Here's a look at the NHL daily fantasy picture for Wednesday's three-game slate:
Top Teammate Plays
- C Connor McDavid and W Patrick Maroon, Oilers (vs. Canucks): While McDavid has been relatively subdued against Vancouver this season - recording two assists in two meetings - he's far too talented to stay quiet against a bad team. He'll also be gunning for the scoresheet after being held without a point in two straight games. Maroon has 11 points in 14 games as an Oiler and can still be had for cheap.
- C Henrik Zetterberg and W Dylan Larkin, Red Wings (vs. Flyers): The duo has significantly underwhelmed over the last 10 games - particularly on sites which count plus-minus. They've combined for five points in their last two home games and have the skill set to capitalize on a matchup with the visiting Flyers. At their modest price tags, Zetterberg and Larkin represent major upside potential at a relative bargain.
- C William Nylander and W Colin Greening, Maple Leafs (vs. Blue Jackets): For less than the cost of a second-hand Yaris, you can land two of the Leafs' hottest forwards in a plus matchup against a dreadful Columbus defense. Greening remains one of the most affordable top-six forwards despite potting a pair of goals last time out, while Nylander has been a revelation of late with eight points in his last 10 games.
Bargain Plays
- C Bo Horvat, Canucks (at Oilers): Horvat rewarded savvy daily fantasy owners with an assist in his last game, giving him two goals and two helpers in his previous three outings. Horvat has yet to record a point in three meetings with Edmonton this season, but he has seen a bump in playing time and has responded with his strongest offensive stretch of the season. At his price tag, he's a solid play Wednesday.
- W Patrick Maroon, Oilers (vs. Canucks): Clearly, daily fantasy sites are still fixated on Maroon's extended stint with the Ducks earlier this season. How else can we explain his salary barely budging despite multi-point efforts in three of his last seven games? Maroon, like the rest of the Edmonton forwards, shades slightly toward boom-or-bust territory, but a good matchup with visiting Vancouver should work in his favor.
- G Garret Sparks, Maple Leafs (vs. Blue Jackets): There may not be a lot of love for Sparks in DFS circles Wednesday, but he's in good position for a bounceback start. Columbus has scuffled of late, scoring two or fewer goals in eight of their previous 12 games - including five of six on the road. Sparks will likely be the most affordable starting goalie of the night, and he has a decent chance for a victory.
Contrarian Plays
- C Leon Draisaitl, Oilers (vs. Canucks): With most of the focus falling on Edmonton's top-line center, Draisaitl might see reduced ownership. He has plenty going for him Wednesday night, including a great matchup and a spot on the second line alongside gifted winger Taylor Hall. The Oilers are always a threat to break out - and if they do, it won't just be the McDavid line doing the damage. Trust Draisaitl in tournament play.
- W Wayne Simmonds, Flyers (at Red Wings): Simmonds' talent is undeniable, but his price tag - on a night where DFS players have a surprisingly wide selection of wingers to choose from - may be a barrier to selection. But Simmonds has returned great value in six of his last eight games, and has a goal, an assist and a whopping 12 shots on goal in two prior meetings with Detroit this season. Snag him.
- G Steve Mason, Flyers (at Red Wings): The price tag (highest among goalies on the majority of DFS sites) and matchup (on the road against Detroit) may deter some from choosing Mason, but they shouldn't. He has been a solid performer over his last 10 games, boasting a 6-3-1 mark with a 2.26 goals-against average and a .930 save percentage. He's an ideal choice for cash games.
