This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
There are eight games in the NHL on Thursday, so we've got plenty of options. Here are a handful of selections across multiple price points to consider while assembling your DraftKings lineups.
GOALIE
Jaroslav Halak, NYI vs. CHI ($7,200): As a potential source of savings in net, Halak should be scarcely owned. He's allowed 10 goals over his past two outings, but the Islanders are 9-5-4 at home, which helps his case. Additionally, Chicago has scored just 17 goals over its past nine games. Thomas Greiss ($7,200) is the preferred option if he receives the starting nod, and at the same price, the No. 2 is an easy pivot. Greiss has won four of his past five starts with a .929 save percentage and a 2.16 GAA.
CENTER
John Tavares, NYI vs. CHI ($6,900): In past seasons, anytime Tavares fell below an $8,000 salary he was a go-to option, so he's worth a long look at this salary. After all, over the past four years, Tavares owns a third-ranked 2.89 points per 60 minutes among all skaters with at least 5,000 minutes played. While his production is slightly down this year, he still has an impressive nine goals, 22 points and 77 shots over his past 26 games, which presents a high fantasy floor.
Jaden Schwartz, STL vs. NJD ($6,300): Not only does Schwartz have an impressive 2.53 points per 60 minutes over the past three years, he's combined with Vladimir Tarasenko for 3.08 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five during the span. The duo is expected to be joined by Robby Fabbri, and those three should present matchup nightmares for New Jersey on Thursday. The Devils have allowed 3.14 goals per road game, after all.
WING
Jamie Benn, DAL vs. NYR ($7,200): Don't overlook Benn's 51 goals and 110 points through 96 games at the American Airlines Center over the past three years. He's expected to play with Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza, and that trio has been a dominant force over the past three years with 21.06 scoring chances per 60 minutes, ranking fifth among all lines with at least 750 minutes of shared ice. The Rangers could also be without top defender Ryan McDonagh (illness).
Rickard Rakell, ANA at BOS ($6,400): Projected to play top-line minutes with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, this is a nice schedule spot for Rakell. Boston is playing its third game in four nights and is on the wrong end of back-to-back contests after losing in overtime to Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Plus, among skaters with at least 300 minutes, Rakell's 3.11 points per 60 minutes rank 14th in the league.
Jason Zucker, MIN at NAS ($4,600): The 24-year-old winger has collected four goals, 10 points and 21 shots over his past 10 games. The torrid stretch aligns with a promotion into the top six, and Zucker owns a fourth-ranked 2.96 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five among skaters with at least 300 minutes this year.
DEFENSE
Kevin Shattenkirk, STL vs. NJD ($5,300): With a second-ranked 2.08 points per 60 minutes among defensemen with at least 200 minutes this season, Shattenkirk stands out as a supreme value Thursday. The Devils are allowing 3.12 goals per road game, and the 27-year-old blueliner has 13 points and 34 shots through 16 games at Scottrade Center this season.
John Klingberg, DAL vs. NYR ($4,500): Back with the No. 1 power-play unit and averaged 3:40 with the man advantage since his latest press-box stint, Klingberg stands out as a solid value Thursday. Even with this year's modest 14 points through 29 games, Klingberg boasts a fifth-ranked 1.75 points per 60 minutes among defensemen with at least 3,000 minutes over the past three years.
