This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
Christmas is a week away. Why not get yourself an early gift with some daily fantasy hockey success? Here are some players worth considering for Monday's five-game slate…
GOALIE
Boston Bruins, BOS vs. CLM ($15,900): In his last eight games, Tuukka Rask has a 1.72 GAA and a .938 save percentage. His teammates have only allowed 29.6 shots on net per game as well. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, are a middling 8-6-1 on the road, and they've averaged 2.79 goals per game.
CENTER
Rickard Rakell, ANA at NJD ($12,300): Rakell has been a little slow to find his footing since returning from injury, but he has two points in his last six games and 20 in 28 overall. He also has six power-play points, and he's averaged a career-high 2:58 per game with the extra man. The Devils have a team GAA of 2.94 and have allowed 33.3 shots on net per contest.
Joe Thornton, SAN at EDM ($9,000)): The veteran center has been enjoying a nice run of play, as he's notched six points in his last five games. That includes three power-play points, and so far he has 10 points with the extra man through 31 contests. That bodes well in this matchup, as the Oilers have the 30th-ranked penalty kill.
WING
Patric Hornqvist, PIT at COL ($12,500): In his last 11 games, Hornqvist has nine points and 37 shots on net. Overall he's notched 11 goals on 107 shots through 31 tilts. The Avalanche have a 3.31 team GAA and have allowed 32.1 shots on net per contest.
Tyler Toffoli, LOS at PHI ($11,200): Toffoli already has 15 goals through 34 games on 113 shots, including four goals with the extra man. He's been particularly hot recently, tallying five points and 14 shots on net in this last five games. The Flyers' overall defensive numbers are good, but they've really struggled on the penalty kill. Philly has the 29th-ranked penalty kill, so Toffoili could find some power-play success in this one.
Mikko Rantanen, COL vs. PIT ($8,900): Rantanen has started 58.5 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, which has him tied with linemate Nathan MacKinnon for most among Colorado's regular forwards. The 20-year-old has notched 27 points in 32 games, and he's been particularly potent on the power play. He's averaged 4:18 per game with the extra man, notching 13 points in that time. The Penguins have a team GAA of 3.15 and have a middling penalty kill.
DEFENSEMEN
Olli Maatta, PIT at COL ($7,400): Maatta may not be on the level of Kris Letang ($13,400), but the 23-year-old also won't break the bank like his teammate. He's notched 14 points, including three in his last seven tilts. Maatta has also put 73 shot on net and blocked 49 shots in 34 games. The Avalanche have a team GAA of 3.31 and save percentage of .897.
Tim Heed, SAN at EDM ($5,700): Heed has started a whopping 64.1 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, third most on the Sharks. He's also played 3:27 per game on the power play, notching four points with the extra man in 22 games. Cam Talbot may be back from injury, but he still has a 2.96 GAA and a .905 save percentage. Plus, the Oilers own the 30th-ranked penalty kill.
