This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Brian Elliott, PHI at NYR ($7,300): Despite allowing 10 goals through his past three starts, Elliott's left victorious in each. Additionally, he's been a far superior netminder on the road with a .921 save percentage and 2.58 GAA, compared to .896 and 2.92 marks at Wells Fargo Center. The real draws here remain Elliott's salary and the reeling Rangers' offense, as New York has scored just 1.73 goals per 60 minutes through its past 10 contests.
CENTER
Mathew Barzal, NYI vs. NJD ($6,100): The Devils have lost six straight and allowed 26 goals during the skid. This could prove to be a bounce-back spot for New Jersey with the Islanders playing their second game in consecutive nights. However, it's tough to argue with Brazal at this salary. He's sporting an elite 3.64 points per 60 minutes, and these two teams just faced off in a high-scoring 5-4 win for New York on Jan. 7. Barzal also has 10 points -- three goals -- through his past three games.
Joe Thornton, SAN at ARI ($5,000): The Sharks fought back for a 6-5 overtime win against Arizona on Saturday, and Thornton posted a three-point night. He followed up the performance with a goal in Monday's 4-1 win over Los Angeles and presents value at this salary. The Coyotes are allowing the second most goals (3.45) and high-danger scoring chances (12.05) per hour in the league, too.
WING
Alexander Radulov, DAL at DET ($6,200): Scorching hot, the Russian winger has recorded five tallies and six helpers through his past seven games. Radulov is also lining up with Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin again in all situations, and the trio have scored 5.25 goals per 60 minutes for the campaign. There's nothing scary about matching up against the inconsistent Red Wings, either.
Reilly Smith, VGK at NAS ($5,300): The Golden Knights haven't been as strong on the road, and Nashville is a dominant at Bridestone Arena (13-4-2), so this is likely more of a contrarian option. Still, with five goals and 10 assists through his past 14 games and a consistent scoring role, Smith's a strong option at this salary.
Jesper Bratt, NJD at NYI ($4,800): As noted, this is a slump-busting matchup for the Devils, as the Islanders are allowing the most goals (3.57) and fourth most high-danger scoring chances (12.5) per 60 minutes in the league. Bratt enters with a goal and two assists through his past four contests and a respectable 2.42 points per 60 minutes for the year. Additionally, he's projected to skate on the No. 1 line with Nico Hischier and Taylor Hall.
DEFENSE
Brent Burns, SAN at ARI ($7,200): Unless his salary is too prohibitive or he slows down, Burns is a strong lean game in, game out. He's currently producing offensive numbers in line with the best scorers in the league from the blue line with six goals, 21 points and 81 shots through his past 16 contests, after all. Additionally, this is a juicy matchup against Arizona, and Burns collected three helpers and six shots against the Coyotes on Saturday.
Nick Leddy, NYI vs. NJD ($5,400): While the American blueliner has missed the scoresheet in eight of his past nine outings, he still owns a respectable 1.64 points per 60 minutes for the campaign. Leddy is locked into an offensive role with an average of 3:31 of power-play time per contest, and as noted, the Devils are struggling to win games and prevent goals of late. Look for statistical correction from Leddy in the soft matchup.
