This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
There are nine games included in the featured contests at Yahoo beginning with the six matchups starting at 7 p.m. EDT. The Hurricanes, Canadiens and Stars are the largest favorites on the docket, and the highest over/under total is in the Calgary-Toronto tilt. Here's a look at a few picks and pans for Saturday's action.
GOALIE
Anton Khudobin, DAL at DET ($29): Detroit has scored the third-fewest goals per game in the league, and Dallas has limited opponents to the fourth-fewest goals and second-fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five this season. Additionally, the Stars drove possession with a 57.3 CorsiFor percentage at five-on-five during Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Red Wings. It all adds up to a bounce-back spot for Dallas, and while Khudobin has struggled for much of this year, he still boasts a .923 save percentage and 2.65 GAA through 85 games over three seasons with the Stars.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Ville Husso, STL at SJ ($22): While there have been a few sterling showings from the rookie, his .879 save percentage and 3.56 GAA through 10 appearances should raise caution. Additionally, even as a No. 2 option at a reasonable salary, San Jose can be a sneaky opponent with three goals or more in 16 of 28 games.
CENTER
Jordan Staal, CAR vs. CLS ($15): This is a rebound spot for Staal. The veteran center has been held off the scoresheet in four consecutive games, including through 22:58 of ice time during Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Blue Jackets. As a result, Staal's salary has dipped down into profit territory, while Columbus has the worst five-on-five CorsiFor percentage in the league and has surrendered a healthy 3.16 goals per game.
CENTER TO AVOID
Auston Matthews, TOR vs. CGY ($35): Even with 10 shot attempts during Friday's 4-3 loss to Calgary, Matthews was only able to register three on net, and he's been limited to just three goals and two assists through eight games since returning from his wrist/hand injury. With a contest-high salary among skaters, it's hard to allocate so much cap space to a player who isn't 100 percent healthy -- especially in a deep player pool.
WING
Jason Robertson, DAL at DET ($18): The 21-year-old winger's 3.09 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five ranks eighth among NHL regulars, and Robertson's is now receiving consistent looks with the No. 1 power-play unit. He lands in a plus matchup Saturday, too. The Red Wings have surrendered a healthy 3.27 goals per game, and their 71.9 percent penalty kill ranks third last in the league.
Jaden Schwartz, STL at SJ ($17): Everything appeared good to go for Schwartz in his return to action Friday, as the 28-year-old winger logged 22:55 of ice time -- tops among Blues forwards -- and attempted seven shots. Additionally, with San Jose allowing the fourth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five and the second-most goals per game, the matchup also checks out.
WINGS TO AVOID
Alex Ovechkin, WAS vs. NYR ($34): Sporting a five-game goal scoring streak on 28.6 percent shooting, statistical correction should be ahead for Ovechkin. Additionally, even though he scored twice against the Rangers on Friday, New York isn't a plus matchup. The Blueshirts have surrendered a respectable 2.68 goals per game and boast the third-best penalty-kill percentage in the league (85.9).
Matthew Tkachuk, CGY at TOR ($22): Friday's game was an example of how Tkachuk's extra-curricular activities can limit his fantasy upside. The disruptive winger scored the first goal of the game and then turned agitator. He finished with just the single shot attempt and 13:09 of ice time. Additionally, he made himself chalkboard material for Toronto ahead of Saturday's rematch. Most importantly, though, this is a steep salary in a deep winger pool.
DEFENSE
Jamie Drysdale, ANA vs. ARI ($14): After making history in his NHL debut, Drysdale's salary is modest. The sixth overall selection in the 2020 NHL Draft received 2:24 of power-play time and attempted six shots. Arizona has goaltending trouble, and Drysdale could be the next young blueliner to take the league by storm, ala Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. The rookie's definitely a risky selection, though.
Jake Bean, CAR vs. CLS ($13): This is a solid matchup and salary for Bean. The rookie has collected 10 points -- five with the man advantage -- through his last 16 games, which has propelled him up to sixth in points per 60 minutes among regular defensemen. Additionally, he starts 58.4 percent of his five-on-five shifts in the offensive zone.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Brent Burns, SJ vs. STL ($20): The veteran's failed to record double-digit fantasy points in 15 of his past 17 games, so his once-reliable profile has diminished considerably. Additionally, Burns carries a huge plus-minus risk and was on the ice for 11 more shot attempts against than for at five-on-five (37.8 CorsiFor percentage) during Friday's overtime loss.
Quinn Hughes, VAN at MON ($19): Even with an assist during Friday's 3-2 win over Montreal, Hughes still finished with just 6.9 fantasy points, and it was the 12th consecutive games he failed to reach double digits. Montreal remains a daunting matchup at five-on-five with the second-best CorsiFor percentage and fewest goals allowed per 60 minutes.
