This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
November opens up with a healthy five-game slate Wednesday. Here are some picks to start the month off on the right track...
Goalie
Martin Jones, SJ vs. NSH ($30)
After a rocky start to the campaign, Jones has been stellar over the last six games, allowing no more than two goals in each contest and recording a .946 save percentage on his way to five wins. Nashville's reputation for potent offense deteriorates on the road, as their average 1.50 away goals per game ranks them last in the league, making Jones an excellent value play Wednesday.
Goalie to Avoid
Matt Murray, PIT @ EDM ($36)
Murray has been atrocious on the road this season, posting a hideous .864 save percentage and 4.10 GAA. Sure, Edmonton has been massively disappointing in the early stages of this season, but counting out Connor McDavid could prove to be a fatal error, especially when Murray's price stands as high as it is.
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Center
Sam Gagner, VAN vs. NJD ($15)
As has been the case for much of his career, Gagner has made up for lack of playing time by providing raw offensive talent, both at even strength and on the power play. The career journeyman has found a home on Vancouver's first offensive line and with the first power-play unit, where he has recorded half of his points thus far. His cheap price makes him enticing against a mediocre Devils defense.
Center to Avoid
Claude Giroux, PHI @ CHI ($22)
What makes Giroux hard to trust in daily formats is his unwillingness to shoot the puck. For example, in his last four games, the 29-year-old has fired just seven shots on goal. Giroux can usually make up for it in assist totals, but with Corey Crawford likely in net Wednesday for Chicago, it may prove difficult for anyone on the Flyers' offense to get going.
Wing
Taylor Hall, NJD @ VAN ($22)
Hall is leading the resurgent New Jersey offense in scoring this season and has been on fire lately, racking up nine of his 13 points in the last five games. The 2010 No. 1 pick seems to be living up to his pedigree and has a young, hungry team around him, making him a steal at this price against the Canucks on Tuesday.
Ondrej Kase, ANH vs. TOR ($14)
Considering the tremendous opportunity Kase has in front of him, it's a bit surprising to see him with a price this low Wednesday. The Czech has netted three goals in his last four games and has taken up a post with the Ducks' power-play unit. Frederik Andersen and the Maple Leafs' defense have shown vulnerabilities throughout the young season, so Kase is a nice under-the-radar play.
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Wings to Avoid
Brandon Saad, CHI vs. PHI ($24)
After starting the season scorching hot, Saad has cooled down considerably of late, recording just an assist and a minus-1 rating in his last six games. That season-opening pace was never going to be sustainable, so his Wednesday price seems a bit exorbitant against a Philly defense that was solid in October.
Wayne Simmonds, PHI @ CHI ($21)
Simmonds is riding a four-game pointless streak that has seen him fire just five shots on goal and record a minus-2 rating. A trip to Chicago, where the home team has allowed 2.00 goals per game, is certainly not what the doctor ordered. You can find better, more reliable options in this price range.
Defense
Oscar Klefbom, EDM vs. PIT ($20)
Although his point level leaves something to be desired, Klefbom has proven himself an indispensable option on the Edmonton blue line, firing 17 shots on goal in his last five contests. The defending Stanley Cup champions have struggled at both of the ice at several points this season, which creates a prime opportunity for the playmaking defenseman to get on the scoresheet.
Will Butcher, NJD @ VAN ($17)
Despite being eased into an NHL workload in his first season, as illustrated by the mere 15:35 of average ice time, Butcher has thus far lived up to his billing as a gifted puck mover, as his 11 assists on the season will attest. The rookie defenseman hasn't scored his first career goal yet, but with six shots on goal and two helpers in his last four games, he's bound to do it soon.
Defensemen to Avoid
Roman Josi, NSH @ SJ ($24)
Josi, like many of his Nashville teammates, has performed better on home ice this season than on visiting ice -- the Predators' new captain has just one assist in away games despite playing two more games on the road than in Nashville. Considering the price and the fact that he has a minus-4 rating in his last four games, Josi can probably be passed over here.
Sami Vatanen, ANH vs. TOR ($17)
Vatanen recently returned after missing the first nine games of the season while rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery and was solid, but only on the defensive end of the ice. The Finnish blueliner is still being eased back into action, so it might not be wise to take a chance on him at this price against the high-scoring Leafs.
