This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Tristan Jarry, PIT vs. CGY ($7,700) – The Pens are likely going with Jarry, who allowed just two goals against the Islanders in a win Saturday. There's a history of backup goaltenders getting hot and usurping starters in Pittsburgh, and the former second-round pick is certainly capable of doing that. He has a slight statistical edge over Casey DeSmith, and even though the Flames offense has some firepower, they've also scored just three goals in their past three games, and the expected return of Micheal Ferland won't give them that much of a boost.
CENTER
Mathew Barzal, NYI at VAN ($6,400) – The Canucks defense is in a state of flux as they move toward the future, but one thing that has been consistent this season is their inability to contain the opposition's speed. Barzal is arguably the fastest forward in the league not named Connor McDavid, and his ability to breeze by defenses should be on full display. Goaltending has not been a strong suit for the Canucks either this season, and Barzal is the type of player who can score in bunches; he's notched three five-point games already this season. He's also played over 20 minutes in each of his past two games.
Derick Brassard, PIT vs. CGY ($5,200) – After being held without a point in his Penguins debut Brassard seems to have found a groove, notching an assist in his second game and a goal against the Islanders on Saturday. He's buried behind two much more capable scorers, but their presence also allows Brassard to face easier matchups, and he's no slouch either when it comes to scoring, either. David Rittich has allowed 11 goals in his past two starts and Jon Gillies has lost two straight games and has just seven games of NHL experience, so either matchup should be a boon for the Penguins.
WING
Jamie Benn, DAL vs. OTT ($6,800) – He averages almost a point per game on home ice, giving him a good chance to extend his scoring streak to five games. He scored a goal and an assist against the Blues on Saturday and has also registered 20 shots in his past four games, a big reason why the Stars' top line is on a roll. The Senators, however, continue to struggle and Craig Anderson has not been sharp recently, allowing 18 goals in his past four games in what is shaping up to be a career-worst year.
Clayton Keller, ARI at EDM ($6,200) – He's notched an assist in back-to-back games and Cam Talbot has lost three straight decisions. The Oilers defense blocks a lot of shots, but they also allow a lot of chances, and the Coyotes are finally playing like a respectable hockey team with seven wins in their past 10 games. Talbot has been allowing some weak goals all season and Keller averages over two shots per game, and considering the Coyotes offense runs through Keller, he's very likely to pick up a point or two.
Brendan Leipsic, VAN vs. NYI ($3,200) – He's shifty and good with his hands, and he's also seemed to lock down the left wing spot on the top line opposite Brock Boeser. He had a sparkling Canucks debut with two assists Wednesday against the Rangers and played over 18 minutes with two shots on goal Friday against the Predators. The Islanders defense and goaltending rank among the league's worst, so there's a chance it'll be a high-scoring affair between the two teams. Leipsic is battling for a roster spot next season and he's shining in his audition so far. He's a high-reward play and someone who's making the most of his opportunities so far.
DEFENSE
Erik Karlsson, OTT at DAL ($5,900) – John Klingberg briefly flirted with the title of best Swedish defenseman, but that title still belongs to Karlsson, who comes at a slight discount to Klingberg even though he's outscored him five to one in points over their past four games. The Stars have allowed the fourth-fewest goals in the league, which is kind of surprising considering Ben Bishop's stats are rather mediocre and actually slightly worse than Kari Lehtonen's. The Senators retained most of their key scorers at the trade deadline but still managed to score only eight goals in their past three games.
Oscar Klefbom, EDM vs. ARI ($5,700) – He was a standout Saturday against the Rangers with four shots and five blocked shots, and came within inches of scoring a goal after his slapper from the blue line hit the crossbar. The Oilers are struggling, but through no fault of Klefbom's, who continues to be one of their most reliable defensemen. The Coyotes are on a roll and managed to shut out the Oilers on Feb. 17, but with Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins all in the lineup, Klefbom has plenty of weapons up front to provide him with support.
