This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
There are nine games on the docket in the NHL on Thursday. While the Islanders-Penguins and Lightning-Canadiens matchups will be intriguing contests, they might not yield the best fantasy results. On the flip side, look for Minnesota and Philadelphia to have strong showings against the Sabres and Coyotes, respectively. Here are some cheaper options to consider while filling out your lineups, with each skater priced below $5,000.
GOALIE
Devan Dubnyk, MIN at BUF ($7,700): The veteran has allowed four goals over his past three starts with a .957 save percentage, and since joining the Wild, Dubnyk boasts a 62-36-2 record with 11 shutouts, a .925 save percentage and a 2.12 GAA. He's a high-end option Thursday, and the price doesn't match the upside. It helps that the Jack Eichel-less Sabres have scored a 20th-ranked 2.8 goals per game to start the year.
CENTER
Sean Couturier, PHI vs. ARI ($4,500): The Flyers threw their lines in the blender last game, but Couturier has shown well with Jakub Voracek and Travis Konecny thus far, and the pivot is locked into a top-six role. Arizona has lost the first five games of its current six-game road trip, and the 'Yotes have allowed a league-high 4.33 goals per game to start the year.
Mathieu Perreault, WPG at DAL ($4,000): The veteran is centering the second line and is mired in a four-game point drought despite posting 10 shots while averaging 3:18 of power-play time during that stretch. For those looking for an against-the-grain flier, Perreault has upside in the plus matchup, as Dallas has allowed 3.0 goals and 31.8 shots per game to start the year.
WINGER
Mikkel Boedker, SAN vs. CLM ($4,400): While Boedker's been quiet to start the year, notching just a single goal and six shots on net through seven games, he's been promoted to the top line alongside Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. The streaky speedster is worth a long look now that he has such favorable linemates.
Travis Konecny, PHI vs. ARI ($4,200): At this salary and in this matchup, Konecny is as close to a lineup lock as you'll find on a nine-game night. The rookie has six points and 17 shots through seven games, which presents a nice fantasy floor. He's also starting 59.3 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, and the Coyotes have allowed more goals per game than any team to start 2016-17.
Andreas Athanasiou, DET at STL ($3,100): While the speedster doesn't receive the minutes you'd like, Athanasiou has three points over his past two games and could be earning his way into a bigger role. He owns oodles of talent and offensive ability, but he should be minimally owned Thursday, especially considering the matchup against Jake Allen and the Blues, so this is an against-the-grain pick that could pay dividends. There aren't many options with Athanasiou's upside in his price range, and the savings can help you fit an extra star into your lineup elsewhere.
DEFENSE
Michael Matheson, FLA at TOR ($3,700): With an average of 3:21 of power-play time over the past two games and four points -- two goals -- thus far, Matheson is a potential low-priced flier. Toronto has also lost four consecutive games, allowing 19 goals during that skid; new netminder Frederik Andersen is struggling mightily.
Mattias Ekholm, NAS at LOS ($3,700): Despite receiving a hefty 23:50 per night to start the year, Ekholm has a single assist, 10 shots on net and just seven blocked shots through five games. He's seen a price drop, but with his minutes up, the fantasy results should follow. This salary offers cap relief, and Ekholm presents admirable upside, considering he posted 35 points last year.
