This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
John Gibson, ANA vs. NYI ($8,300):Ryan Getzlaf returning for the Ducks is a huge boost, and Anaheim has gone 55-19-11 at home dating back to the 2014-15 campaign. Additionally, Gibson sports a .928 save percentage and 2.03 GAA at the Honda Center during his career. It all stacks up nicely for the Ducks' No. 1, and especially with the Islanders travelling across the country for the Wednesday tilt.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. PIT ($6,500): With consecutive multi-point showings and a manageable cap hit, Backstrom offers the high-floor, high-ceiling combo to be a lineup building block. Pittsburgh blanked Nashville last time out, but the Penguins surrendered 15 goals through their first two contests. For what it's worth, Backstrom recorded four goals, seven points and 14 shots through seven games against the Pens in the playoffs last spring.
Nico Hischier, NJD at TOR ($4,300): The rookie's affordable salary jumped off the page, and the Rotowire linup optimizer is also bullish on Hischier. He has moved the fantasy needle in both games this season, and the Maple Leafs haven't been a daunting matchup to being the season. It's also worth noting that Hischier has passed the eye test and driven possession with a 59.1 Corsi For percentage, albeit in a small sample.
WING
William Nylander, TOR vs. NJD ($5,900): The sophomore winger recorded a season-high five shots last time out and has been on the ice for a whopping 26.5 scoring chances per 60 minutes to start the season. Nylander's only posted three assists through the first three games of the year, so his salary is still reasonable.
Ondrej Kase, ANA vs. NYI ($4,400): The sophomore marked the scoresheet in consecutive games before sustaining a nose injury and playing just 3:32 of Monday's loss to Calgary. Kase projects to slot back into the lineup alongside Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry on the top line, so the 21-year-old winger is in position to succeed. As noted, this is also a strong matchup for the Ducks.
Andre Burakovsky, WAS vs. PIT ($4,300): An affordable stack option alongside Nicklas Backstrom, Burakovsky has collected an assist in consecutive games. The winger clicked with Backstrom in the playoffs last season, and Burakovsky has been on the ice for 24.4 scoring chances per 60 at five-on-five to start 2017-18.
DEFENSE
Drew Doughty, LA vs. CGY ($5,200): While the 27-year-old defenseman is pointless through the first two games of the season, he's recorded seven shots and six blocked shots while logging 24:55 of ice time per game (5:14 with the man advantage). Doughty's peripheral contributions provide a target-worthy foundation, and his go-to role puts him in plenty of offensive situations.
Brandon Montour, ANA vs. NYI ($3,300): As noted, this is projects to be a soft matchup for the Ducks, and Montour is expected to man the point on the No. 1 power-play unit Wednesday. He's an exceptional skater who posted excellent numbers in AHL (89 points through 104 games) and also flashed similar upside late last season and during the playoffs. He offers cap relief and upside.
