This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
Spring has sprung, but the action on the ice remains intense. There are four NHL games Wednesday, and here are some recommendations for your daily fantasy lineup.
GOALIE
Arizona Coyotes, ARI at BUF ($15,700): When the two lowest-scoring teams in the NHL play each other, the goal judge is likely to have an easy night of work. The Sabres, who have averaged 2.38 goals per game, are slightly worse than the Coyotes offensively. However, Antti Raanta (.925 save percentage) getting healthy and the trade for Darcy Kuemper (.925 save percentage) have made Arizona clearly the better team in net of these two.
CENTER
Derek Stepan, ARI at BUF ($12,000): Stepan may only have 12 goals, but he has 35 assists, including seven in his last nine games. Plus, he's put exactly three shots on net in each of his last four contests. If he keeps that up, and his 6.3 shooting percentage regresses toward the mean at all, he could have some better luck when it comes to scoring. It also helps Stepan's chances that the Sabres have a 3.25 GAA, third highest in the NHL.
Ryan Donato, BOS at STL ($8,100): This isn't so much about the fact Donato scored a goal and added two assists in his first NHL game, although that was impressive. What's more intriguing going forward is the fact he played 19:40, including 4:46 on the power play. Clearly the Bruins are willing to give the 21-year-old a shot. Since the All-Star break the Blues have a 3.00 GAA, so this matchup doesn't look all that bad.
WING
Corey Perry, ANA at CGY ($12,700): Perry has really picked up his offensive recently, notching four goals on 24 shots and adding six assists in his last 10 games. He's also averaged 2:50 per game with the extra man this year and tallied 10 power-play points in 62 contests. The Flames have struggled defensively since the All-Star break, as they have a 3.48 GAA. That's fourth highest in the league in that time.
Brendan Gallagher, MON at PIT ($12,000): Gallagher has been racking up the shots this year, putting 245 pucks on net in 73 games. That has paid off for the winger, as he's notched 26 goals, including seven on the power play. The Penguins have a 3.05 GAA since the All-Star break, but they are also on the second night of a back-to-back. That bodes well for Gallagher, as Pittsburgh has a 3.50 GAA on zero days of rest.
Clayton Keller, ARI at BUF ($11,900): Keller has a five-game point streak, giving the rookie an impressive 53 points this season. He's also started 60.6 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, highest on the Coyotes, and averaged 3:04 per game with the extra man. As previously mentioned, the Sabres have a 3.25 GAA, so Keller may be able to keep that point streak going.
DEFENSE
Brandon Montour, ANA at CGY ($10,000): Over his last four games, Montour has four points and 12 shots on net. That includes two points on the power play, giving him 12 on the season. As noted earlier, the Flames have a 3.48 GAA since the All-Star break. Plus, since returning from injury Mike Smith has a 3.68 GAA and an .872 save percentage.
Jeff Petry, MON at PIT ($9,500): Without Shea Weber, Petry has had a much larger role this season. He's averaged 23:36 per game in ice time, including 2:42 a night with the extra man. The defenseman also has 10 goals, 25 assists, and 18 power-play points. All are career bests. The Penguins have a 3.00 GAA, but that number jumps to 3.50 on the second night of a back-to-back. Additionally, likely starter Casey DeSmith has a 3.16 GAA and an .898 save percentage in his last seven outings.
