This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
For once, you don't have to worry about early starts on Saturday, or about certain games being cordoned off into their own contests. There are 10 games Saturday, and none of them start before 7:00 PM Eastern. That means plenty of options for your daily fantasy lineup, and here are some of the best.
GOALIE
James Reimer, FLA vs. DAL ($8,000): Roberto Luongo is injured, which leaves Reimer as the starter for the Panthers. Florida shouldn't be too concerned, considering that he has a 2.43 GAA and a .922 save percentage. Dallas has scored 2.81 goals per game, but now they've traded the likes of Patrick Eaves away, which lowers their offensive ceiling. Plus, the Stars have allowed 3.23 goals per game, meaning the Panthers should be able to give Reimer plenty of offensive support. Dallas is also 7-18-4 on the road, which further increases his chances of picking up a victory.
CENTER
Nathan MacKinnon, COL at WPG ($5,600): Winnipeg had a February to forget, as they allowed a league-worst 3.73 goals per game. To exacerbate things for the Jets, they will be on the second night of a back-to-back, which could mean Michael Hutchinson (3.21 GAA, .894 save percentage) in net. MacKinnon has been a rare bright spot for the Avalanche, as he's averaged 3.3 fantasy points per game and registered 199 shots on net in 62 games. Although he's only scored 12 goals, that's because of an incredibly low 6.0 shooting percentage. MacKinnon has played a career-high 20:10 per game, and he's also averaged 2:50 a night on the power play.
Tyler Johnson, TAM at BUF ($5,500): Johnson has been tearing it up recently, as he's notched 16 points in his last 14 games. Additionally, he's played a career-high 18:52 per game, and those minutes have increased since the Steven Stamkos injury. He's also had an excellent season on the power play, as he's tallied 17 points with the extra man while averaging 2:52 in power-play time. Buffalo has the 29th-ranked penalty kill, so this matchup could work out particularly well for Johnson.
WING
Leon Draisaitl, EDM vs. DET ($5,700): Draisaitl has enjoyed a breakout year, as he's notched 23 goals and 54 points in 64 games. The fact he has started 34.8 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone certainly helps, as does the fact he's averaged 2:44 per game on the power play. In fact, Draisaitl has been one of the best power-play producers in the league this season, as he's notched 20 points with the extra man. The Red Wings have allowed 2.95 goals per game, and their goalies have a collective save percentage of .903. That's factoring in Jimmy Howard's strong play before his injury, mind you. Detroit will also be on the second night of a back-to-back, which could hurt their play. That would be another point in Draisaitl's favor.
Marcus Johansson, WAS vs. PHI ($5,200): Johansson has five multi-point games in his last 11 contests, and overall he's averaged 2.6 fantasy points per game. He's started 36.0 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, fifth most on the Capitals, and he's averaged 2:47 per game with the extra man. He's got 12 power-play points on the season, and four have come in his last 11 games. The Flyers have allowed 2.92 goals per game, and their goalies have a collective save percentage of .898.
Tyler Toffoli, LOS vs. VAN ($4,900): Toffoli has had an unlucky season. Not only has he missed time, but puck luck hasn't gone his way. He's only managed a 9.9 shooting percentage, which is notably below his career 11.8 shooting percentage. Additionally, Toffoli has averaged 2:24 of power-play time but only has three points with the extra man. His numbers could jump if he starts getting some more bounces, especially considering that he's started 39.1 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone. That's fifth most on the Kings, a team that has great possession numbers overall. The Canucks have allowed 2.86 goals and 30.9 shots on net per game, and their penalty kill ranks 25th. At a cheap price, Toffoli provides a lot of upside. He did score 31 goals last season, after all.
DEFENSE
Aaron Ekblad, FLA vs. DAL ($4,700): Ekblad has been tenacious when it comes to putting the puck on the net, notching a whopping 204 shots in 63 games. More than that, Ekblad has started 40.5 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, a tremendously high number for a defenseman. He's also played 2:51 per game with the extra man, and Dallas has the league's worst penalty kill. The Stars also have a collective save percentage of .893, which is the worst in the NHL. If Ekblad is as prolific a shooter as he usually is, it wouldn't be surprising to see at least one puck go in.
Brady Skjei, NYR vs. MON ($3,600): Skjei has been enjoying a nice run of play, as he's tallied 11 points in his last 15 games. He's also started 35.2 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, which is second most of any Ranger. The Canadiens have averaged 59.4 shot attempts per 60 minutes, which is seventh most in the NHL. Skjei hasn't blocked a ton of shots, but he has a better chance of getting in front of a puck or two in a matchup like this than against your average team.
