This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Roberto Luongo, FLA vs. TOR ($7,400): After collecting three of a possible four points in their last two games against Boston and Tampa Bay, this is a ripe letdown spot for the Maple Leafs. Toronto is also playing its second road game in consecutive nights and is still without No. 1 center Auston Matthews (shoulder). Luongo has won three of four starts with a .919 save percentage since returning from a lower-body injury, and this is also a manageable salary.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. OTT ($5,300): Now sporting a six-game point drought, this is a ripe matchup for Backstrom to breakout in. Ottawa has won just seven of 29 road games and allowed 3.33 goals and 12.91 high-danger scoring chances since its mid-November skid, and because of Backstrom's recent struggles, his price has dropped into profit territory.
Jeff Carter, LA at VGK ($4,900): The high-volume shooter proved his health with a goal and nine shots during Monday's overtime win against Vegas. Carter has slotted right back into his top-six spot and role on the No. 1 power-play unit, so he currently sports a nice injury discount after missing the majority of the first five months of the season. While Carter boasts a respectable floor, it's worth adding that this is more of a contrarian lean considering how well the Golden Knights have played on home ice.
WING
Alexander Radulov, DAL vs. CGY ($6,000): Even with 13 goals, 21 assists and a team-best 3.31 points per 60 minutes at home this season, there's potential for Radulov to fly slightly under the radar. He continues to skate with Jamie Benn in all situations, and the duo has combined for an impressive 4.78 goals per hour through 879:04 of shared ice time this season. It's also worth noting that Calgary is still without No. 1 goalie Mike Smith because of a lower-body injury.
Jake Guentzel, PIT vs. NJD ($5,000): The winger has collected five tallies, six helpers, 24 shots and four multi-point showings through his past 11 contests. It's been a boom-or-bust stretch, which makes Guentzel an upside candidate at his reasonable salary. He also skated with Sidney Crosby during Monday's practice, and Keith Kinkaid owns a target-worthy .900 save percentage this season.
Sam Bennett, CGY at DAL ($3,500): With Micheal Ferland nursing an undisclosed injury, Bennett has been skating atop the depth chart with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau at five-on-five. It's a cushy fantasy setup, as the duo has combined for a high-end 4.86 goals per 60 minutes this season. The matchup isn't ideal with Dallas allowing just 2.41 goals per hour at home this season, but Bennett's offers plenty of upside at his cost. It'll be important to confirm Calgary's lines before puck drop, though.
DEFENSE
John Carlson, WAS vs. OTT ($6,300): As noted, this is a cushy matchup for Washington, and Carlson enters in excellent form. He's collected four goals, six assists, 21 shots and 20 blocked shots through his past 11 contests, and his 1.88 points per 60 minutes for the season rank eighth among all regular blueliners.
Sami Vatanen, NJD at PIT ($4,400): This game has the potential to be high scoring, and the Penguins have been far from a defensive juggernaut this year with 2.91 goals and 11.96 high-danger scoring chances allowed per 60 minutes. Vatanen has been quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play of late, and he's collected eight assists through his past eight contests.
