This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
It's an unusually busy Wednesday in the NHL. Owing to Thursday being Thanksgiving in America, there are 12 games Wednesday. You can kick off the long weekend in style, perhaps with the help of this article.
GOALIE
Peter Budaj, LOS vs. NYI ($7,800): The Islanders have been struggling mightily recently, especially on offense. They will be also on the second night of a back-to-back. Budaj has been solid with a .915 save percentage, but it's this great matchup with a high possibility of a win that's driving Budaj's value.
CENTER
Alexander Wennberg, CLM vs. CGY ($5,500): Whether it's Chad Johnson or Brian Elliott in net – but especially if it's Elliott – Wennberg provides nice value Wednesday. He's got 17 points in 17 games, with 10 of those coming on the power play. The Flames have a bad penalty kill, so that's another point in Wennberg's favor.
Tyler Johnson, TAM vs. PHI ($5,200): The Flyers will either start Steve Mason in both ends of their back-to-back game or turn to Anthony Stolarz for his first NHL start Wednesday. Steven Stamkos' injury means a bigger role for Johnson, who has a four-game point streak and 12 points overall.
WING
Jonathan Drouin, TAM vs. PHI ($5,500): Drouin has missed time with injury, but he's notched seven points and 37 shots on goal in 13 games. He's also playing 2:50 a night on the power play, and he was playing a lot more before his injury, so he could still be worked back into that role. The Flyers are the worst team in the NHL in terms of goals allowed. That alone makes Drouin intriguing.
Filip Forsberg, NAS vs. DAL ($5,500): Forsberg isn't scoring – he only has one goal. However, that's on 38 shots, so he's a candidate for positive regression. He's also stayed productive with 12 assists, so he hasn't been a black hole in fantasy. Both Stars goalies have struggled this year, so this will be a good opportunity for Forsberg to get that second goal (or that 13th assist).
Nick Foligno, CLM vs. CGY ($5,400): Do you know who leads the Jackets in points? We'll just assume you guessed Foligno. He's got 18 points in 17 games. Sure, he has a 23.3 shooting percentage, so that's going to come down, but he's still a reasonably priced player having a good year, and he draws a great matchup.
DEFENSEMEN
Alec Martinez, LOS vs. NYI ($4,800): Regardless of who's in net for the Islanders, they won't put any fear into the hearts of the Kings. Martinez is still going strong with 12 points, 44 shots on goal and 37 blocked shots. He won't be better than Drew Doughty all season, but he doesn't need to be to help you in DraftKings.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic, SAN vs. CHI ($4,300): Vlasic and the Sharks get to take on Chicago's league-worst penalty kill Wednesday. Pickles is playing 2:32 a night on the power play, and he's taken 37 shots on goal this season. He's also strong defensively with 32 blocked shots, and there should be plenty of opportunities to get in front of pucks against Chicago.
