This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Craig Anderson, OTT at ANA ($7,800): This is a daunting schedule spot for the Ducks. Anaheim is playing its eighth game in 13 nights, and this will also be its third back-to-back set during that stretch. While Ottawa is in the midst of a disappointing 1-7-1 stretch, and Anderson's struggling (.895 save percentage and 3.06 GAA), this still checks out as a solid spot to take a chance on the veteran.
CENTER
Connor McDavid, EDM vs. PHI ($8,000): The Flyers snapped a 10-game losing streak last time out and have allowed the third most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league through their past eight contests. This matchup sets up nicely for McDavid and the Oil, as Edmonton has scored 18 goals through its past four games. With 11 goals, 21 assists and 3.31 points per 60 minutes, McDavid has continued to score at an elite level this season.
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. CHI ($5,400): This is a manageable cap hit for the established Swede. He's underachieved to his stage of the season but has still collected five assists through his past six contests and remains in a go-to offensive role. With Chicago allowing the fourth most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league, Backstrom presents value and upside.
WING
Brandon Saad, CHI at WAS ($5,200): With just four goals, six points and a 7.5 shooting percentage through his past 21 games, this is a buy-low spot for Saad. He's projected to skate on an intriguing line with Atrem Anisimov and Patrick Kane both at even strength and on the power play. Additionally, the Capitals have surrendered the third most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.43) in the league and remain a favorable matchup.
Connor Brown, TOR vs. CGY ($3,700): This is a breakout spot for Brown, as he's currently mired in an 11-game slump with just a single goal and assist during that stretch. Lining up with Auston Matthews and Zach Hyman is a familiar assignment for Brown, and the trio has combined for a respectable 3.51 goals per 60 minutes over the past two seasons. The 23-year-old winger doesn't need to do too much to return value on his salary, either.
Jesse Puljujarvi, EDM vs. PHI ($3,600): A strong stack candidate with linemate Connor McDavid, the Finnish winger scored twice last time out and has recorded 11 shots through his past two contests. The light-blub moment might have gone off for Puljujarvi, and it might be all up from here. If nothing else, he provides excellent cap relief without sacrificing upside.
DEFENSE
Erik Karlsson, OTT at ANA ($6,700): As noted this is a favorable schedule spot for Ottawa against the Ducks, and Anaheim has surrendered the most high-danger scoring chances in the league (13.47) per 60 minutes. Karlsson enters with a nine-game point drought despite logging 25:18 of ice time (4:42 on the power play) during that stretch, so he's ripe to snap the skid. After all, even with this recent offensive funk, Karlsson still paces all defensemen in points per 60 minutes (2.05) over the past three seasons.
Oscar Klefbom, EDM vs. PHI ($4,700): While it's been a disappointing season for Klefbom, his upside was on full display last time out. He has cross-category appeal, and right now, the Swede's salary opens up plenty of room to spend up elsewhere. His current 2.6 shooting percentage and 0.71 points per 60 minutes are well below the 6.0 and 1.24 marks he posted last season. Statistical correction is ahead.
