Top Yahoo Plays and Winning Strategies for Wednesday, November 22nd

Tuesday was void of NHL action, but the slate for Wednesday is jam-packed with 14 games to choose from. There are no games scheduled for Thursday, so make the most of this DFS docket. Here are my top player picks, as well as players to avoid, for your lineups.

GOALIE

Carter Hart, PHI at NYI ($37): Recently, Hart’s performances after returning from a brief absence have shown promise, boasting a 2.40 GAA and .919 save percentage for the season. Additionally, the Flyers have only allowed an average of 27.7 shots on goal per game. On the other hand, the Islanders are struggling, ranking 29th in goals per game.

GOALIE TO AVOID

Thatcher Demko, VAN at COL ($36): Vancouver’s potent offense has lessened the need for top-tier goaltending, which Demko has delivered. However, maintaining his .929 save percentage will prove challenging, especially facing a powerful team like Colorado, who are tied for the league lead in shots on goal and rank third in goals per game.

CENTER

Matty Beniers, SEA vs. SAN ($16): Beniers’ increased aggressiveness on the ice, with three shots on goal in each of his last three games, has contributed to his recent goal-scoring success. Despite an 8.3 shooting percentage that has room for improvement, facing the Sharks, who have a high GAA and allow an exceptional number of shots on goal, presents an advantageous opportunity.

CENTER TO AVOID

Evgeni Malkin, PIT vs. NYR ($24): Though Malkin’s performance has been impressive, his 20.5 shooting percentage seems unsustainable. The Rangers, with their low GAA and shots allowed per game, present a challenging matchup. Given the circumstances, Malkin’s salary isn’t justifiable for this game.

WING

Owen Tippett, PHI at NYI ($19): Tippett’s seven goals in 18 games and 61 shots on goal demonstrate his offensive prowess. Additionally, the Islanders’ defensive vulnerabilities and poor penalty kill make Tippett an attractive option for your lineup.

Lucas Raymond, DET vs. NJD ($18): Raymond’s return from Sweden has been marked by goal-scoring success. Facing a Devils team with a high GAA and questionable goaltending further enhances his potential for success.

WINGS TO AVOID

Sam Reinhart, FLA vs. BOS ($28): The Bruins’ outstanding penalty-kill percentage and low GAA pose a challenge to Reinhart, whose production heavily relies on power-play opportunities. With a high shooting percentage, a regression combined with a difficult matchup could lead to disappointment for Reinhart.

Jeff Skinner, BUF at WAS ($21): Skinner’s recent performance decline, coupled with the absence of his regular center, and facing a formidable Washington goalie, presents an unfavorable outlook for Skinner’s potential production in this game.

DEFENSE

Brady Skjei, CAR vs. EDM ($17): Skjei’s impressive point tally for the season and high shot count make him a strong defensive choice, especially against a struggling Oilers team with a high GAA.

Pavel Mintyukov, ANA vs. MON ($15): Mintyukov has shown promise as a rookie, with potential in power-play situations and a notable shot count. With the Canadiens’ subpar defensive performance, he presents an attractive option for your lineup.

DEFENSE TO AVOID

Brandon Montour, FLA vs. BOS ($23): Montour’s lackluster performance since returning from injury and facing a strong Bruins team make him a questionable choice for your lineup in this game.

Kris Letang, PIT vs. NYR ($17): Letang’s reduced role on the power play and his lack of power-play points this year make him a suboptimal choice, despite his overall point tally. Consider other options for your defensive lineup.