This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Frederik Andersen, TOR at ANA ($7,200): The Ducks are a pedestrian 2-2-1 without Ryan Getzlaf this season, and while Anaheim will still dress a respectable collection of talent, this is a favorable spot for Andersen and the Maple Leafs. There is absolutely nothing special about the netminder's .896 save percentage and 3.46 GAA, but he is coming off a 36-save loss and has some added motivation playing against his former club. Toronto has also lost four of its past five, so curbing the mini funk now with a solid showing will be important to the club.
CENTER
Auston Matthews, TOR at ANA ($7,700): With nine goals, 16 points and 37 shots through 12 games, Matthews is affirming himself as an elite scorer. The Ducks are missing their top two centers (Ryan Getzalf and Ryan Kesler), and head coach Mike Babcock should be able to find plenty of soft in-game matchups for his star center. It's a top-heavy center pool Wednesday, but Matthew's salary is easily slotted into lineups. Additionally, he's been on the ice for 21.4 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five this season, second to only linemate William Nylander's 21.7 mark.
Joe Thornton, SAN vs. NAS ($4,400): The veteran has quietly collected two goals and seven points through his past seven contests. He continues to skate in a top offensive role with an average of 17:55 of ice time (4:00 on the power play) per game, and Thornton offers nice cap relief at this price. Nashville isn't a soft opponent by any means, but the Preds have lost three of four and allowed 15 goals during that stretch.
WING
Claude Giroux, PHI at CHI ($6,800): The move to the wing has rejuvenated Giroux's offensive game, as the Philly captain has collected six goals, 14 points and 24 shots while logging 19:11 of ice time (3:27 with the man advantage) through 12 contests. The Chicago is a target-worthy opponent, too. The Blackhawks have surrendered the second-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.9) in the league and own the fifth-highest expected goals against (25.2) at five-on-five.
Patrick Maroon, EDM vs. PIT ($4,700): The Penguins are allowing the third-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.6) and expected goals against (27.8) at five-on-five this season, so this sets up as a solid matchup for the Oilers. Maroon checks out as a nice value and has recorded five points -- four goals -- and 13 shots through his past five games while logging top-line minutes alongside Connor McDavid.
Brock Boeser, VAN vs. NJD (TBD): The rookie missed Monday's contest with a foot injury, but was expected to return to the lineup to face the Devils. Boeser has collected an impressive two goals, seven helpers and 23 shots through eight games this season, and he's also averaged a hefty 3:19 of power-play time per contest. Additionally, because of his questionable status, there is a good chance Boeser carries a low ownership percentage.
DEFENSE
Oscar Klefbom, EDM vs. PIT ($5,300): As noted, this matchup projects favorably for the Oilers, and Klefbom is their top offensive defenseman. He's recorded 34 shots and 27 blocked shots while logging 24:37 of ice time (3:50 on the power play) but has just two assists. The Oilers as a whole are struggling to score, but there is too much talent on the roster for the offensive outburst to be prolonged much longer. Additionally, Klefbom's peripheral contributions provide a high fantasy floor.
Ivan Provorov, PHI at CHI ($5,200): With Shayne Gostisbehere nursing an upper-body injury, Provorov slides into the role of power-play quarterback of the top unit. The 20-year-old Russian has also posted elite numbers through his past three outings with a goal, five points, 16 shots and eight blocked shots. As noted, this is a solid matchup against Chicago, too.
