This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Jacob Markstrom, VAN vs. COL ($7,500): There were stretches last year when Markstrom looked like he could be a legit No. 1, and he's starting to look like it again winning two consecutive starts with just four goals allowed. With an injury to Anders Nilsson, Markstrom no longer has to worry about sharing the net, and it gives him a longer leash when he allows the odd bad goal. The Avs are playing back-to-back.
CENTER
Elias Pettersson, VAN vs. COL ($6,500): We'll find out more about Pettersson's ability when he shares the ice with early season MVP candidate Nathan MacKinnon, but my guess is that he's not far off. The Canucks are genuinely exciting when the puck is on Pettersson's stick, and after a 6-5 loss last night the Avs showed that their defense and inconsistent play is still a problem. Pettersson's role will continue to grow, especially with Brandon Sutter out with an injury.
Alex Galchenyuk, ARI vs. CAR ($5,600): He's on a three-game point streak with a goal and three assists, and since returning from injury seems to have established some good chemistry with Clayton Keller, by far the Coyotes' most gifted scorer. Galchenyuk's faceoffs and overall defensive play will probably be a problem, especially against the Hurricanes, but the Coyotes offense has come alive with 15 goals in four games. Coincidence? I think not!
WING
Clayton Keller, ARI vs. CAR ($6,000): Keller is a on a three-game point streak and faces a Hurricanes team that has come back down to earth after a hot start and lost two straight games. Defensively, the Hurricanes are still in the top half of the league, but the Coyotes offense has awoken from their slumber. Scott Darling will just be getting his second start of the season.
Jake Virtanen, VAN vs. COL ($3,600): He's scored three goals in his past three games, including an outstanding two-goal effort against the Blackhawks on Wednesday. He's got one of the best shots on the team and possesses devastating speed that can be a big problem for the Avs defense. His ice time is limited because Travis Green doesn't trust him all the time, but Virtanen should get at least 12-13 minutes and a couple shots per game.
Markus Granlund, VAN vs. COL ($3,400): He's a checking-line player by name only because he's been playing very well in his past two games, scoring two points and averaging over 17 minutes per game. He plays in all situations for Travis Green, and on the injury-riddled Canucks he's a boom-or-bust player due to his hot streak and an increase in quality opportunities. If he somehow ends up in the top-six, that's even more of a boon.
DEFENSE
Dougie Hamilton, CAR at ARI ($6,00): Stats nerds love him and traditional hockey guys who prefer dive bars over museums don't, but the raw numbers speak for themselves. He leads all Carolina defensemen in goals, points, shots and Corsi, consistently driving the play. Hamilton comes at a premium, but he's worth it even on Carolina's stacked blue line that operates by committee.
Tyson Barrie, COL at VAN ($5,500): Barrie has five points and 13 shots on goal in five games, quarterbacking one of the league's better power plays. That Canucks' penalty killing has been good so far, but their entire first unit is basically injured, and the Avs' speed may pose a problem for the defense. The B.C. native has 14 points in 19 games in his home province, and it's rare for a good team to lose back-to-back games.
