This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
The work week kicks off with two games Monday. That doesn't give you much hockey to enjoy after clocking out, but you can play daily fantasy hockey regardless. Here are some players that are particularly intriguing from this limited slate.
GOALIE
Mike Smith, ARI at CGY ($7,000): One of Monday's two games features the Blue Jackets taking on the Rangers. That's two potent offenses in a game that feels hard to predict, so you might want to steer clear. That leaves Calgary's game with Arizona. Yes, the Coyotes have been bad, but in their past 10 games their record (5-4-1) is on part with the Flames' (5-5-0). Plus, Smith has actually been better than Brian Elliott this season. Additionally, Smith will cost you a lot less than either Elliott or Chad Johnson, who both will set you back $8,300. With only two games, the better option is to take the slight gamble on Smith, knowing that it will allow you to save money you can spend elsewhere.
CENTER
Sean Monahan, CGY vs. ARI ($5,700): All that being said about Smith, the fact remains that the Coyotes have allowed 33.5 shots on goal per game, and their penalty kill ranks 26th. Monahan's offensive output has ticked up recently, as he has eight points in his last nine games, and he's taken a whopping 42 shots on net in those contests. He's also tallied 12 power-play points, and he's averaged 3:12 with the extra man.
Mikael Backlund, CGY vs. ARI ($5,300): Backlund isn't as offensively oriented as Monahan, but he's actually averaged more fantasy points per game (3.2 to 3.0) so far. He's notched 15 goals on 136 shots, and he's registered 13 points on the power play. While he's not as hot as Monahan, this is still a great matchup, and Backlund is also cheaper. Both of these Calgary pivots are well worth putting in your lineup Monday.
WING
Nick Foligno, CLM vs. NYR ($5,900): Foligno doesn't have a point in his last five games, but he took 17 shots on net in those contests, so it's not like the effort hasn't been there. Plus, his 37.06 offensive zone start percentage is third on the Blue Jackets. The Rangers have gotten inconsistent performances from their goalies, and Henrik Lundqvist's .911 save percentage isn't too concerning. Foligno also has 18 power-play points, so New York's 12th-ranked penalty kill, while not terrible, is a potential vulnerability.
Max Domi, ARI at CGY ($4,800): Domi was eased back into the lineup after his injury, but over his last two games he's averaged 19:48 of ice time. Plus, overall he's played 2:40 a night with the extra man in the four games since he's returned. Calgary has allowed 2.80 goals per game, and their goalies have a collective save percentage of .901. Domi is healthy, and reasonably priced, making him seem like a nice option in this matchup.
Michael Frolik, CGY vs. ARI ($4,500): Overall, Frolik hasn't been much of a power-play weapon, but over his last 10 games he's averaged 2:03 with the extra man. He also notched six points and 31 shots on net in those contests. As previously mentioned, Arizona has allowed 33.5 shots on net per game, second worst in the league, and their team GAA is 3.17. Even if there was more games on the docket Monday this would be a matchup to target. With only four teams in action, though, it becomes an even more obvious choice.
DEFENSE
Alex Goligoski, ARI at CGY ($3,600): Goligoski's overall offensive numbers haven't necessarily inspired confidence, but he does have six points in his last nine games, which is solid for a defenseman. Additionally, his 30.19 offensive zone start percentage is fourth on the Coyotes, and first among their defensemen. In addition, Goligoski has also blocked 97 shots in 53 games, so he can add a little fantasy value that way as well.
T.J. Brodie, CGY vs. ARI ($3,500): Brodie hasn't taken a ton of shots, although he may take more than most given how many shots the Coyotes have allowed per game, but he's still a big part of Calgary's lineup. He's averaged 23:41 per game, and 2:46 a night with the extra man. He's notched eight power-play points in that time, and the Coyotes have one of the league's worst penalty kills. At this price point, and in this matchup, Brodie looks like a good value.
