This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
The NHL heads into the All-Star break with a 13-game night. Expect plenty of unique twists as players sit Thursday out for an extra day of rest. There is also the mailing-it-in factor to consider. Here are a handful of players across multiple price ranges to consider while assembling your FanDuel lineups.
GOALIE
Mike Smith, ARI vs. VAN ($7,900): This is a ripe spot for Arizona to win ugly. Vancouver is on the wrong end of back-to-back road games and boasts an underwhelming 6-14-3 record away from Rogers Arena. Smith is still capable of stealing a game, and he does have a respectable .915 save percentage. At this salary – and with Thursday likely to have a number of surprises – taking a low-priced flier on Smith could be rewarding.
CENTER
Tyler Seguin, DAL vs. BUF ($8,500): The star pivot has seven goals, 14 points and 58 shots through his past 15 games, and Buffalo is playing its third consecutive road game. The Sabres also boast the league's worst penalty kill, which certainly doesn't hurt. As the owner of a third-ranked 3.2 points per 60 minutes among all skaters with at least 5,000 minutes since joining Dallas, he's a pricy player who could pay off in a big way.
Derick Brassard, OTT vs. CGY ($5,900): Centering the top line has been a boon for Brassard, who's notched eight assists and 25 shots through his past eight games. Meanwhile, Calgary has lost four consecutive contests, allowing 20 goals during that skid. This is also the fourth straight road game for the Flames. Consider Brassard a solid mid-priced target Thursday.
WING
Nikolaj Ehlers, WPG at CHI ($6,700): Underpriced at this salary, Ehlers' value is skyrocketing with 12 goals, 19 points and 55 shots over his past 18 games. He's also combined with linemate Mark Scheifele for 3.58 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five over the past two years, and now the duo is being reunited with Patrik Laine. Additionally, with an 8-7-1 record and 2.93 goals per 60 minutes over their past 16 games, the Blackhawks shouldn't be viewed as a daunting opponent.
Alexander Radulov, MON at NYI ($6,500): There has been much more game-to-game inconsistency from Radulov of late, but he's still managed six goals and 14 points through his past 15 games. His four multi-point games during that stretch highlight his upside, and despite New York's improved defensive play of late (seven goals allowed over its past five outings), the Islanders have still surrendered the second-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.65).
Ryan Hartman, CHI vs. WPG ($4,000): While his numbers don't jump off the page (10 goals and 20 points), Hartman received 1:53 of power-play time last time out and is projected to continue playing with Jonathan Toews on Thursday. Winnipeg has allowed 32 goals over its past eight games, too.
DEFENSE
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI vs. VAN ($6,000): As noted, this might be a soft schedule spot for the Coyotes, and Ekman-Larsson is the most talented player on their roster. He's not having his best season, but with three goals, 10 points, 23 shots and 16 blocked shots over his past 15 outings, his cross-category production offers a reasonable floor. His role on the No. 1 power-play unit and huge minutes (24:10 with 3:57 up a man) also add up to significant daily upside.
Karl Stollery, NJD vs. WAS ($3,500): A true low-priced flier, Stollery has been quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit of late and has three assists through seven games with the Devils. This is a daunting matchup, so the 29-year-old journeyman will be scarcely owned. At his salary, Stollery can approach value without hitting the scoresheet, and if he does, you've unearthed nice contrarian production.
