This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
Citing Ryan Johansen as a value was representative of the entire field last week, and his horrible week concluded with a press-box visit Thursday.
Hat tip, John Tortorella.
First, you relegate the organization's prized offseason acquisition to the fourth line, and now you're sitting out the franchise player as a healthy scratch just a few weeks later.
That 7-5 win over the Coyotes on Thursday must have been a real rewarding accomplishment.
Forwards
C: Sean Couturier, PHI ($3,300)
Now in his fifth season, the 23-year-old pivot is coming off his two best offensive seasons in the league, and Couturier has two goals and a helper with six shots over his past two games.
Line juggling has Jakub Voracek and Wayne Simmonds on either flank, which sets up well for Couturier to patch together a nice offensive run.
He's got a tough upcoming schedule after a cushy matchup against the Blue Jackets on Saturday, though. Philadelphia travels to St. Louis and then through the dreaded California swing. However, with the Ducks grounded and the Sharks lacking much bite, winning on the West Coast isn't as tough as it once was.
W: Phil Di Giuseppe, CAR ($2,800)
The 2012 second-round pick has landed with the big club and returned two goals and three helpers over his past four games with six shots on goal. The jump has been a smashing success for the Michigan product.
He's clicked with scorching-hot winger Jeff Skinner (nine goals over his past six games) and Victor Rask, and that trio is leading the way offensively for the Hurricanes of late.
Given Di Giuseppe's 28.6 shooting percentage, 115.7 PDO and unfavorable upcoming schedule, the winger cannot be viewed as a slam dunk. Still, the savings he presents opens up cap room to spend across the rest of your lineups.
Defensemen
Kris Russell, CGY ($4,500)
Over his three games since returning from injury, Russell has a goal and four assists with 12 blocked shots and five shots on goal. Add in the Flames' seven-game winning streak with an average of 3.86 goals per game, and the rearguard presents nice value at his current cap hit.
Russell's shot volume has been down this season (1.11 per game vs. 1.34 career average), but he continues to pace the league in blocked shots with 95 through 28 games. So whenever he lands on the scoresheet, his points pile on top of a nice floor.
He's skating alongside Dougie Hamilton at even strength and on the No. 2 power-play unit, and the two complement each other well. Russell's averaged 24:03 minutes per game during his current three-game point streak.
Goaltender
Matt Murray, PIT ($6,000)
The track record is elite in the lower levels, and Murray should outplay Jeff Zatkoff when given a chance. However, there is obviously risk here, given that Murray still hasn't started a game at the highest level, while the Penguins aren't providing significant offensive support – they're averaging just 2.23 goals per game for the season.
Murray currently sports a 12-4 record with a .938 save percentage and 1.84 GAA in the AHL this season, and he was even better last year (25-10-3, .941 and 1.58).
With a likely start Saturday against Carolina, Murray's plus athleticism and frame will make him an excellent budget play. While his stay with Pittsburgh will only last as long as Marc-Andre Fleury is out with a concussion, there could be a few nice opportunities to roll Murray out on DraftKings.
