This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
Sure, the March Madness brackets are out, but you don't have to have them filled out right away. Why not take some time to play some daily fantasy hockey Monday? Here are some recommendations for your lineup built from Monday's eight NHL games.
GOALIE
Los Angeles Kings, LOS vs. VAN ($): The Kings are catching the Canucks on the road for the second night of a back-to-back. That alone gives them a strong chance of picking up a win for their goalie. Additionally, Vancouver has only scored 2.69 goals per game. On the other hand, the Kings have an impressive 2.54 GAA.
CENTER
Jeff Carter, LOS vs. VAN ($13,200): Since returning from injury, Carter has six points and 27 shots on net. Given that Jacob Markstrom started Sunday, there's a good chance Anders Nilsson (3.52 GAA, .901 save percentage) will likely be in net.
Jordan Staal, CAR at NYR ($9,000): Staal has averaged 11.14 fantasy points per game, and since missing three games he's tallied three points in five contests. The Rangers have a 3.13 GAA and have allowed 34.9 shots on net per contest. However, they've been a lot worse recently with a a league-high 3.63 team GAA since the All-Star break.
WING
Nick Bjugstad, FLA vs. OTT ($11,500): Since the start of February, Bjugstad has 17 points and 57 shots on net through 18 games. He's also been skating on the top line for the Panthers, which has helped his fantasy potential. The Senators have a 3.37 team GAA and .898 save percentage.
Joonas Donskoi, SAN vs. DET ($9,500): Donskoi has started 56.3 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, second highest among Sharks forwards. He also has five points in his last five games. Meanwhile, Detroit netminder Jimmy Howard has a 3.19 GAA and an .899 save percentage in his last 19 contests.
Mats Zuccarello, NYR vs. CAR ($9,100): In each of his last two games, Zuccarello has a goal and five shots on net. He's also averaged 2:53 per game with the extra man and tallied 16 power-play points in 68 games. Carolina has the 23rd-ranked penalty kill and also has a 3.21 GAA on the road.
DEFENSEMEN
Zach Werenski, CLM vs. MON ($10,700): The Canadiens have been even worse than the Hurricanes on the road, as they have a 3.50 away GAA, third highest in the NHL. With Carey Price out, the picture is even bleaker for the Habs. Werenski has 14 goals on 180 shots through 65 games, and he also has 10 power-play points. Montreal has the 27th-ranked penalty kill, so this matchup bodes well for Werenski.
Jake Muzzin, LOS vs. VAN ($8,500): Muzzin has averaged 12.45 fantasy points per game, and to get a rearguard who has averaged more, you'll need to spend at least $9,600. He's notched 141 shots on goal and 112 blocked shots in 65 games, both of which indicate how he can help your fantasy lineup. The Senators have a 3.37 GAA, second highest in the NHL, and they also have the 28th-ranked penalty kill. Muzzin has tallied 11 points with the extra man.
