Yahoo NHL DFS: Monday's Picks

Yahoo NHL DFS: Monday's Picks

This article is part of our Cap Compliance series.

The main contests at Yahoo feature the nine evening games beginning at 8 p.m. EST. Toronto is the largest favorite on the docket by a large margin with Carolina, Dallas and Tampa Bay also receiving significant chalk. Here's a quick peek at the player pool.

GOALIE

Frederik Andersen, TOR vs. OTT ($36): The Senators have scored the third fewest goals per 60 minutes in the league this season, and Andersen has stopped 114 of 120 shots over the past four games. As noted, Toronto is also the largest favorite on the board, and this is a manageable salary.

GOALIE TO AVOID

Semyon Varlamov, NYI at BUF ($39): The Russian hasn't been beaten in regulation the past four games and sports a rock-solid .937 save percentage and 1.96 GAA during the stretch. Additionally, the Sabres haven't played since Jan. 31, so there could be some rust. Still, with a contest-high salary, Varlamov needs to be almost perfect to reward, and that's always a risk.

CENTER

Dylan Larkin, DET vs. CHI ($17): With just a single goal and a 2.9 shooting percentage through the past 11 games, Larkin is a candidate for statistical correction. The Blackhawks aren't an intimidating opponent with a middle-of-the-road 2.88 goals and 10.89 high-danger scoring chances allowed per 60 minutes,either.

CENTER TO AVOID

Connor McDavid, EDM vs. WPG ($35): This fade is all about the matchup. Winnipeg has four two-way centers. and all of them are capable of keeping McDavid in check. Obviously, it's a tough task, and McDavid is capable of a contest-winning performance. He's only recorded two assists through the past three games, though, and he also has the highest salary in the skater pool.

WING

Teuvo Teravainen, CAR vs. CLS ($14): It's been a slow start for Teravainen, so his discounted salary is legit. The 26-year-old Finn is locked into a go-to offensive role, though, and he scored last time out. Plus, he's recorded an impressive 2.93 points per 60 minutes over the past three seasons, so his current 1.2 mark is set to improve.

Jesse Puljujarvi, EDM vs. WPG ($10): There's been a lot of hit and miss with Puljujarvi this season, and he's only recorded five points -- three goals -- through 15 games. Still, lining up on the No. 1 line with Connor McDavid ($35) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ($27) is a cushy gig, and Puljujarvi sports a contest-low salary. 

WINGS TO AVOID

Filip Forsberg, NSH at DAL ($23): The Stars have held opponents to just 2.61 goals and 9.77 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes this season, so it's a potentially tough draw for Forsberg and the Predators. Additionally, while Forsberg has recorded 10 points through his past 10 contests, he's missed the scoresheet entirely in six of those contests, so he hasn't been a reliable nightly contributor.

Patrick Kane, CHI at DET ($31): The Red Wings have surrendered the third fewest high-danger scoring chances per hour in the league, so this probably isn't the best matchup to target Kane in. He's scorching hot with two tallies, nine assists and four multi-point showings through his past five outings, which will likely make him a popular choice Monday.

DEFENSE

Morgan Rielly, TOR vs. OTT ($19): While the power-play quarterback has missed the scoresheet in consecutive games, Rielly racked up 10 points through his previous seven contests and is averaging 23:54 of ice time per contest with a career-high 3:05 with the man advantage. The Senators are also allowing a league-high 3.99 goals per 60 minutes this season.

Rasmus Dahlin, BUF vs. NYI ($16): With just three assists through 10 games to start the campaign, it's been a rough start for Dahlin. However, there's statistical correction ahead of his current 0.98 points per 60 minutes after posting a high-end 2.11 mark last season. This salary is also easy to squeeze under the cap.

DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID

Roman Josi, NSH at DAL ($23): This is an aggressive salary for Josi considering he sports a 61st-ranked 1.25 points per 60 minutes among regular defenseman this season. As noted, the matchup isn't ideal, either. Additionally, with a minus-5 rating for the campaign, Josi's also a plus-minus risk.

Darnell Nurse, EDM vs. WPG ($21): The 26-year-old defenseman has scored in five of the past six games, so expect a slight dip in production moving forward. Nurse also doesn't skate with the No. 1 power-play unit, either. He's a high-floor option because of his shot volume and willingness to block shots, but puck luck isn't always going to be on his side.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Parker
Neil is a former RotoWire contributor. A loyal Cubs, Cowboys and Maple Leafs fan for decades, Neil had contributed to RotoWire since 2014. He previously worked for USA Today Fantasy Sports.
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