DraftKings NHL: Saturday Picks

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Updated on December 9, 2017 10:41AM EST

GOALIE

Mike Smith, CGY vs. VAN ($7,300): The Flames snapped a three-game losing streak last time out, and a home game against Vancouver sets up nicely for Smith. The Canucks are generating just 9.74 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes on the road, so at this salary, Smith presents value after returning to form in a tough-luck, 28-save loss to Toronto on Wednesday.

CENTER

Nathan MacKinnon, COL at FLA ($6,600): This salary doesn't match MacKinnon's scorching hot stretch, as he's recorded nine goals and 18 points with nine multi-point showings while averaging 3.71 shots per contest through his past 17 games. There's nothing scary about the matchup, either. Florida has allowed the fourth most goals per 60 minutes in the league, and James Reimer sports a target-worthy .892 save percentage.

Pierre-Luc Dubois, CLM vs. ARI ($4,700): The emerging scorer has marked the scoresheet in five of his past six outings for two goals, five assists and 12 shots. Dubois' scoring uptick aligns with his assignment between Artemi Panarin and Josh Anderson, and the trio has clicked for 4.41 goals per 60 minutes. Additionally, the Coyotes have surrendered the most goals and fifth most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league.

WING

Taylor Hall, NJD at NYR ($7,000): With a high-end 3.34 points per 60 minutes and a favorable matchup, Hall is a strong lean. The Rangers have allowed the second most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, and Ondrej Pavelec will likely receive the starting nod. The veteran netminder owns an underwhelming .893 save percentage dating back to last season.

David Pastrnak, BOS vs. NYI ($6,900): Sporting a seven-game point streak with four goals, four assists and 23 shots, Pastrnak continues to affirm last season's breakout wasn't a fluke, and his 3.07 points per 60 minutes rank ninth among all skaters with at least 1,500 minutes since the beginning of the 2016-17campaign. Locked into a top offensive role, this is also a soft matchup as the Islanders have allowed 3.48 goals per 60 minutes on the road this season.

Joe Pavelski, SAN vs. OTT ($5,600): The Senators are reeling along in a 1-8-2 stretch with 3.60 goals and 12.69 high-danger scoring chances allowed per 60 minutes. It sets up perfectly for a statistical correction from Pavelski, as the veteran winger has scored just a single goal with a 2.7 shooting percentage through his past 15 contests. However, he does offer a respectable fantasy floor with a goal and five helpers over his latest eight outings.

DEFENSE

Drew Doughty, LA vs. CAR ($5,600): The veteran is currently producing at an impressive clip with 13 points, 28 shots and 13 blocked shots while averaging 26:40 of ice time (2:45 on the power play) through his past 12 contests. The Hurricanes have lost four straight road games and have allowed 3.21 goals per 60 minutes away from PNC Arena on the campaign, so the matchup also checks out.

Sami Vatanen, NJD at NYR ($3,900): As noted, this checks out as a favorable matchup for the Devils' offense, and Vatanen has logged 22:33 of ice time with 3:00 on the power-play per game since joining New Jersey. The 26-year-old defenseman has failed to mark the scoresheet through those four contests, so taking a low-priced flier on his services could be rewarding.

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.