This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
It's so cold in most of this country (and in Canada) that the last thing you might want to think about is ice hockey. However, if you can get over that mental hurdle, here are some daily fantasy hockey recommendations from the seven NHL games Saturday night.
GOALIE
Toronto Maple Leafs, TOR vs. VAN ($16,400): The Canucks have scuffled recently, going 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. Offensively, that scuffling has happened basically all season, as Vancouver has only scored 2.65 goals per game. Frederik Andersen has a 2.67 GAA, but more impressively he has a .922 save percentage.
CENTER
Mika Zibanejad, NYR at ARI ($14,600): Zibanejad has struggled to score since returning from injury, but he did have a goal in New York's last game. Plus, even with his dry spell he has 23 points in 31 games, including 12 on the power play. A matchup with the Coyotes could definitely help Zibanejad regain his footing. Arizona has a 3.50 GAA, second highest in the NHL.
Tyler Johnson, TAM at OTT ($12,200): The Triplets have been broken up for a while, and Johnson has fallen from the front of minds, but don't overlook him. You might not realize that since the beginning of December he has eight goals and 10 assists through 14 games. He's also registered 21 shots on net in his last six outings. Prior to Friday's game, the Senators had a 3.29 GAA, and now they have to play their second game in as many nights.
WING
Brock Boeser, VAN at TOR ($13,800): Yes, Vancouver's offense has been bad, but Boeser shoulders none of the blame. He's been outstanding, and the rookie has 21 goals on 103 shots through 37 games. Andersen has played really well in goal, but the Maple Leafs have allowed 33.9 shots on net per game. It's possible for Andersen and Boeser to both have good fantasy days, so don't let the fact they are squaring off scare you from selecting them both.
Mikael Granlund, MIN at COL ($12,200): Granlund has at least three shots in net in seven of his last eight games. In the other game he notched three assists, so it's not like he fell off the map in that one. Overall, he has 30 points in 36 games, including 10 on the power play. The Avalanche have a 3.03 GAA, and have allowed 32.2 shots on goal per game as well.
J.T. Miller, NYR at ARI ($8,500): With Chris Kreider out indefinitely, Miller is now the clear top left wing for the Rangers. Although he only has eight goals this season, four have come in his last nine games. Plus, he does have 19 helpers. Most important, though, is the matchup. As noted, the Coyotes have a woeful 3.50 GAA.
DEFENSE
Morgan Rielly, TOR vs. VAN ($10,700): Rielly has been a playmaking machine, as he's notched 25 helpers in 42 games. He's also picked up his shooting, tallying 102. The Canucks have a 3.25 GAA, and their penalty kill is ranked 27th. On top of everything else, Rielly has 12 points with the extra man.
Dougie Hamilton, CGY at ANA ($9,000): The Ducks have allowed a whopping 34.1 shots per game, second most in the league. That bodes well for Hamilton, who has 117 shots through 40 games. That's the second highest total on the Flames. Hamilton definitely will be able to put some pucks on net, and he should be in line for more puck luck. He has a 3.4 shooting percentage, and his previous season low is 5.3.
