This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
There are three games on the NHL schedule Sunday. A rematch of the 2015 Stanley Cup Finals between the Lightning and Blackhawks serves as the marquee matchup, and Buffalo is visiting Anaheim in hopes of following up a solid win over Los Angeles on Saturday. It's worth noting the matchup between the Flames and Rangers at Madison Square Garden features the only two teams not on the second leg of a back-to-back set.
GOALIE
Ryan Miller, ANA vs. BUF ($8,300): The veteran has posted high-end numbers since joining the Ducks. Not only does his .929 save percentage jump off the page, the mark improves to .935 at the Honda Center. The Sabres are an improving club, but the California swing is tough, and Buffalo is ripe for a letdown after topping the Kings 5-1 on Saturday. Just note there's a legitimate chance Miller will be a popular target.
CENTER
Mikael Backlund, CGY at NYR ($5,300): Held off the scoresheet Friday to snap a three-game point streak – that totalled one goal and three assists – look for Backlund to rebound against the Rangers. His price is reasonable, he logs 18:11 of ice time per contest with 2:19 on the man-advantage, while New York is allowing a healthy 13.35 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five.
Artem Anisimov, CHI vs. TB ($4,000): Continuing to center long-time linemates Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz, Anisimov will look to build on his recent offensive success after collecting a goal and two assists in his past three games. The Chicago second line has combined for an impressive 4.28 goals per 60 minutes over the past three seasons, and facing Tampa Bay backup Louis Domingue and his career .907 save percentage helps. Anisimov's price also boosts his case.
WING
Nikita Kucherov, TB at CHI ($6,800): After missing the scoresheet in consecutive games, last season's 100-point scorer has now collected a goal and four assists through his past four contests. Kucherov is locked into a top offensive role with an average of 4:12 of power-play time per outing to start the season, and Chicago is allowing the fourth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five in the league with 13.73.
Chris Kreider, NYR vs. CGY ($5,800): It's been a strong start to the campaign for the 27-year-old winger. Kreider has collected four goals, two assists and 22 shots while logging career-high minutes in all situations - 17:28 overall, with 3:26 on the man advantage. Calgary has also allowed the second-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five in the league with 14.51, so the matchup sets up nicely for Kreider and the Blueshirts.
J.T. Miller, TB at CHI ($3,700): Considering the second-year Bolt has 24 points – including 12 goals – through 25 games with Tampa Bay, it's surprising to see his price so low. Miller has been shuffled down to the fourth line at five-on-five of late but still logged 15:48 of ice time with 5:12 on the power play on Saturday against Minnesota, so he's far from being in a depth position. Additionally, there's always potential for a promotion up the lineup given he's spent most of his time with the Lightning in a top-six role.
DEFENSE
Victor Hedman, TB at CHI ($5,400): After posting a second-ranked 2.05 points per 60 minutes among all defensemen the past two seasons, Hedman has limped out of the gate with just a single goal and assist through six games. As a result, his price is discounted for the soft matchup against Chicago – although he'll likely be a popular selection Sunday.
Kevin Shattenkirk, NYR vs. CGY ($4,900): A true offensive defenseman, Shattenkirk comes in at a discount Sunday. Even with his injury-shortened 2017-18 campaign, the American boasts an elite 1.75 points per 60 minutes dating back to the 2016-17 season. He also quarterbacks the top power-play unit and is willing to block shots with 11 through six games.
