DraftKings NHL: Monday Picks

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Updated on February 25, 2019 12:39PM EST

GOALIE

Semyon Varlamov, COL vs. FLA ($8,000): Two things that should scare the rest of the Central division: the Avs can win without stacking their top line and Varlamov is 3-0 with four goals allowed in his past three starts. The Panthers have scored six goals in two of their past four games, but this will be their first road game after a seven-game homestand. Pekka Rinne ($8,100) is also a solid value pick and Carey Price ($7,600) is worth the gamble.

CENTER

Auston Matthews, TOR vs. BUF ($7,800): The Leafs are coming off an impressive comeback win against the Habs after being down 3-0, and now host the rival Sabres. Matthews is on a three-game point streak with four points, and earlier this season against the Sabres scored two goals and an assist in a 4-3 win. The Sabres, even with Brandon Montour, still don't have the defensive depth to keep the Leafs off the board.

Jesperi Kotkaniemi, MON at NJ ($3,600): I like the value proposition for Kotkaniemi, who is one of the cheapest centers available relative to his talent. The Devils may have some confidence now with three wins in their past five, all of them thanks to Cory Schneider, but the Habs should be motivated after blowing a 3-0 lead to the rival Leafs. Kotkaniemi's minutes remain limited but the Devils' defense isn't particularly deep or stout.

WING

Mitch Marner, TOR vs. BUF ($6,700): We are going to pass on Nikita Kucherov ($7,700) because the premium is a tad much, $600 more than the next-highest winger. Marner has scored nine points in 10 career games against the Sabres, and the formidable Leafs offense came alive against the Habs.

Mikko Rantanen, COL vs. FLA ($6,600): Even without Nathan MacKinnon or Gabriel Landeskog, Rantanen has been humming along with a point in each of his past three games. It may no longer be an explosive offense, but it certainly is a balanced one. The Avs power play remains formidable, so they'll always have that working for them, and despite limited appearances against the Panthers, Rantanen has been very effective with four points in four games.

Andreas Johnsson, TOR vs. BUF ($4,400): That's now three goals in four games for the speedy rookie winger, and his seventh in 11 games this month. It's easy to see why Mike Babcock loves him; he's fast, tenacious on the forecheck and doesn't mind doing the things his more skilled linemates aren't interested in doing. He's played at least 15 minutes in each of his past three games, so we like the proposition here.

DEFENSE

Roman Josi, NSH vs. EDM ($6,500): The Preds captain has been incredible of late, scoring 22 points in 24 games with a plus-13 rating. It won't be difficult to continue his strong play against the directionless Oilers, who have won two straight but just three of their past 10. He has 11 points in 19 games in his career against them.

Victor Hedman, TB vs. LA ($6,000): We're sticking with the tried-and-true options and Hedman is one of the most reliable defenders in the league. He returned against the Sabres after a short-term injury and logged over 27 minutes, putting on four shots and blocking another two. The Kings have lost seven in a row, including a 6-1 beatdown at the hands of the Panthers and a loss to the lowly Canucks.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.