This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Anton Khudobin, BOS vs. BUF ($7,500): The Sabres enter on the wrong end of back-to-back games after losing 4-2 to Vancouver on Friday. Khudobin has won both his starts and owns a .928 save percentage and 2.16 GAA through his three appearances this season. This is a favorable schedule spot for the Bruins, and especially with Buffalo generating the second fewest high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (8.4) at five-on-five in the league.
CENTER
Steven Stamkos, TB vs. PIT ($7,400): The Penguins travel to Amalie Arena on the wrong end of back-to-back games and have allowed the seventh most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.8) at five-on-five in the league. Additionally, Pittsburgh will either turn to vulnerable backup Antti Niemi or start Matt Murray on consecutive nights. It all adds up to a great spot for Stamkos, who has marked the scoresheet in each game this season (two goals and 12 assists), including three straight multi-point showings.
Mathew Barzal, NYI vs. SJ ($3,700): The rookie has climbed the depth chart to center the second line and skate with the No. 2 power-play unit. With San Jose playing its second road game in consecutive nights, this is a favorable matchup in which to consider Barzal as a low-priced flier. It helps that the accomplished WHL scorer has found the scoresheet in consecutive games and has eight shots through his past three contests.
WING
Jonathan Huberdeau, FLA at WAS ($5,700): Expect Huberdeau to be scarcely owned Saturday, as this soft matchup will likely go unnoticed. The Capitals have surrendered the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (13.6) at five-on-five in the league, and Washington is also on the wrong end of a back-to-back set. While Huberdeau and the Cats are also playing their second game in consecutive nights, the winger is locked into a go-to role with an average of 20:12 of ice time per game (5:03 with the man advantage) and has three goals, six points and 23 shots through six games for the campaign.
Vladislav Namestnikov, TB vs. PIT ($5,100): A stack option alongside linemate Stamkos, Namestnikov is receiving top offensive minutes and thriving to the tune of three goals, eight points and 20 shots through eight games for the season. As noted, this is a great matchup for the Lightning, and Namestnikov's salary isn't prohibitive enough to shy away from grabbing a piece of the high-scoring trio.
Connor Brown, TOR at OTT ($4,300): There's an added tax on most Maple Leafs, as their monster start has pushed their salaries up a notch across the board. Brown stands as an affordable option, though. His ownership percentage will probably be low, and he is receiving power-play time. Brown has also scored in consecutive games since being promoted off the fourth line.
DEFENSE
Victor Hedman, TB vs. PIT ($5,700): Another option to line up against the Penguins, Hedman is off to a slow start (a goal and two assists through eight games), but his upside shouldn't be ignored. The power-play quarterback on the No. 1 unit recorded 2.2 points per 60 minutes last season, and it's only a matter of time before he notches his first multi-point effort of 2017-18. Additionally, he offers nice peripheral coverage and this is a tape-measuring matchup.
Keith Yandle, FLA at WAS ($4,500): As noted, this matchup will likely fly under the radar, and Yandle is locked into a go-to role for the Panthers. He's averaging 23:33 of ice time per game (4:33 on the power play) and has a respectable three points, 16 shots and eight blocked shots through six contests this season. The veteran offers a high-floor, high-ceiling combo at an affordable price.
