This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
The regular season is winding down, but there's still plenty of drama in the final days. We've seen a smattering of players being rested by teams already locked into their spots, so our focus in the remaining games should be on teams still jockeying for positioning or even eliminated clubs with hungry young players auditioning for jobs next season.
Let's get started.
GOALIE
Frederik Andersen, TOR vs. TAM ($7,900): Andersen and the Leafs are hosting the Lightning in a critical game for both teams. The Lightning have won five of their past six outings, but they're playing for the fourth time in six days. They're 1-8 in their past nine in the fourth game of a 4-in-6 situation; their legs will be heavy and their fatigue will help Andersen stay hot. The Lightning are also just 11-23-1 in their past 35 trips to Hogtown.
CENTER
Ryan Johansen, NAS at DAL ($5,900): Johansen has picked up the pace after a bit of a scoring drought, posting two goals with six points over the past seven games. The Stars have allowed 3.15 goals per game, third-most in the NHL, which is a major reason they will be on the golf links once the postseason begins. There'll be plenty of opportunity here for Johansen to continue his run.
Eric Staal, MIN at COL ($6,800): Staal is performing at a point-per-game clip over the past nine outings, notching three goals with six assists. The Avalanche aren't performing as well, ranking dead last in the NHL with a goal differential of minus-109. Colorado also ranks 29th in high-danger save percentage, so the Wild should be able to roll up plenty of goals. Staal will be front and center in the offensive attack.
WING
Sebastian Aho, CAR vs. NYI ($5,400): The 19-year-old has taken Raleigh by storm, leading the team with 16 power-play points while ranking second in goals (23), power-play goals (five) and points (48). As such, you'd think he would have a much higher salary, but he's a mid-tier bargain instead. Over the past 10 games, Aho has three goals and five power-play assists, so he's showing no signs of pulling up near the finish line.
Jake Guentzel, PIT at NJD ($5,600): Guentzel is back from a concussion, and he's picked up right where he left off. He posted a goal and assist last time out against the Blue Jackets -- perhaps a preview of the first round of the playoffs. Guentzel skates on the top line alongside Sidney Crosby, and as long as he's a top-six forward at this low salary, he makes quite the bargain. He scored a goal on St. Patrick's Day in the most recent meeting with the Devils.
Jeff Skinner, CAR vs. NYI ($6,200): Skinner has been red hot lately, and his DFS salary should be much higher. He posted a pair of goals -- including a power-play marker -- and
an assist last time out in Minnesota, and he has 10 goals and 13 points over his past 10 outings. The only complaint is that he hasn't done enough on the power play lately, but considering that he's averaging 5.6 fantasy points per game over the past 10 contests, it's hard to dock him for his man-advantage failures.
DEFENSE
Torey Krug, BOS vs. OTT ($5,300): Krug is a must-have at this price point, as he has two power-play goals and three assists on the man advantage over the past 10 contests. While Zdeno Chara and other offensive weapons might be on the tips of the tongues of most casual hockey fans, Krug isn't as well known. However, he leads the team with 25 power-play points and should be in the lineup at this mid-tier salary.
Anton Stralman, TAM at TOR ($3,800): If you're searching for a low-cost option to fill out the final spot on your roster, look no further than Stralman. He's picked up three goals and five points over the past 10 games, and he also blocks his fair share of shots (17 during that span). It doesn't take much for the rearguard to exceed salary expectations, and he should be amped up to face his former team with a playoff berth on the line.
