This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Tuukka Rask, BOS vs. VGK ($7,500) – The luster of Vegas is no more; after winning five straight, the Golden Knights lost in consecutive nights, allowing a total of 12 goals. The Bruins have also lost two straight, but one in overtime and another in a shootout, and Rask has posted a save percentage of .906 or better in his last three starts. It won't be pretty, but all Rask has to do is to outlast Maxime Lagace, who sports a .813 save percentage and 6.38 GAA.
CENTER
Steven Stamkos, TB vs. NYR ($7,900) – How can you not pick the league's leading scorer from the league's best team? After getting shut out by Anaheim, Stamkos responded with two goals and an assist against Tampa's in-state rival, and through 13 games, he has 24 points. The team hasn't been much help for the struggling Henrik Lundqvist and is winless on the road. The Rangers just don't have the depth or talent to really compete with the Lightning, and their 47 goals against is second worst in the conference.
Anze Kopitar, LA vs. TOR ($6,400) – He's riding a three-game point streak with eight shots on goal during that span, and finished with 14 points in 12 games for the month of October. Traditionally, November has been Kopitar's worst month, but the matchup is simply too good to pass up. There's little doubt right now that the Kings are the best team in the Pacific Division, and their stingy defense should be able handle a Leafs offense that hasn't scored more than three goals since Oct. 18 against Detroit. It's also worth noting that Kopitar is shooting the puck at a much higher rate this season at 2.5 shots per game, and the last time he eclipsed 200 in a season, he was one goal shy of 30 during a 70-point campaign.
WING
Artemi Panarin, CLS at FLA ($6,400) –The good news is that Panarin still managed to register 11 shots on goal even though he's been held without a point for three straight games, and the Panthers have allowed 14 goals in their past three. Asides from the Panthers' top line, the rest of the team has really struggled, and likely will have problems against the much more balanced Blue Jackets. Panarin's just too talented to go on an extended cold streak, and expected starter James Reimer was not very sharp in his previous start, allowing five goals on 19 shots before getting the hook.
Alexander Radulov, DAL at WPG ($5,900) – Connor Hellebuyck has been nearly unbeatable the past couple of games, but Radulov's working on a hot streak of his own with a three-game goal streak and seven points in his past four. The Stars' top line hasn't been as explosive on offense as many had predicted, but Radulov is also contributing in other ways, blocking five shots in his past three games. This talented Stars team will be difficult to keep off the scoresheet, and the Jets defense has allowed 34.2 shots per game, sixth worst in the league.
Andreas Athanasiou, DET at OTT ($4,700) – Athanasiou's line with Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha might be the most underrated line in hockey. Athanasiou and Mantha combined for 106 goals in 2013-14 in major junior, and since ending his contract holdout, Athanasiou's scored two points on 10 shots in three games. Despite Guy Boucher's insistence on clogging up the neutral zone, the Sens aren't always disciplined on defense, especially given Erik Karlsson's tendency to make big gambles on open ice. When that happens, Detroit's kid line will be able to pounce.
DEFENSE
Victor Hedman, TB vs. NYR ($6,100) – He's got four assists in his past four games, including two on the power play, and another six blocked shots to go with it. Playing one of the league's best offensive teams certainly has its benefits, and Hedman's the unquestioned No. 1 defenseman on the team, averaging more than 25 minutes per game. They recently just pumped eight goals past the Panthers, and the Rangers are in a similar boat with a struggling defense and goaltending. Despite registering two points in his previous game, Hedman's price tag comes at a slight discount compared to last time.
Ivan Provorov, PHI at STL ($5,300) – He notched an assist for all three Flyers goals in their overtime loss to Arizona, and fired seven shots on goal in Shayne Gostisbehere's absence. The Blues will present a much tougher challenge, but the logic remains the same: Provorov is the most dynamic defenseman the Flyers have in their lineup, and will continue to man the point on the power play. He's played over 27 minutes in each of his past two games in all situations. Provorov has become increasingly expensive in daily fantasy lineups, but at this price can still provide some value.
