This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
Twelve teams kick off March's final work week Monday with a six-game NHL slate. Despite the modest selection size, there's plenty of value to be found with three of the six worst defenses and four bottom-seven penalty kills in action. Find out which players are best positioned to take advantage of these matchups below.
CENTER
Jonathan Marchessault, FLA at BUF ($10,600): Marchessault is only the third-most expensive center on the Panthers, but his team-leading seven goals and 16 points on the power play suggest he's the player best positioned to take advantage of a 28th-ranked Sabres penalty kill that has denied just 77.2 percent of opportunities. He also comes in with five goals in his last two games, so confidence won't be an issue for the 26-year-old in the midst of his breakout campaign. Buffalo has surrendered a league-high 34.3 shots per game, giving Marchessault more opportunities to add fantasy points without having to get on the scoresheet.
Nick Schmaltz, CHI at TB ($8,800): Schmaltz is starting to get comfortable at the NHL level, having put up 17 points in his past 19 games after posting just seven in his first 35. Despite this recent improvement, the 2014 first-rounder remains affordable. That's too good a deal to pass up, especially with Schmaltz going against a Lightning team that has surrendered 19 goals in its last five games.
WING
Michael Ferland, CGY vs. COL ($7,100): Ferland has taken advantage of moving to the top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan by scoring nine of his 14 goals in the last 22 games. While he has failed to light the lamp over the last six, this matchup with the lowly Avalanche presents a tremendous opportunity for the affordable winger to get back on track. Colorado has allowed a league-high 3.35 goals per game, so there won't be a better buy-low opportunity on Ferland.
Alexander Steen, STL vs. ARI ($10,300): Steen has played north of 20 minutes in three consecutive games, which bodes well for his chances of getting on the scoresheet against a Coyotes team that allows the third-most goals per game. The Swedish forward has been incredible at the Scottrade Center all season, notching 10 goals and 28 points in 33 home contests. All signs point to Steen maintaining that high level of production in this favorable matchup, especially with his role increasing as the Blues look to shore up a playoff spot.
DEFENSE
Alex Pietrangelo, STL vs. ARI ($11,300): Pietrangelo's production since the Kevin Shattenkirk trade suggests he'll be more than worth his high price in this favorable matchup. His increased offensive responsibilities at even strength and on the power play have led to 10 points in 13 subsequent games, including a power-play goal and four shots in a Mar. 18 victory over the Coyotes. A repeat performance could well be in the cards considering Arizona has allowed 3.17 goals per game while killing off only 77.9 percent of penalties.
TEAM GOALIE
Carolina Hurricanes, CAR vs. DET ($14,300): Carolina is the eighth-cheapest option despite a terrific combination of momentum and matchup. The surging Hurricanes have allowed just 12 goals in winning five of their past six while Detroit's sputtering offense has produced more than one goal in only half of its past 10 games. With Carolina in desperate need of a win over this inferior opponent to stay within striking distance of a playoff spot, expect the Red Wings to have a tough time even reaching their season average of 2.38 goals per game.
