flanking Sidney Crosby. Sheary has five points, 17 shots and seven blocked shots through 10 postseason games, highlighting his respectable floor and ceiling.
Wing to avoid:
Patric Hornqvist, PIT vs. WAS ($24): After being benched in Game 5 and limited to just 10:36 of ice time, Hornqvist is a risky fantasy option Tuesday. The price is dependant on his role with the top line and No. 1 power play unit, and if Hornqvist is relegated again, your resources are squandered. However, a bounce-back game is also within reach, just know the situation you’re investing in.
DEFENSE
Colton Parayko, STL at DAL ($20): The rookie defenseman hasn’t registered a point since Game 1 of the series, but he remains a key offensive weapon for St. Louis and passes the eye test nightly. His supporting stats help buoy his fantasy value, too, as Parayko has 30 shots and 21 blocked shots through 13 postseason games.
Olli Maatta, PIT vs. WAS ($12): As a game-time decision Tuesday, you’ll want to keep tabs on Maatta’s status. If he returns, he should roll back into top-pairing work and provide a solid fantasy showing given his contest-low salary. If Maatta remains out, pivot to Justin Schultz at the same salary.
Defenseman to avoid:
Alex Goligoski, DAL vs. STL ($22): While the offensive numbers are solid (four goals and two assists through 12 games), Goligoski also boasts a minus-7 rating during the playoffs which curbs some of his upside. His 20 shots and 15 blocked shots don’t leap off the page, either, and especially at this hefty cap hit.
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