This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Henrik Lundqvist, NYR vs. VGK ($7,400): The Golden Knights enter with a league-high 104.2 PDO while generating the ninth-fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes. Vegas' 47.6 Corsi For percentage also ranks seventh lowest in the league. The expansion club lost 6-3 to the Islanders on Monday and are likely in the beginning stages of a tailspin. After watching consecutive games from the bench, this is a ripe spot for a rebound showing for Lundqvist.
CENTER
Derek Stepan, ARI at DET ($5,000): The Red Wings are allowing the second most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (11.7) at five-on-five of teams in action, so Stepan's go-to offensive role and manageable salary make him a solid value. While the veteran center has missed the scoresheet in three straight games, he's recorded 11 shots while averaging 20:07 of ice time (3:56 on the power play). The offense is coming.
Dylan Larkin, DET vs. ARI ($4,900): After starting the year with a goal and eight helpers through eight games, Larkin has recorded just a single assist over his past four contests. However, he's been slotted into a more consistent scoring role with more minutes this year (19:18 per game with 2:22 on the power play) and is also centering an intriguing line with Anthony Mantha and Andreas Athanasiou. The trio is a serious matchup concern. It's worth noting that Arizona sports a league-worst 66.7 penalty-kill percentage.
WING
Patrik Laine, WPG at MIN ($7,300): Surprisingly, the Wild have been allowing a lot of high-danger scoring chances this season with 11.9 per 60 minutes at five-on-five. However, it wouldn't be shocking if Minnesota began to tighten up. Regardless, Laine projects favorably to snap an active three-game point drought. He should see softer matchups at even strength playing on the second line, and Laine remains locked into a shooter's role on the No. 1 power-play unit. The Wild have surrendered eight goals with the man advantage through just nine games, too.
Rick Nash, NYR vs. VGK ($5,300): The veteran is coming off his best game of the season (a goal and an assist), and he's passed the eye test of late. Nash projects to remain on the top line with Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller and also skate on the No. 1 power-play unit. As noted, statistical correction is ahead of the Golden Knights, and this is also Vegas' second road game in consecutive nights.
Max Domi, ARI at DET ($4,500): A nice stack option with center Derek Stepan, Domi has quietly recorded nine points and 38 shots while averaging a hefty 19:25 of ice time (3:42 with the man advantage) per game. The young winger's single tally explains the low salary, but his uptick in shot volume and unsustainably low 2.6 shooting percentage suggest the goals are coming.
DEFENSE
Dustin Byfuglien, WPG at MIN ($5,700): With just three games on the schedule, locking in a big-minute defenseman with a cross-category profile usually proves advantageous. Byfuglien has settled into a nice groove with five assists, 14 shots, nine blocked shots and an average of 24:03 of ice time (2:46 with the man advantage) through his past six contests. As noted, the Wild haven't been the same daunting matchup as in recent years, and Byfuglien is a staple on the top power-play unit.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI at DET ($4,300): The offense is slowing trickling in more consistently for Ekman-Larsson, as he's recorded a goal, six points and 23 shots while logging 24:29 of ice time (4:10 on the power play) through his past nine games. Considering his scoring track record, current form and role, this salary presents tremendous value.
