Cam Ward Daily Fantasy News, Rankings, Projections

At the time of writing this (11 AM), we are not sure who will start for the Chicago Blackhawks, but whoever goes (either Crawford or Cam Ward) draws a good matchup, even on the road as Blackhawks' fans love to travel. While the Blackhawks are terrible defensively, much of that risk is mitigated by Anaheim's futility. The Ducks are averaging a paltry 1.58 goals per game since the All-Star break behind a group of washed-up veterans and youngsters. The Blackhawks check in as a small favorite with the lowest total of the night (6). If Crawford returns, it is a considerable upgrade from Cam Ward. Crawford checks in at just $7,600 on DraftKings and $7,500 on FanDuel. Ward is priced up a bit more but still viable given Anaheim's struggles to find the back of the net.

Let's start with the obvious: Cam Ward is not a good goalie. However, as usual, any goalie facing the Carolina Hurricanes enters the tournament conversation given their propensity to pepper opposing netminders with shots -- their 41.8 shots per game is the best mark in the National Hockey League, yet their goals for per game (2.71) sits in a three-way tie for fifth-worst. Given the likelihood Carolina's top line sees heavy ownership, Ward makes sense in tournaments as he is in a prime spot to put together his best effort of the season and pile up the saves at an arena where he played his first 13 seasons.

Alright, let's start this off saying that taking on the Pittsburgh Penguins is certainly a difficult matchup. However, Cam Ward seems to have turned a bit of a corner as of late. Over his last 10 games, he has a 2.30 goals against average and a .918 save percentage, which is solid. Obviously, the Penguins have one of the more dynamic offenses in the NHL, which is worrisome. However, Cam Ward is cheap and if he can shut the door tonight, he will have a low ownership with elite upside given the volume of shots he should be facing. The Carolina Hurricanes are a home underdog, which doesn't happen often and usually makes for a good goaltender target.

Scott Darling paid off last night on a night with no real trustworthy option. Tonight is a little different as there are a handful of netminders worthy of rostering, particularly at the top in Tuukka Rask and Andrei Vasilevskiy. Additionally, Frederik Andersen is in the conversation since he should receive a healthy dosage of goal support, and as always, Freddie always sees a good number of shots. Outside of this trio, there are a number of notable options, including Cam Ward. Scott Darling was expected to be the number one goalie this year, but it has been Wiley Ward who is 15-7-3 on the year and Bill Peters' go-to guy. Ward, much like last year, has been far stingier on home ice where he sports a 2.28 GAA and .919 SV%. Colorado is still without superstar Nathan MacKinnon who adds to Ward's value, but it should be noted he did allow five goals in Denver in an earlier meeting this season. Nonetheless, given the Avalanche's troubles recently, Ward is a strong option in tournaments given his cheap price tag, especially on FanDuel where he is just $7,500.

There is a first time for everything, and tonight is one of those nights where Cam Ward is viable in all formats. Yes, even cash games. While Ward is a mediocre at best goalie, he draws the best matchup possible as the Carolina Hurricanes welcome the National Hockey League's worst offense to Raleigh. The Buffalo Sabres are averaging a paltry 2.12 goals per game and should struggle against a Hurricane team which has finally found some confidence. The 'Canes have won four of their last five games, including an impressive road win last time out against the Nashville Predators. Although Cam allowed four goals in Buffalo a week ago, he also made 37 saves as his team prevailed 5-4 in overtime. Last season against the Sabres, Cam contained them with relative ease, posting three wins in three starts while allowing just four goals in the process. Count on Cam to allow two goals or less and pick up the victory tonight.