DraftKings NHL: Saturday Picks

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Updated on December 30, 2017 9:20AM EST

GOALIE

Braden Holtby, WAS vs. NJD ($7,800): With a 13-4-0 record, .934 save percentage and 2.10 GAA at home, and New Jersey entering on the second leg of a back-to-back set, Holtby is a strong starting point for lineups. His salary is reasonable, and it would be surprising if Washington didn't take care of business against a division rival in a poor schedule spot. The biggest concern is Holtby will probably be a popular target.

CENTER

Anze Kopitar, LA at VAN ($7,300): With Vancouver sporting a 2-7-1 record while allowing 4.55 goals and 12.47 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes through its past 10 contests, this is an ideal matchup for Kopitar to snap out of an underwhelming seven-game stretch (one goal and one assist). Averaging 22:00 of ice time (2:55 on the power play) per contest is also encouraging.

Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. NJD ($6,000): Another high-end center in a mini-funk, Backstrom lands in a solid matchup to snap out of it. The Devils are on the second leg of a back-to-back set and lost 4-3 to Buffalo on Friday, so it's also a nice schedule spot for the Caps. Additionally, there's statistical correction ahead for Backstrom's 2.26 points per 60 minutes after posting a 3.45 mark last season.

WING

Max Pacioretty, MON at FLA ($6,500): With just a single goal and a 1.7 shooting percentage through his past 20 games, Pacioretty is a ripe buy-low candidate. He has five consecutive 30-goal showings, after all. The Panthers have also surrendered 3.18 goals per 60 minutes, and projected starter James Reimer sports a target-worthy .909 save percentage for the campaign.

Danton Heinen, BOS at OTT ($4,500): The 22-year-old forward has carved out an offensive role with the Bruins and enters this contest with five goals, 14 points and 24 shots through his past 12 games. The Senators are on the wrong end of a back-to-back set and have also surrendered 3.54 goals per game in December, so the matchup checks out, too.

Tage Thompson, STL vs. CAR ($3,000): A low-priced flier with upside, Thompson has logged over 15 minutes of ice time in a scoring role each of the past three games. The rookie scored his second goal of the campaign and recorded a season-high four shots Friday, so there's a chance things are about to click at the highest level for the promising youngster.

DEFENSE

Drew Doughty, LA at VAN ($5,900): Logging 27:03 of ice time per game with 3:11 on the man advantage, Doughty's huge role helps his fantasy floor, and he's also in the midst of a bounce-back campaign with 1.63 points per 60 minutes. As noted, this is a ripe matchup against the reeling Canucks, and Doughty also moves the needle in the shot and blocked shot columns.

Jeff Petry, MON at FLA ($4,500): With Shea Weber (foot) out of action, Petry has seen his minutes climb, including a move to the No. 1 power-play unit. As noted, this isn't a daunting matchup, and Petry has recorded a solid nine points, 28 shots and 26 blocked shots through his past 15 outings.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Neil Parker plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: naparker77, DraftKings: naparker77.