This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
This week, a number of mid-priced players stand out as strong values until their prices catch up to their recent production.
Looking back, Frederik Andersen didn't capitalize on his favorable schedule last week, but the outlook still has upside over the next two weeks with the Hurricanes, Panthers, Flames and Coyotes upcoming.
Teuvo Teravainen, Alex Killorn, Leon Draisaitl, David Savard and Colin Miller all were able to chip in, though, and they're all still solid options to keep in mind going forward.
On to this week's names to remember.
Forwards
C: Matt Duchene, COL ($5,200)
With six goals, three assists and 24 shots over the past six games, Duchene's officially curbed his slow start. He has also been shifted from the middle to Nathan MacKinnon's flank with Gabriel Landeskog opposite him.
Head coach Patrick Roy lining up his three most skilled players has worked – Duchene has consecutive multi-point games, and the Avalanche have won both times.
There are some concerns, though. Trade rumors are circling around Duchene, Landeskog faces a potential suspension, and the upcoming schedule isn't favorable. Still, Duchene's cap hit screams value, and the accomplished scorer stands to stay hot.
W: Nikita Kucherov, TAM ($5,500)
Another slow starter, Kucherov has found a groove over his past seven games, registering at least one point in six of those outings. He's filled the stat sheet with three goals, five helpers and 28 shots while playing 18:15 per game during that stretch.
Most encouraging is Kucherov's uptick in shot volume, as he averaged exactly two shots per game through his first 11 showings of the season, but has since doubled that mark. Kucherov is locked into a top-line role and is a key cog on the No. 1 power-play unit.
Looking ahead, the upcoming schedule isn't dreamy, but Kucherov's 10.0 shooting percentage has room to grow. Combine that with his increased shot volume and Kucherov should prolong his run of productivity.
Defensemen
Kevin Shattenkirk, STL ($4,700)
The time he missed to a groin injury and the fact that he has just one assist through six games have Shattenkirk's price way down. He has been eased back through his three games since returning to the lineup, but finally played north of 20 minutes in his latest outing, including quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit.
Shattenkirk posted 44 points -- eight goals -- through 56 games last season with 25 power-play points. While there's no bonus for power-play tallies on DraftKings, his acumen with the man advantage is worth targeting at his cap hit, especially with the cushy upcoming schedule.
In particular, look to target Shattenkirk against the Blue Jackets and Sabres next week – the 26th- and 25th-ranked penalty-killing teams in the league. Shattenkirk is a top-tier offensive rearguard, and he is currently way underpriced.
Alex Goligoski, DAL ($4,300)
The Stars have a home-and-home series against Buffalo next week, which should project favorably for their scorching-hot offense. Goligoski enters the week with eight shots, six blocked shots and an average of 25:09 minutes of ice time through his past two games.
While Goligoski hasn't been a huge offensive contributor to start the season, the veteran has consecutive 30-assist, 150-block campaigns, making him a high-floor option with upside.
Goligoski is receiving power-play looks, and his current pace of 0.29 points per game is well below his three-year average of 0.50 entering the season. This is a player capable of providing separation from the pack, too, as he projects to fly under the radar.
Goaltender
Mike Condon, MON ($7,500)
The Canadiens have four games next week, including home dates with the Canucks, Coyotes and Islanders. Montreal has been dominant at home with a 7-0-1 record, and they own a plus-29 goal differential for the season.
Filling in admirably for Carey Price (lower body), Condon has yet to lose in regulation this season, and he has allowed two goals or fewer in seven of his eight starts, good for a .936 save percentage.
It all adds up to a few favorable spots to building your lineups around Condon, especially against the Coyotes and Canucks. The backstop has an affordable cap hit, and he has consistently passed the eye and stat check to start the season.
