DraftKings NHL: Thursday Picks

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Updated on December 28, 2017 1:09PM EST

GOALIE

Jacob Markstrom, VAN vs. CHI ($7,000) – Markstrom has been inconsistent this season, but he entered the Christmas break with a good 31-save effort against the Blues. Plus, Chicago no longer has the mental edge over Vancouver like they once did and will be starting Anton Forsberg on Thuesday. Markstrom is a risky play, but Vancouver should not be underestimated as many of their young players continue to play well.

CENTER

Auston Matthews, TOR at ARI ($7,900) – Matthews returns to his home state where he'll be looking to put on a show against Scott Wedgewood, who sports a terrible .903 save percentage and plays behind a defense that allows more than 32 shots per game.

Aleksander Barkov, FLA vs. PHI ($6,500) – The big Finn was shut out in his last game against Ottawa but managed six shots on goal, and in the game prior, he notched two assists against Minnesota. Philadelphia really only has one line, which means both Barkov and Vincent Trocheck ($6,700) are good picks. Scoring has not been the problem for Florida this season.

WING

Vladislav Namestnikov, TB vs. MON ($6,600) – Niemi's numbers for the Habs haven't been bad, but this is the league's most terrifying offense he'll be facing. Namestnikov has an assist in three straight games, and is by far the cheapest player on the Lightning's top line. The ideal scenario for Namestnikov is a blowout win where he can easily get points, but the worst case is a low-scoring game where his line is the difference maker.

Brock Boeser, VAN vs. CHI ($6,300) – Boeser has scored in three straight games while averaging 20 minutes of ice time in each. He has one of the best releases in the league already, and will be facing a goalie that's lost five straight games.

Clayton Keller, ARI vs. TOR ($5,200) – He fell into a scoring drought shortly before going on his current five-game tear, but that's the kind of season it's been for the youngster. Keller has 29 points in 38 games this season, and continues to be in the conversation for Calder Trophy voting.

DEFENSE

Brent Burns, SJ vs. CGY ($7,200) – After scoring just one goal and 11 points through the first two months of the season, Burns has scored five goals and 13 points in 11 games in December, and the Flames have hardly been impenetrable on defense. Both teams like to activate their defense on offense, which means Burns should get plenty of chances. Also, nearly all of Burns' points have come with the man advantage.

Shayne Gostisbehere, PHI at FLA ($5,600) – The sheen on Gostisbehere has worn off slightly, but in reality, he's been as productive as he's ever been. He has eight points in his last 11 games, and in five games against Florida he's scored four points. Ivan Provorov has taken away some of his minutes, but the Flyers haven't completely forgotten about him. Florida will likely start James Reimer, who has won three straight but is 3-4-3 in his career against Philly and sporting a .893 save percentage at home.

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