This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
There are nine games in the NHL on Saturday. At FanDuel, there are enough sound values to open the cap space to load up a few stars. Here are a handful of options across multiple price ranges to consider while assembling lineups.
GOALIE
Matt Murray, PIT vs. NJD ($9,000): The Devils are averaging just 2.4 goals per game and a league-low 17.0 scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five. Murray is 6-1 with a .945 save percentage and 1.58 GAA through his seven starts with two goals or fewer allowed in six of the outings. The price isn't high enough to fade Murray in the ripe matchup.
CENTER
Victor Rask, CAR at OTT ($6,100): While Rask has slowed a touch offensively with four goals and six points in his last eight games, he's also shown an uptick in shot volume (3.38 shots per game). The Sens allow the sixth-most scoring chances per 60 minutes (22.16) but just 2.5 goals per game. Rask's big minutes (19:08 per night) also make him a high-floor option.
Mikhail Grigorenko, COL vs. VAN ($3,300): Projected to go from the press box to the second line, Grigorenko is a low-priced flier for those willing to take on some risk. Grigorenko has combined with Carl Soderberg and Matt Duchene for 7.08 goals for per 60 minutes at five-on-five this year. Plus, Vancouver is on the wrong end of back-to-back road games and allowing a seventh-most 3.0 goals per game.
WING
Alex Ovechkin, WAS at TOR ($8,800): The Maple Leafs allow the third-most scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five (22.39), the fourth-most goals per game (3.25) and kill penalties at just 82 percent. Ovechkin averages 4.2 shots per game and offers contest-winning upside in a ripe matchup. Additionally, this salary isn't unmanageable. No. 8 in white is worth a long look as a lineup building block.
Mike Hoffman, OTT vs. CAR ($6,300): Heating up after missing two games with an undisclosed injury, Hoffman has a goal, four points and eight shots on net over his last two outings. Additionally, after posting a 3.55 goals for per 60 minutes the last two years, his 2.72 mark has positive regression ahead.
Andre Burakovsky, WAS at TOR ($4,300): Projected to play with countrymen Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov, Burakovsky is a strong value play. Toronto's defensive shortcomings have been noted, and Burakovsky helps mitigate some of Ovechkin's salary. Plus, the trio has combined for a solid 4.62 goals for per 60 minutes at five-on-five the last three years.
DEFENSE
Erik Karlsson, OTT vs. CAR ($7,300): A little quiet on offense lately with just six points in his last nine games, Karlsson's salary has dipped into value territory. The production is still impressive for a defenseman, and he's also registered 20 shots on net and blocked 31 shots during the nine-game stretch. Next to his average ice time (28:00 with 3:39 of power-play time), there is a lot to like about the star scorer, considering his discounted salary.
Ian Cole, PIT vs. NJD ($3,400): All it will take is combination of a few shots on net and blocked shots and Cole returns value as a source of cap relief. He's registered 22 shots and 45 blocks with four points through 21 games, but he's also posted a solid 53.8 Corsi for percentage and is beginning 52.2 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone. Cole is an off-the-grid option with a decent floor.
