This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Jonathan Quick, LA vs. NJ ($7,500): Quick is about as low as I'd go before rolling the dice with a red-hot Roberto Luongo ($7,300) against a frightening Avalanche offense. With a 5-1 loss in their last game, the Devils continue their hellish slide and now sit last in the conference with just two wins in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, Quick has looked much better recently since retuning from injury, and the Kings have an advantage on home ice with line changes and the Devils' terrible road record.
CENTER
Sidney Crosby, PIT vs. NYI ($7,100): Crosby has scored 110 points in just 64 career games against the Islanders, including nine points in six games dating back to last season. He was held without a point last game and that doesn't happen very often, so take advantage of the slight dip in value knowing it's unlikely No. 87 will be shut out again.
Nick Schmaltz, ARI vs. WAS ($4,500): It's now five points in his last four games for Schmaltz. His ice time hasn't changed much, but he's playing on a stacked line with Clayton Keller and Alex Galchenyuk, which is the biggest selling point for picking Schmaltz. The Caps are tough, but the Coyotes seem to have found a little winning magic with Adin Hill in net.
WING
Max Pacioretty, VGK vs. CHI ($5,900): After scoring just twice in 10 games in October, Pacioretty scored 13 points in 13 games in November, shaking off any concerns the Knights might've had. Pacioretty did not play last game due to illness but is considered a game-time decision. If he suits up, he remains a valuable fantasy asset for his high-volume shooting and recent performance.
Brock Boeser, VAN vs. NSH ($5,700): He played over 22 minutes against Minnesota, his most since returning from a groin injury. His shots are looking snappier, his skating looks stronger and he continues to establish chemistry with Elias Pettersson. The power-play goals have been hard to come by, but they continue to generate chances and the Preds will be without P.K. Subban.
Andreas Athanasiou, DET at TOR ($5,500): Athanasiou has skated over 20 minutes in back-to-back games, and though both resulted in losses, it's been a great year for him individually. The 24-year-old is on pace for a 60-point season, which would double last year's total and cement his spot in the Red Wings' top six. He's a speedy high-volume shooter and will be playing a Leafs team that gives up a ton of shots.
DEFENSE
Mark Giordano, CGY vs. MIN ($6,100): The Wild under Bruce Boudreau allow an above-average number of shots from the blue line, particularly from their right side, which happens to be where the left-shooting Giordano patrols. Giordano doesn't come cheap but he tends to be a pretty safe pick given his point-every-other-game rate of production.
Keith Yandle, FLA vs. COL ($5,900): Yandle's got four power-play apples in his past four games, once again proving he's one of the league's most consistent producers. However, Yandle's never scored at this pace with 25 points in 26 games, and he's on pace to shatter his previous career high of 59. Because Yandle doesn't block many shots or find twine much, nearly all of his value is derived from passing the puck on the power play. It's a good thing, then, that Colorado has taken the fifth most penalties in league.
