This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
There are four games in DraftKings featured contests Sunday, and the first three tilts all have serious playoff implications. Additionally, Boston, Pittsburgh, Vegas and Los Angeles are all playing the second leg of a back-to-back set.
GOALIE
John Gibson, ANA vs. LA ($7,700): Through four starts since returning from injury, Gibson has surrendered two goals or fewer in three and is coming off a solid 35-save win against the Canadiens on Friday. It should prove to be a soft matchup, as Los Angeles has generated a league-low 7.82 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at five-on-five since Jan. 1. Additionally, the Kings have lost 13 of their past 14 contests and are playing a back-to-back set and for the third time in four nights.
CENTER
Sean Monahan, CGY vs. VGK ($6,100): This is a potential letdown spot for the Golden Knights, as Vegas has rolled off six consecutive wins but is also playing its second road game in consecutive nights. Additionally, Monahan has statistical correction ahead. The center has scored a single goal and owns a 4.2 shooting percentage through his past 12 games, with his salary dipping as a result.
Kevin Hayes, WPG at WAS ($4,900): It's been a hit-or-miss beginning to Hayes' tenure with the Jets. He's posted two multi-point showings consisting of two goals and three assists and missed the scoresheet entirely in his other three contests. His recent inconsistency has helped keep his price in check, and it should prove to be a solid matchup with Washington surrendering a healthy 13.19 high-danger scoring chances per hour this season.
WING
Johnny Gaudreau, CGY vs. VGK ($6,500): The pint-sized winger is in the midst of an uncharacteristically slow stretch with just five assists through his past eight contests. It's driven his salary down, and with Vegas playing on the second leg of a back-to-back set there's potential for Gaudreau to reward handsomely. Even with his recent struggles, he's sporting a high-end 3.67 points per 60 minutes this season.
Troy Terry, ANA vs. LA ($2,900): With consecutive three-point showings and a scoresheet appearance in three straight games, the rookie's a bargain with the Kings playing a back-to-back set. Terry has averaged 4:14 of power-play time during the scoring streak and recorded 41 points – including 16 goals – through 41 AHL games this season.
Lee Stempniak, BOS at PIT ($2,500): At minimum price and skating in an offensive role, Stempniak is worth a look Sunday. He was quiet through 7:46 of ice time in his season debut Saturday, but the veteran has scored double-digit goals 13 times and owns a 12.2 shooting percentage through 272 games over the past four seasons, so there's potential.
DEFENSE
Torey Krug, BOS at PIT ($5,700): The league leader in points per 60 minutes among defensemen over the past two seasons with 2.32 is a little underpriced, and Krug snapped a three-game scoreless stretch with two assists against the Sens on Saturday. Pittsburgh should also be turning the starting duties over to Casey DeSmith, and 27-year-old netminder has surrendered 14 goals through his past three starts.
Jacob Trouba, WPG at WAS ($5,000): As noted, the Capitals struggle to limit high-quality chances, and this is a manageable salary for a No. 1 defenseman on a high-scoring team. Trouba's also served as a well-rounded contributor with seven points, 13 shots, 14 blocks and an average of 3:47 of power-play time per contest through his past seven games.
