This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
The NHL tends to be busy on Tuesdays, and this week is no different. There are nine games on the slate, which means you have 18 teams worth of players to choose from for daily fantasy purposes. To try and make your decision process easier, here are some players that stick out as being particularly good options…
GOALIE
Calgary Flames, CGY vs. VAN ($16,700): While we are building up a worthy sample size this season, it still feels relevant to point out Vancouver only scored 2.17 goals per game last year. They are also going to be on the road for the second night of a back-to-back in this one, which helps Calgary's chances of winning. Speaking of sample sizes, it's unlikely Mike Smith can keep up his .931 save percentage all season, but it's encouraging to know he's played this well thus far.
CENTER
Anze Kopitar, LOS at ANA ($13,000): Kopitar has averaged a robust 17.21 fantasy points per game, thanks to the fact he has 17 points through 14 games. He also has a great power-play track record, as he's never had fewer than 18 points with the extra man in a full season. The Ducks are banged up, which has probably played into the fact they've allowed 34.7 shots on net per tilt this season.
Jonathan Drouin, MTL vs. VGK ($): The Habs have struggled, but Drouin has looked good in his first season with Montreal. He has 11 points through 15 games, and he's put 46 shots on goal. Drouin also has a 6.5 shooting percentage, which is his worst since his rookie season and is likely to improve. More importantly, the Golden Knights will be on the second night of a back-to-back, and since they are still dealing with goalie injuries they may be starting their fifth-string netminder Tuesday.
WING
Jeff Skinner, CAR vs. FLA ($13,300): The Panthers have a league-worst 4.23 team GAA, and they've also allowed a league-high 34.7 shots on net per contest. The return of Roberto Luongo doesn't seem likely to help, as he has a 3.83 GAA and a .901 save percentage this season. Skinner has started a whopping 70.9 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, most on the Hurricanes, and he's put 44 shots on goal through 12 contests.
Phil Kessel, PIT vs. ARI ($12,300): Kessel is killing it as a scorer despite the fact he has a career-low 5.9 shooting percentage at the moment. He's got 16 points, and 10 of those have come on the power play. The Coyotes have struggled defensively under the best of circumstances this season, but here they are on the road for the second night of a back-to-back. There are few possible matchups more enticing than this one.
Patrick Maroon, EDM at NYI ($10,900): Maroon has been a steady player this season. He has 10 points through 13 games, but he has zero multi-point games which means he's only failed to register a point three times. The Islanders have a 3.21 team GAA and have allowed 32.6 shots on net per tilt. They had a team GAA of 2.90 and gave up 31.9 shots on goal per game last year, so there's reason to not have much faith in New York's defense.
DEFENSEMEN
Shea Weber, MTL vs. VGK ($12,400): This is one of those times it's well worth it to pay a slightly lofty price. As previously noted, Vegas, an expansion team, will be on the second night of a back-to-back. They are also desperately shorthanded in net. Weber, meanwhile, is simply a great player regardless of matchup. He has 11 points (four on the power play) and 48 shots on goal through 15 games.
Justin Faulk, CAR vs. FLA ($10,600): Faulk only has three points through 12 games, but he only has one goal on 40 shots. That gives him a 2.5 shooting percentage that seems destined to improve. Faulk should be able to put a few pucks on net against a Panthers team that has allowed 37.4 shots on net per contest. The fact Florida has a team GAA of 4.23 is also a sign that he could be ready to light the lamp once more as well.
