This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
Thursday is typically my favorite day of the week, as it generally has a decent slate of NHL games as well as some live hockey action for me, personally. However, this Thursday's slate is even better than usual, as it's the final game before the All-Star break, with 26 teams will be in action. It's a busy day with a lot of great values. If one thing is crystal clear, it's that I'm a mucker who just likes to chirp and drink beer, so it's safe to avoid me in your fantasy pools.
Let's get started.
GOALIE
Devan Dubnyk, MIN vs. STL ($7,900): Dubnyk is the 10th-most-expensive netminder on the board, but he's the biggest value with his league-leading 1.91 GAA. Not only are the Wild heavy favorites to win at home, but they're working on a 31-game streak with at least two goals scored dating back to Nov. 17. Indeed, Dubnyk receives plenty of offensive support, and the Wild are 11-3 in their past 14 games in St. Paul. Add in the fact that the Blues have won just twice in their seven trips to the Xcel Energy Center, and Dubnyk has plenty of DFS appeal.
CENTER
Anze Kopitar, LA at CAR ($5,200): Kopitar has had a difficult season, but he's started to show signs of snapping out of his funk lately. He's performed at a point-per-game clip over the past 10 outings, posting two goals and eight helpers in 10 games since flipping his calendar to 2017. On the whole, he has just five goals and 26 assists on the season, putting him easily on pace for a new career low. However, if he keeps up his hot January play, he'll be a fabulous points-per-dollar value.
Auston Matthews, TOR at PHI ($7,500): Matthews snapped a three-game scoreless streak by lighting the lamp in Detroit on Wednesday night, and he'll look to do it again Thursday in Philly. The Flyers have allowed the league's most high-danger scoring chances, and they rank 28th in the league in high-danger save percentage (.836). The Big Cactus has a great chance to roll into the All-Star break with a two-game goal streak in tow.
WING
Jamie Benn, DAL vs. BUF ($6,300): Benn started slowly in his first three games back from a foot injury, but with two goals and five points over the past four outings, eh's rounded back into form. The Sabres have allowed 3.83 goals per game over their past six road outings, so Benn should be instrumental in leading Lindy Ruff to a victory over his former team. Benn is a steal at this price point, so take advantage while the bargain lasts.
Mike Hoffman, OTT vs. CGY ($5,800): Hoffman has been killing it lately, burying five goals over his past four outings with a plus-6 rating. He hasn't contributed much in the other scoring categories, but he doesn't have to when he's lighting the lamp at this high of rate. He sat out Tuesday's game due to an illness, but is expected to play Thursday. The Flames have yielded 20 goals over their past four outings, so the good times should continue to roll for Hoffman.
Artemi Panarin, CHI vs. WPG ($6,400): Panarin has a bit of a high price tag, considering that he has no goals and just two assists with a minus-1 over his past six outings. However, he is a solid contrarian play given the fact the Jets rank 28th in the league in scoring-chance save percentage at .903. The Jets have had tremendous difficulty in the crease, allowing 4.0 goals per game over their past eight outings, so look for Panarin to bury at least one goal to emerge from his slump before the break. He's due.
DEFENSE
Erik Karlsson, OTT vs. CGY ($6,400): As mentioned above, Flames goaltenders have been sieves lately, and Karlsson will be able to take advantage on Thursday night. While most shot-blocking specialists struggle in the offensive categories, Karlsson's racked up 32 helpers, checking in fourth in that category. He figures to be very busy at both ends of the ice, blocking shots on the defensive end while figuring in on at least a goal or two at the other end. The Flames rank ninth in high-danger goals allowed, so Karlsson should more than pay for himself.
Rasmus Ristolainen, BUF at DAL ($5,200): Ristolainen logs more time on the ice (27:02) than any other player in the Eastern Conference, and he uses a lot of those minutes to sacrifice his body. The Sabres rearguard has managed 103 blocked shots through 47 games, checking in ninth in the NHL. When you select the Finn, you're basically starting out with an automatic point, considering that he averages more than two blocks per game. The Stars have allowed an average of 4.17 goals per game over their past six outings, so you can expect a handful of shots from Ristolainen as well as a good chance of getting on the scoresheet.
