This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
The 12 evening games are included in the main contests at Yahoo. It's a deep player pool with lots of low to mid-salary targets to hone in on. Interestingly, there aren't a lot of sizable favorites on the slate. Toronto leads the way with Boston, Colorado, Pittsburgh and Edmonton also receiving noticeable chalk. It's also worth noting the Canucks, Blackhawks and Wild are all playing their second game in as many nights. Here's a look at a handful of recommendations and fades to keep in mind ahead of Saturday's action.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
GOALIE
Cal Petersen, LA vs. MIN ($23): A popular breakout candidate entering the season, Petersen turned away 23 of 25 shots Thursday, and is positioned to have another solid showing against Minnesota on Saturday. The Wild are playing on the road on consecutive nights, and only scored twice against Anaheim on Friday. There's also a lot of optimism surrounding the Kings because of the mix of experience and youth throughout the lineup.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Darcy Kuemper, COL vs. STL ($31): The first-year Av stopped 32 of 34 shots in his team debut Wednesday and boasts a .922 save percentage and 2.34 GAA over the past three seasons. However, Colorado is without key cogs Nathan MacKinnon (COVID-19), Gabriel Landeskog (suspension) and Devon Toews (undisclosed), and the Blues have a deep lineup.
CENTER
Tyler Johnson, CHI at PIT ($12): Skating between Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat should prove to be a cushy gig for Johnson. The first-year Hawk is also rolling with the No. 1 power-play unit and picked up two assists with the man advantage Friday. The Penguins are still without Sidney Crosby (wrist) and Evgeni Malkin (knee), too.
CENTER TO AVOID
Hendrix Lapierre, WAS vs. TB ($18): Even with Tampa Bay allowing 12 goals through its first two games of the season, Lapierre probably shouldn't be viewed as a viable option in a scoring format using plus-minus rating. Plus, the rookie's salary jumped in a hurry, and he's skating down the lineup at five-on-five.
WING
Jesse Puljujarvi, EDM vs. CGY ($17): Skating with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in all situations is a cushy fantasy set-up for Puljujarvi. The trio connected for a high-end 6.81 goals per 60 minutes last year, and the Finnish winger scored and registered six shots in the season opener.
Patrik Laine, CLS vs. SEA ($14): This is a reasonable salary for a high-volume shooter who scored 138 goals through his first four seasons in the league. Additionally, Laine is back receiving top-line minutes while skating with the No. 1 power-play unit. A bounce-back season seems almost guaranteed.
WINGS TO AVOID
Mikko Rantanen, COL vs. STL ($34): As noted, Rantanen's regular linemates Nathan MacKinnon (COVID-19) and Gabriel Landeskog (suspension) are out Saturday, so the Finn's fantasy value takes a notable hit. Over the previous three seasons, the trio has combined for a high-end 5.4 goals per 60 minutes, and Rantanen has been on the ice for just 2.5 per 60 without MacKinnon and Landeskog.
Pavel Buchnevich, STL at COL ($23): Even with Buchnevich coming off a career year, this salary appears a little high. He's positioned to have another solid campaign starting the season on an intriguing line with Brayden Schenn and Jordan Kyrou. Still, Colorado allowed the third-fewest goals per game last season, and it's a cavernous player pool.
DEFENSE
Neal Pionk, WPG at SJ ($16): Until proven otherwise, the Sharks should be considered a team to pick on in daily formats. San Jose allowed the second-most goals per game last year, after all. Pionk is quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit and recorded five shots in the season opener against the Ducks on Wednesday, and his salary doesn't break the bank.
Tony DeAngelo, CAR at NSH ($16): The on-ice production has never been a concern, and DeAngelo posted 19.5 fantasy points in his debut with the Hurricanes. He quarterbacked the No. 1 power-play unit and started every one of his five-on-five shifts in the offensive zone. He'll be a popular target at this diminished salary.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Roman Josi, NSH vs. CAR ($22): This projects as a tough matchup for Josi and the Preds. Carolina dominated possession against the Islanders on Thursday with a Corsi For of 58.4 percent and scored six times, and Josi will have tough minutes against the top forwards for the Hurricanes. Even with the cross-category upside he brings to the table, he's a plus-minus risk, and as noted, it's a deep player pool.
Thomas Chabot, OTT at TOR ($19): While the top-unit, power-play quarterback has upside, the Maple Leafs will likely have a rebound showing Saturday after losing to Ottawa on Thursday, Additionally, Chabot spent most of Thursday's game matched up against either Toronto's top line or its checking line.
