This article is part of our Cap Compliance series.
There are five games included in the main contests at Yahoo with the Golden Knights, Red Wings, Islanders and Wild are playing for the second consecutive night. The action begins at 6 p.m. EST with the Vegas-Detroit bout, and it projects to be a balanced evening with the Blues the only notable favorite on the docket.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
GOALIE
Jordan Binnington, STL at ANH ($34): It's been a strong start for Binnington with a 5-1-1 record, .929 save percentage and 2.42 GAA while the Blues rank fifth in goals against per 60 minutes. Just note Anaheim has been solid offensively with 38 goals through 12 games.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Laurent Brossoit, VGK at DET ($25): The career backup has been solid going back to last season with a .919 save percentage and 2.48 GAA through 16 appearances and this salary is attractive, so he could be a popular target today. However, the Red Wings have been a sneaky offense this season currently ranking 10th in goals and eighth in expected goals.
CENTER
Keegan Kolesar, VGK at DET ($10): The Red Wings have allowed three or more in nine of their past 10, so this sets up as a favorable matchup for Kolesar and the Golden Knights. The 24-year-old forward is playing meaningful minutes for Vegas, but has failed to score this season despite ranking second on the club with 14 individual high-danger scoring chances. At minimum salary, Kolesar makes for a potential flyer.
CENTER TO AVOID
Brock Nelson, NYI at MIN ($19): After recording a 14.5 shooting percentage over the past three years, Nelson is at 24.1 this year. And his recent scoring binge consists of five goals in two outings. The veteran has upped his shot volume with an impressive 26 shots and 34 attempts over the past six games, but his scoring efficiency is definitely eyeing negative regression.
WING
Roope Hintz, DAL at VAN ($18): Hintz passes the eye test nightly, but it hasn't translated into offense this season with just a single assist despite registering 48 shot attempts and 14 individual high-danger scoring chances. He posted a 16.0 shooting percentage over the previous two seasons, so scoring should be coming.
Filip Zadina, DET vs. VGK ($12): Another low-salary consideration, Zadina paces Detroit in shot attempts this season with 54. He's skating with the No.1 power-play unit and on an encouraging line with Joe Veleno ($13) and Robby Fabbri ($14) at five-on-five. Additionally, the Golden Knights have allowed the most high-danger scoring chances in the league through the past 10 contests.
WINGS TO AVOID
Alex DeBrincat, CHI vs. NSH ($22): Currently not projected to skate with frequent linemate Patrick Kane ($30), DeBrincat's fantasy upside should be considered capped. The duo have clicked for 5.05 goals per 60 minutes over the previous three years, but DeBrincat's goals per 60 dips to 3.17 without Kane and his minus-8 rating hurts in this scoring system.
Pavel Buchnevich, STL at ANA ($19): The first-year Blue snapped a four-game point drought with a goal Thursday. But overall, it's been a quiet year with only two tallies and a helper through seven appearances. Buchnevich is also skating on the third line at five-on-five while averaging just 14:58 of ice time.
DEFENSE
Shea Theodore, VGK at DET ($18): After registering a single assist through the first six games, Theodore has picked up a goal, three helpers, 12 shots and seven blocks through his past five. His current 1.19 points per 60 minutes is also well behind his 1.72 mark over the previous three seasons, so further positive regression is likely ahead. As noted, this also projects as a soft matchup.
John Klingberg, DAL at VAN ($14): It's rare to find a power-play quarterback with an established offensive resume that matches Klingberg's in this salary range. The Canucks are a strong opponent with only 12 goals allowed through five home games this year. However, Klingberg has registered an assist in consecutive games and offers cap relief.
DEFENSE TO AVOID
Roman Josi, NSH at CHI ($24): The Nashville captain has been fantastic to start the campaign with four goals, eight assists and 39 shots. Josi will also likely be popular today considering Chicago has allowed the second most goals in the league. While it could backfire to fade Josi, there are plenty of better value options throughout the player pool, and he enters with the highest salary among defensemen.
Matt Dumba, MIN vs. NYI ($19): This is a tough matchup for Dumba with the Isles having allowed the fewest goals in the league this season. And despite producing seven points, he's only reached double-digit fantasy points three times. It's definitely worth highlighting Dumba's high fantasy floor having already racked up 31 shots and 20 blocks.
