This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
The featured contests at DraftKings consist of the three evening games Sunday, which include the Kings playing their second contest in consecutive nights when they host the Oilers. A small player pool makes it more difficult to differentiate your lineups, so don't be afraid to be creative.
GOALIE
Pekka Rinne, NSH vs. ANA ($8,500): Spending up in goal is more of an option in shallow player pools, and Rinne lands in a slam-dunk matchup against the Ducks. Anaheim's 8.69 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five rank last in the league, while also owning the NHL's second worst Corsi For percentage at 44.2. It doesn't hurt that Rinne's been spectacular with a .944 save percentage and 1.66 GAA through 14 games this season.
CENTER
Ryan Johansen, NSH vs. ANA ($5,300): This is a soft matchup for the Preds, and Johansen's salary is manageable. He's averaged a hefty 19:48 of ice time per contest – including 3:36 with the man advantage – and collected a respectable 21 points through 23 games for the campaign, including two goals and 10 assists through 11 home games.
Anthony Cirelli, TB vs. NJ ($3,400): A low-priced flyer, Cirelli has proven to be a solid depth piece for the Bolts as both a driver of possession and a secondary scorer. He's combined with winger Alex Killorn for a respectable 3.25 goals per 60 minutes and 57.4 Corsi For percentage dating back to last season, and New Jersey's bottom six could struggle to match up against Cirelli.
WING
Taylor Hall, NJ at TB ($7,500): This is a decent salary for the surging winger and reigning Hart Trophy winner. Hall has scored and added a helper in consecutive games to improve to an elite 3.72 points per 60 minutes dating back to last season. It's obviously a tough matchup against Tampa Bay, but the Bolts are likely to start Louis Domingue and his target-worthy .901 save percentage – including a discouraging .888 mark against medium-danger scoring chances – through 10 games this season.
Drake Caggiula, EDM at LA ($5,000): Projected to continue skating with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl at even strength, Caggiula stands out as a strong value alongside Edmonton's two best players. The trio has connected for an impressive 4.81 goals and 58.2 Corsi For percentage per 60 minutes at five-on-five. And, as noted, Los Angeles is playing its second game in consecutive nights.
Jesse Puljujarvi, EDM at LA ($2,500): At minimum price, Puljujarvi is worth a long look, and especially if he's projected to see a top-six and power-play role. New bench boss Ken Hitchcock could look to see what he's got in the 20-year-old Finn, and Puljujarvi has flashed significant upside at each stop of his professional career.
DEFENSE
Victor Hedman, TB vs. NJ ($5,900): Since returning from injury, Hedman has collected two tallies, three helpers, 16 shots and eight blocked shots through seven contests while logging a healthy 23:05 of ice time with 3:12 on the man advantage. Considering he's recorded an elite 2.02 points per 60 minutes over the past three seasons, this salary stands as a modest discount for the proven Swede.
Mattias Ekholm, NSH vs. ANA ($4,500): Another stack candidate from the Preds, Ekholm is well on his way to a career-best offensive season with 1.6 points per 60 minutes. His value also jumps if P.K. Subban (upper body) is out again Sunday, as Ekholm's seen an increased role with the man advantage. Anaheim is also allowing the second most high-danger scoring chances per 60 while shorthanded.
