This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
The World Series doesn't begin until Tuesday, and a Texans-Broncos Monday Night Football game isn't the most inspiring matchup. However, the NHL will not be taking advantage of that, because they have only two games on the schedule. At least two of those teams are Canadian, so our neighbors to the north should be pretty happy. Not a lot to choose from, obviously, but here are some value options to consider.
GOALIE
Carey Price, MON vs. PHI ($8,300): Only four teams are playing, so just keep it simple and go with arguably the best goalie in the NHL. It's not a terrible matchup, either. If Price doesn't end up getting the start for whatever reason, then go with Al Montoya in his stead.
CENTER
Mikael Backlund, CGY at CHI ($4,100): The Blackhawks have let up 22 goals this season, with their main issue being the penalty kill. They'll get better shorthanded – they have to – but for now rostering players who are going up against Chicago isn't a bad plan. Backlund doesn't have a goal yet, but he has four assists, and he's been playing almost three minutes a night on the power play.
WING
Artemi Panarin, CHI vs. CGY ($6,800): Chicago may be having issues with goal prevention, but they can't hold a candle to the Flames. Calgary has let in 27 goals in six games, and their goaltending has been a major issue. Panarin has five points, which is fine, but he's also the reigning Calder winner and this is a great matchup.
Brendan Gallagher, MON vs. PHI ($6,600): With so few players taking the ice Monday, the pickings get slim quickly. Gallagher plays on Montreal's top line and he's managed five points, and 18 shots on goal, thus far, despite the fact that he hasn't tallied any power play points or played more than three minutes a night with the extra man. Maybe this will be the night.
Troy Brouwer, CGY at CHI ($4,600): Brouwer, in his first season with Calgary, has four points (three goals, one assist) so far. The Flames have given him a big role, as he's playing more than four minutes a night on the power play, and he plays a lot shorthanded as well. He's a good player with a great opportunity at a reasonable price.
DEFENSEMEN
Brian Campbell, CHI vs. CGY ($3,700): Campbell is 37 now, and he's not the player he used to be. However, while his overall ice time is down with the Blackhawks, he's still playing over two minutes a night on the power play. He's tallied four assists and nine shots on goal so far. For the low price of $3,700, Campbell could be a real value play Monday.
Dennis Wideman, CGY at CHI ($4,000): A week ago it seemed like Wideman wouldn't be having much of a season, sitting out three games as a healthy scratch. Since he's started playing though, he's notched three points in three games. He's taken 10 shots on goal, played over 20 minutes a night, and perhaps mostly importantly, he's averaged 2:54 on the power play. That makes him very intriguing in this matchup.
