This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Tuukka Rask, BOS vs. TOR ($7,400): The Maple Leafs have generated just 6.0 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five without Auston Matthews the past two games. With the star pivot out again Saturday, Rask stands as a solid low-priced flier. The Finn has been respectable through six games since returning from injury with a 2-2-2 record, .915 save percentage and 2.45 GAA, too.
CENTER
Brayden Schenn, STL vs. NYI ($6,300): The first-year Blue has flourished between Vladimir Tarasenko and Jaden Schwartz, as the trio has combined for 6.6 goals per 60 minutes this season. For Schenn's part, he's collected four goals, 19 points and 45 shots through 17 games. His price is a bargain, and the Islanders enter on the wrong end of back-to-back road games.
Ryan Johansen, NAS vs. PIT ($4,700): It's been a disappointing start for Johansen. He's gone 14 games without a multi-point showing and hasn't scored a goal all year. Johansen remains a go-to cog for the Preds, though, averaging 4:04 of power-play time per contest, and he's been on the ice for a respectable 10.7 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. Talent and opportunity rarely endure this long of a slump. It's worth noting that the Penguins are also playing their second road game in consecutive nights.
WING
Vladimir Tarasenko, STL vs. NYI ($7,600): As noted, this is a strong matchup for the Blues, and Tarasenko has clicked with linemate Schenn. The Russian winger offers a high-floor, high-ceiling combo because of his shot volume (4.24 per contest), top offensive role (19:33 of ice time per game with 3:54) and excellent start (eight goals and 20 points through 17 outings).
Kyle Palmieri, NJD vs. FLA ($5,000): After missing six games with a lower-body injury, Palmieri returned to the lineup Thursday and recorded five shots while logging 19:25 of ice time (5:08 with the man advantage). The 26-year-old winger projects to skate with Nico Hischier and Taylor Hall at even strength, and the trio should cause plenty of in-game matchup problems for the Panthers. Florida is also entering on the second leg of a back-to-back road set.
Max Domi, ARI vs. WPG ($3,900): The Jets were hammered 5-2 by Vegas on Friday, so the Coyotes draw Winnipeg in a favorable schedule spot. Domi has gone 17 games and 43 shots without a goal, so there is obviously positive statistical regression ahead. Additionally, his salary has dropped significantly, so there aren't many players in his price range that receive top offensive minutes and share his upside.
DEFENSE
Roman Josi, NAS vs. PIT ($6,400): For what it's worth, the RotoWire NHL lineup optimizer is also high on Josi. As noted, it's a favorable spot for the Preds, and Josi is locked into a top role in all situations (25:36 of ice time with 4:22 on the power play). He's also posted solid offensive numbers with four goals, eight points and 51 shots through 12 games.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI vs. WPG ($4,500): Despite being off to a solid start offensively, Ekman-Larsson's salary has remained reasonable. He's up to 11 points and 46 shots through 18 games and is also locked into a go-to role with an average of 25:06 of ice time (3:32 on the power play) per contest. As noted, this isn't a daunting matchup for Arizona, either.
