This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Jacob Markstrom, VAN vs. NYR ($7,800): This is a reasonable salary to target Markstrom in this soft matchup. The Rangers have scored a league-low 1.85 goals per game since the All-Star break and own the second worst Corsi For percentage at five-on-five (45.99) on the road for the season. The Swedish netminder also enters with a solid .920 save percentage through his past 12 outings.
CENTER
Steven Stamkos, TB vs. BUF ($7,500): The Sabres are allowing 3.31 goals per road game this season, so this sets up nicely for Stamkos. He's recorded seven goals, 10 assists and 40 shots through his past 16 contests, and his 3.58 points per 60 minutes rank eighth among all NHL regulars. There's enough value at other positions to open your wallet at center, too.
Jonathan Drouin, MON vs. NYI ($4,700): Projected to center the top line and skate with the No. 1 power-play unit, Drouin is positioned to succeed. The Islanders have surrendered the third most goals (3.49) and most high-danger scoring chances (14.78) per 60 minutes since the calendar flipped to 2018, so the first-year Canadien's salary also presents plenty of value.
WING
Anders Lee, NYI at MON ($5,400): With just three tallies, three helpers and a 6.4 shooting percentage through his past 15 games, Lee's salary has plummeted into profit territory. However, he still sports an elite 1.65 goals per 60 minutes for the campaign, and there's positive regression ahead of his recent shooting percentage. It's also worth noting that Montreal starter Antti Niemi owns an .899 save percentage and 3.03 GAA through his past 100 games.
Jaden Schwartz, STL vs. DET ($5,300): Considering he's scoring at a point-per-game pace and receiving top offensive minutes, this salary looks short. Additionally, this is a rebound spot for the Blues after being embarrassed 8-3 by the Wild on Tuesday, and the Red Wings also surrender a healthy 12.06 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes on the road this year.
Sam Gagner, VAN vs. NYR ($2,800): The veteran is projected to skate with Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi in a top-six role and continue receiving power-play time, so at this salary, he's worth a look as a potential source of cap relief. The Rangers have surrendered the most goals per 60 minutes (3.73) in the league since the beginning of January, too.
DEFENSE
Jeff Petry, MON vs. NYI ($5,700): Climbing to the top of the depth chart has been a huge boon to Petry's fantasy value. He's collected six goals, six assists, 42 shots and 43 blocked shots through his past 15 contests, and as noted, this is a cushy matchup against the Islanders. It's also worth noting that Petry's averaged a hefty 25:22 of ice time (3:40 with the man advantage) during that 15-game stretch.
Mark Giordano, CGY at COL ($5,100): The RotoWire NHL Lineup Optimizer is bullish on Giordano, and the defenseman has also marked the scoresheet in six of his past eight games for a goal and six assists. He's averaged 25:16 of ice time (4:48 with the man advantage) and recorded 22 shots and 18 blocked shots during his recent eight-game surge, so Giordano checks out as a high-floor, high-ceiling target.
