This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
Sunday is the start of Hockey Week in America, so you'd better be celebrating the game we know and love. There are six games on the slate, but the first one starts at 12:30 PM ET. You'll need to have your daily fantasy lineups in early. Here are my recommendations.
GOALIE
Braden Holtby, WAS at ANA ($8,500): Holtby has been mediocre this season, but has compiled a 2.35 GAA and .926 save percentage over his last six starts. However, you don't have to be an ace in net to excel against the Ducks. After all, Anaheim has only averaged a mere 2.16 goals per game, lowest in the league by a wide margin.
CENTER
Vincent Trocheck, FLA vs. MON ($5,200): Trocheck has looked solid since returning from injury, with two goals on 24 shots while adding four assists in 11 games since getting back on the ice. Additionally, his 6.8 shooting percentage is bound to improve. Carey Price has been playing great hockey, but the Canadiens are on the second day of a back-to-back – and Price started Saturday. That likely means Antti Niemi with his 3.61 GAA and .893 save percentage will likely be in net.
Kevin Hayes, NYR at PIT ($5,000): Speaking of coming back, Hayes has notched seven points in nine games since his own return – including three with the extra man – while tallying 40 points in 48 games overall. The Penguins are also on the second day of a back-to-back, and though they are at home, both of their goalies had to play Saturday.
WING
Jake Guentzel, PIT vs. NYR ($7,600): Guentzel gets to play on a line with Sidney Crosby, and you can't overlook the value of playing with an elite center. After all, Jonathan Cheechoo once had a 50-goal season. However, Guentzel has skill in his own right; otherwise, he wouldn't have potted 28 goals in 58 games. Meanwhile, the Rangers have struggled to a 3.96 road GAA on the road while allowing 35.0 shots on net per game during those contests.
Travis Konecny, PHI at DET ($5,800): The Flyers are finishing off a home-and-home weekend Sunday, and the first game saw 11 total goals. That includes two from Konecny, giving him 17 in 58 contests. Jonathan Bernier got a little action Saturday, but he still seems likely to start this game. That would mean his 3.37 GAA and .898 save percentage will be in net.
Anthony Mantha, DET vs. PHI ($4,500): Mantha has started 61.3 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, third highest on the Red Wings. He's also riding a three-game point streak. Carter Hart started Saturday and didn't look great, which makes it likely somebody else will be in goal Sunday. That could mean Mike McKenna in net for the Flyers, and that would also make the Flyers' 27th-ranked penalty kill feel even more relevant.
DEFENSE
Rasmus Ristolainen, BUF at NJD ($5,000): Ristolainen hasn't registered a goal in his last 15 games. But he's dished out 10 assists over that time, so it's not a major concern. The Finn has also put 139 shots on net while blocking 89 shots in 57 contests. Perhaps a matchup with the Devils will help him light the lamp again, as they come in with a 3.45 GAA.
Aaron Ekblad, FLA vs. MON ($4,600): Ekblad has notched 10 goals on 131 shots after 16 last season. He's also scored five of those goals with the extra man. The Canadiens own the 20th-ranked penalty kill, but bear in mind they are also on the road for the second game of a back-to-back with Antti Niemi projected to start. None of those factors will improve their penalty kill.
