This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
The NHL is hosting two afternoon games Monday. Both games are showdown formats on DraftKings, so this article focuses on the eight evening contests, starting at 7 p.m. EST with a matchup between the Jets and the Maple Leafs.
SLATE PREVIEW
There's plenty of offense in store for Monday night, as juggernauts such as the Maple Leafs, the Oilers and the Golden Knights will take the ice. We'll be targeting these teams, but we'll also dive deeper to find value for tournament DFS contests. Specifically, the Ducks have shown more than they've gotten credit for thus far, while injuries across the league are already opening up opportunities for new players to shine.
GOALIES
Carter Hart, PHI vs. BUF ($8,400): Many believe that Hart is a Vezina Trophy contender this season, and his first two games lent even more credence to those beliefs. The 22-year-old posted a .925 SV% in a two-game sweep of the Penguins. The Sabres scored five goals over two outings against the Capitals, and their offensive mediocrity dates back to last year when they averaged just 2.8 goals per game -- 21st in the league.
Jordan Binnington, STL, vs. SJ ($8,200): Binnington has an extensive history of bouncing back from poor performances, save for the playoff bubble. However, his early hook Friday night was attributed more to the defensive play than Binnington's shortcomings, and head coach Craig Berube will ensure the team is back on track. The Sharks fired a combined 69 shots on net over their first two games, so Binnington could be in store for a significant workload Monday.
John Gibson, ANH vs. MIN ($7,400): Gibson is one of the NHL's most talented goalies, but the surrounding cast often hampers his fantasy upside. However, the Ducks have shown some life through the first two games, and Gibson steered away 31 of 33 shots in Saturday's overtime loss to the Golden Knights. On the other hand, the Wild have relied on two straight third-period rallies to avoid consecutive losses to the Kings. Gibson can stymie such momentum swings.
VALUE PLAYS
J.T. Miller, VAN at CGY ($5,000): Miller cleared the NHL's COVID-19 protocols and will make his season debut Monday. Coming off a 27-goal, 72-point season, Miller is an established winger that still doesn't get the fame that teammates Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes command. Miller will have two practices under his belt at game time, so there shouldn't be any limitations to his performance.
Luke Kunin, NAS vs. CAR ($4,400): Kunin has a goal in each of his first two games with the Predators, firing six shots on net in the process. The 23-year-old is on an upward trajectory after posting a career-high 15 goals last year for the Wild. The Hurricanes' defense showed vulnerability this weekend, allowing four goals to the hapless Red Wings during Saturday's loss.
Phillip Danault, MON at EDM ($3,900): Danault combined for 100 points over the past two seasons, and he's centering the Habs' top line to start the year. The Quebec native doesn't contribute much in the form of blocked shots or even shots on net. Still, Oilers goalie Mikko Koskinen looked a bit shaky last game, so Danault's in an excellent position to capitalize with his playmaking ability.
Morgan Frost, PHI vs. BUF ($2,500): With Sean Couturier (ribs) out at least two weeks, Frost will get a shot in the top six. It's his job to lose essentially. The 21-year-old has posted seven points over 20 NHL games. While that's just modest production, he has a first-round pedigree and will be handed every opportunity to succeed, particularly on the top power play to start.
LINE STACKS
Golden Knights 
vs. Coyotes 
Chandler Stephenson (C - $4,000), Max Pacioretty (W - $7,500), Mark Stone (W - $7,000)
The Coyotes were a defensive juggernaut last year, but they've lost a step to start the year, letting up at least three goals in each of the first two games. Now, Oliver Ekman-Larsson (lower body) will be out Monday, putting more pressure on their goaltending tandem. That's a lot to ask of either netminder, especially against this unit, which rang up three goals and three helpers through the first two games.
Blues 
vs. Sharks
Robert Thomas (C - $3,200), Mike Hoffman ($4,200), Jaden Schwartz (W - $4,700)
Thomas flashed his playmaking ability in the season opener, setting up Oskar Sundqvist for two goals. That production didn't carry over when Hoffman made his Blues debut, but simply put, nothing went right for the Notes on Friday night. However, the Sharks' goaltending issues have carried over from last season, as they've given up eight goals over the first two contests. The Blues will look to take out their frustrations on them Monday.
Ducks 
vs. Wild 
Sam Steel (C - $3,300), Maxime Comtois (W - $3,800), Troy Terry (W - $2,700)
The third line has been the Ducks best unit through two games, specifically with Steel and Comtois combining for three goals, two assists and six shots on net. Steel is the speedy playmaker while Comtois adds physicality, and the trio is off most fantasy radars at this point. However, they get an intriguing matchup, as the Wild have given up at least 33 shots and three goals in each of their first two games, making them an intriguing tournament option.
DEFENSEMEN
Alex Pietrangelo, VGK vs. ARI ($6,700): Pietrangelo has hit the shot-blocking bonus in each of the first two games, totaling eight in that stretch. Much like he did in St. Louis, he's leading the Golden Knights in playing time, and he's quarterbacking the top power play. Pietrangelo is an excellent addition to the forward stack mentioned above, as Pacioretty and Stone operate on the same power play.
Jeff Petry, MON at EDM ($5,600): The 33-year-old looks like a Norris contender with a pair of goals and a pair of assists through the first two games, adding seven shots on net and five blocked shots. Petry isn't a secret at this point, as he has three straight seasons with at least 10 goals and 40 points, but perhaps he's still underrated. And this is an ideal matchup against the Oilers.
Neal Pionk, WPG at TOR ($4,700): The Maple Leafs are struggling defensively again, and their penalty kill hasn't been immune, allowing five goals on 13 opportunities. Pionk does most of his damage on the power play. Since entering the league, Pionk has posted 43 of his 86 points with the man advantage, and he'll look to take advantage of the situation Monday.
