Teams that really, really need a win do often play with that added degree of desire and desperation, but alas, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and San Jose are off on Tuesday. Thus, I'll focus on the St. Louis Blues, who are absolutely a better hockey team than they've shown, and those elusive wins will have to start Tuesday in Philadelphia. I wish I was as confident for the Calgary Flames, having lost five straight and heading into first-place New Jersey. Both the Blues and Flames are on the back end of B2B games, and each will likely start their backup goalie.   

In a match of teams needing the confidence that winning brings, Vancouver at Ottawa is probably the one I'll watch for the early time segment, and my first fantasy pick tonight is GK Cam Talbot ($8000), then adding in Ottawa's Brady Tkachuk ($7800), Claude Giroux ($4600) and Erik Brannstrom ($3100). My St. Louis mini stack is Jordan Kyrou ($4800) and Torey Krug ($4200). Suddenly, I can afford centers Tage Thompson ($7500) against the Coyotes, and Anze Kopitar ($4900), whom I've never seen to be this inexpensive in DFS. My utility player is Kopitar's linemate Adrian Kempe ($5000).

I've missed by 3 points and 5 points recently so it's time to hit for cash!    And if you're unimpressed by my reasoning or selections, Dobber's Frozen Tools DFS subscription is available, and (so far) beating the spread for the season.    

I'll be traveling back to my home in Maine for Thursday, so my article will be done early – if you follow me, please DO check for last-minute substitutions, especially at goalkeeper. Hopefully I can get on the plane's Wi-Fi to check it early afternoon.   

Good luck!