This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
It's a monster, 14-game night in the NHL on Monday, so there are oodles of player options to fill out your lineups. The biggest favorites are the Avalanche, Islanders, Hurricanes, Blues, Bruins and Oilers. It's also worth noting that every team was off Sunday after playing Saturday. Here's picks and pans at each position ahead of Monday's action.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
GOALIE
Darcy Kuemper, ARI vs. LA ($26): This is a reasonable salary to target Kuemper at. The Kings have scored the ninth fewest goals per game in the league and enter with an underwhelming 6-13 active record. Kuemper also shut out Los Angeles on April 24 and checks out as a cost-effective No. 2 goalie for Monday's contests.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Igor Shesterkin, NYR vs. WAS ($35): Washington ranks third in both goals per game and power-play percentage, so it's probably safe to look past Shesterkin on Monday considering the deep goalie pool. Just note, he's gone 3-0 with a .946 save percentage and 1.67 GAA against the Capitals this season.
CENTER
Ryan Johansen, NSH at CLS ($10): The offensive numbers have been in decline the past two seasons, but Johansen remains locked into a go-to role centering the No. 1 line and skating with the top power-play unit. He's also clicked with projected linemates Filip Forsberg ($21) and Eeli Tolvanen ($14) for a high-end 5.85 goals per 60 minutes.
CENTER TO AVOID
Aleksander Barkov, FLA vs. DAL ($31): While definitely a proven, matchup-proof scorer, Barkov does draw the stingy Stars on Monday. Dallas has surrendered the second fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five in the league and allowed the ninth fewest goals per game, after all.
WINGS
Teuvo Teravainen, CAR vs. CHI ($18): The 26-year-old winger has found the scoresheet in consecutive games and remains in a favorable lineup slot skating in all situations with Sebastian Aho ($27) and Andrei Svechnikov ($22). The trio have solid chemistry with 5.77 goals and 19.74 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes over the past two seasons. It's also a soft matchup with Chicago allowing a healthy 3.24 goals per game and ranking 27th in penalty-kill percentage.
Kailer Yamamoto, EDM at VAN ($12): As long as Yamamoto is skating with Connor McDavid ($34) and Leon Draisaitl ($34), this salary should be considered a gift. The trio have clicked for a high-end 5.54 goals and 21.54 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes over the past two seasons, after all. Plus, the Canucks have lost four straight with 17 goals against, so the matchup also checks out.
WINGS TO AVOID
Patrick Kane, CHI at CAR ($32): The Hurricanes are a tough opponent with the third best Corsi For percentage and third fewest goals against per game. Additionally, Carolina boasts the fourth best penalty-kill percentage in the league. Kane has also cooled off a bit of late with just six assists and a minus-7 rating through his past six contests.
Kirill Kaprizov, MIN vs. VGK ($24): With seven goals and a 21.9 shooting percentage through his past eight games, Kaprizov is probably facing a little statistical correction moving forward, and Vegas is a daunting matchup. The Golden Knights have allowed the fewest goals per game in the league and rank second in penalty-kill percentage.
DEFENSEMEN
Cale Makar, COL at SJ ($26): The Sharks have allowed the fourth most goals per game in the league, and Makar has racked up a goal, two assists, seven shots and six blocks through the past two games -- both against San Jose. Makar also paces regular defensemen in points per 60 minutes over the past two years.
Mike Reilly, BOS at NJ ($17): The Bruins have been searching for a power-play quarterback for their No. 1 unit all season, and Reilly is projected to receive another look in the role Monday. With New Jersey owning the worst penalty-kill percentage in the league, it's also a favorable matchup.
DEFENSEMEN TO AVOID
Brent Burns, SJ vs. COL ($19): The Avalanche have allowed the fifth fewest goals per game and are the best possession team in the league, so it's not a great matchup to target Burns in. Additionally, he's posted a minus-8 rating and registered just two assists through six meetings against Colorado this season.
Jake Muzzin, TOR at MON ($18): This salary is a little puzzling. Muzzin is a reliable contributor in the shots and blocked shots, however, he's not a consistent point producer. Muzzin ranks 53rd in points per 60 minutes among regular defensemen this season. It's also worth adding that he doesn't receive power-play time, and Montreal ranks second in Corsi For percentage and has surrendered the eighth fewest goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five.
