This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
With just one game in the NHL on Sunday, this article will cover the Sunday-Early Monday slate, which includes three games total. Let's take a peek at some of the best options for your lineup heading into this unique holiday contest…
Goalie
Tuukka Rask, BOS vs COL ($8,300): Rask was solid in his first start of the season, picking up a victory and stopping 26 of 29 shots against the Predators. He's priced well and in a good spot against Colorado at home, where he won 20 games last season with a save percentage of .916 and a GAA of 2.07.
Center
Mika Zibanejad, NYR vs MTL ($6,000): The Rangers have shown the ability to bury the puck in their first two games of the season, and Zibanajad has been in the middle of the scoring thus far. After a two-goal night in the season opener (both of which came on the power play), the first-line center continued to show a hot stick with another goal Saturday in Toronto. The Canadiens are playing their second road game in as many nights and will likely be starting their backup goaltender in this contest, making Zibanajad a solid play.
John Tavares, NYI vs STL ($7,800): Tavares is the highest-priced center on the slate and for good reason. In two games this season, Tavares has two goals, one of which came shorthanded, as well as one assist to go along with eight shots on goal. He's looked good with Anders Lee and newcomer Jordan Eberle, as well.
Wing
Max Pacioretty, MTL at NYR ($7,500): In 26 games against the Rangers, Pacioretty has scored eight goals and dished out nine assists for a total of 17 points while firing 66 shots on net. In two games thus far this season, Pacioretty has one goal and 11 shots on net and is primed to produce against a team that just just surrendered eight tallies Saturday.
David Pastrnak, BOS vs COL ($7,300): Pastrnak whistled a puck into the back of the net for a power-play goal in the Bruins' opener against the Predators and had a total of four shots on net. In a matchup against an Avalanche team that's lackluster defensively, Pastrnak should have plenty of opportunities to produce.
Mats Zuccarello, NYR vs MTL ($5,500): One of the more consistent Rangers over the last two-plus seasons, Zuccarello is off to a great start so far. In two games, he has one goal and three assists while averaging around 17 minutes of ice time. As a top-six forward and a skater on the Rangers' top power-play unit, Zuccarello is underpriced in this spot.
Defense
Kevin Shattenkirk, NYR vs MTL ($5.900): The Rangers' prized free-agent signing over the summer is making his presence felt on the offensive side of the puck. In two games, Shattenkirk has a goal, two assists, and five shots on goal. The Canadiens will be playing their second road game in as many nights after they were throttled last night in Washington, so this looks like a good spot for the Blueshirts' power-play quarterback.
Charlie McAvoy, BOS vs COL ($4,400): In McAvoy's first regular season game of his career, he notched a goal and an assist in 22 minutes of ice time. He saw time on the power play exceeding four minutes and is in a good matchup, as mentioned, against the Avalanche.
