This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
There are just four games in the NHL on Wednesday, so it isn't a huge player pool. Here are a handful of recommendations to consider while assembling your FanDuel lineups.
GOALIE
Curtis McElhinney, TOR at CLM ($7,800): There's something to be said for having familiarity with opposing players' shooting arsenal, and typically there is more time and space in practice. So, not only is there a revenge narrative, but McElhinney has plenty of experience against the Columbus shooters and their release points after spending three-plus seasons with the club. The Blue Jackets have also gone 8-10-1 since their 16-game winning streak. While McElhinney is nothing more than a low-priced flier, there is upside here, and he does sport a .935 save percentage since joining Toronto.
CENTER
Claude Giroux, PHI at CGY ($7,300): A top-10 scorer over the past four seasons (87 goals and 267 points through 297 games), Giroux is in a ripe bounce-back spot Wednesday. With just two goals, three points and a 7.4 shooting percentage over his past 11 games -- including missing the scoresheet in four consecutive outings -- the Flyers' captain has positive offensive regression ahead. Calgary owns a 24th-ranked .900 team save percentage this season, too.
Patrik Berglund, STL at DET ($4,300): There's a good chance Berglund is a chalky play Wednesday. He's scored five goals through his past three games, including a hat trick last time out, after all. However, it's his promotion up the lineup that's most intriguing. Berglund is skating with the No. 1 power-play unit and in a top-six role. He's mainly been a bottom-six player for much of his career, but considering his first-round pedigree, past offensive success and new gig, the 27-year-old pivot's salary stands out as a solid value.
WING
Johnny Gaudreau, CGY vs. PHI ($7,300): With 108 points -- 42 goals -- through 105 career home games, Gaudreau has a long-standing offensive track record at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Flyers have allowed the fourth-most goals per 60 minutes (3.26) on the road, so this matchup also checks out for Gaudreau. He's registered just two multi-point games with a 3.8 shooting percentage through his past 20 contests, too, so an offensive outburst could be in the works.
William Nylander, TOR at CLM ($5,600): As noted, the Blue Jackets are sliding, and Nylander is just finding his offensive form. While his 2.64 points per 60 minutes this season are respectable, he's picked it up offensively with nine goals, nine assists and 62 shots through his past 24 outings. Columbus has also allowed the second-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.83) since its 16-game winning streak was snapped.
Mikkel Boedker, SAN vs. FLA ($3,900): Entering this season, Boedker owned an 11.3 shooting percentage during his career. He's now gone 16 games and 33 shots without a goal, lowering this year's shooting percentage to 7.3. Boedker is projected to continue skating on the second line and receiving power-play time with the second unit, so at this salary, chasing positive offensive regression is in play Wednesday. Florida has allowed 10 goals over its past two games, too.
DEFENSE
Brent Burns, SAN vs. FLA ($8,600): Currently tied for fourth in league scoring with 58 points, Burns is leaps and bounds ahead of the other defensemen in Wednesday's player pool. You have to open your wallet to start him, but his hefty salary might also keep his ownership in check. Burns' 0.85 goals, 2.25 points and 9.76 shots per 60 minutes over the past two seasons also pace all rearguards with at least 2,000 minutes. It's rare to find a defenseman with contest-winning upside, but Burns is it.
Shayne Gostisbehere, PHI at CGY ($4,500): Since his three-game trip to the press box, Gostisbehere has tallied an assist, five shots and five blocked shots while averaging 4:45 of power-play time the past two contests. The sophomore still owns a fifth-ranked 1.82 points per 60 minutes among all defensemen with 2,000 minutes the past two seasons, so his salary doesn't reflect his current form or offensive track record. Gostisbehere is a solid value option against a Calgary team with its share of woes in goal.
