This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
The main Yahoo contests consist of all five games beginning with the Jets-Penguins at 1 p.m. EST. Winnipeg, Ottawa and New Jersey are all playing for the second time in consecutive days, whereas Pittsburgh and Florida represent the two largest favorites. Here's a look at recommendations and fades for each position.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
GOALIE
Jordan Binnington, STL at VAN ($21): Currently being outplayed by Ville Husso ($33) over the past two weeks, this is an important start for Binnington. This is also a low salary to load up your No. 2 goalie at. The Canucks have also cooled down with a 2-3-1 active record while only scoring 13 goals and are likely to still be without a few key players.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Sergei Bobrovsky, FLA vs. SEA ($40): Even with Seattle sitting third last in expected goals per 60 minutes, laying out 20 percent of your salary cap on a single player makes lineup decisions difficult. If you're spending up for Bobrovsky, you're going to be forced to dig deep in the bargain bin elsewhere.
CENTER
Anton Lundell, FLA at SEA ($18): Projected to center Jonathan Huberdeau ($30) and Anthony Duclair ($21) at five-on-five, Lundell's an encouraging target. The rookie has acclimatized himself quickly and has produced at a point-per-game pace out of the holiday break with four tallies and eight helpers. Lundell's plus-10 rating during this stretch also provides a sneaky bonus in this scoring system.
CENTER TO AVOID
Brayden Schenn, STL at VAN ($21): With three goals on only seven shots – or a 42.9 shooting percentage – through the past two contests, Schenn's in great form. However, his salary has also climbed $8 in the process.
WING
Vladimir Tarasenko, STL at VAN ($26): The veteran winger is in the midst of a throwback season and is rolling along an eight-game point streak consisting of six tallies and seven helpers. Tarasenko hasn't found the back of the net in three straight outings, so there's potential for his shooting luck to turn around. Vancouver ranks last in penalty-kill percentage, and as noted will be without key personnel.
Drake Batherson, OTT at CLS ($20): Look for a bounce-back showing from Batherson after his five-game scoring run was snapped against Washington yesterday. His 3.5 points per 60 minutes rank 23rd in the league, and the Blue Jackets have surrendered the fifth most goals and third most expected goals per 60 in the league.
WINGS TO AVOID
Kyle Connor, WPG vs. PIT ($28): The Pens have surrendered the second fewest goals per game in the league and boast the best penalty-kill percentage, so this isn't a favorable matchup for Connor and the Jets. His minus-11 rating through the past 10 games is also an eyesore.
DEFENSE
Kris Letang, PIT at WPG ($26): Winnipeg offers the NHL's second worst penalty-kill percentage and is in a tough schedule spot on the second leg of a back-to-back set, so Letang's positioned to succeed. He's also riding a 10-game point streak consisting of two goals, 13 assists, 34 shots and 26 blocks while averaging 25:26 of ice time - including 3:26 with the man advantage.
Zach Werenski, CLS vs. OTT ($16): This is a soft salary hit and Werenski also draws a great matchup with the Sens allowing the second most goals per game. He's also registered 16 shots, 23 attempts and seven scoring chances through the past three outings, and all three are team-highs.
DEFENSE TO AVOID
Thomas Chabot, OTT at CLS ($18): It's hard to confidently start Chabot because of his plus-minus volatility. He's recorded a minus-8 through the past seven games, which takes a hit out of his respectable counting stats of three points, 22 shots and 11 blocks.
Mark Giordano, SEA vs. FLA ($17): Expect Giordano to have a long night matched up against Florida's top players. The Panthers pace the league in Corsi For percentage and goals for percentage at five-on-five. Giordano has also only found the scoresheet in four of his past 15 appearances.
