This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Curtis McElhinney, TOR vs. DET ($7,800): In most cases, starting a backup goalie on the second leg of a back-to-back set would be off limits. However, the Maple Leafs are a superior team to the Red Wings, and Toronto is coming off a strong defensive showing against Washington on Tuesday. McElhinney's salary is manageable, and head coach Mike Babcock will be eager to make it five straight wins against his former club.
CENTER
Jeff Carter, LA vs. MON ($5,900): The Canadiens surrendered five goals to the Sharks on Tuesday and have now allowed 3.67 per game this season. Additionally, Montreal may elect to start backup Al Montoya, which is an obvious boost for the Los Angeles attack. Carter is up to 13 shots without a goal, so look for Mr. Consistency to capitalize on a soft opponent. He's still locked into a top offensive role with an average of 4:04 of power-play time per game.
Paul Stastny, STL vs. CHI ($5,100): While the veteran center had his five-game point streak snapped last time out, Stastny still recorded three shots on net and remains atop the depth chart with Vladimir Tarasenko on his flank. Stastny and the Blues have been off since Saturday, and this will be just their second home game. It's a good spot with Chicago due for some negative regression. The Blackhawks' .941 team save percentage is unsustainable considering they're allowing the third-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league.
WING
Patrick Kane, CHI at STL ($7,500): The star scorer has registered just two assist and five shots through his past four games, but he should receive a boost with center Nick Schmaltz (upper body) expected to return to the lineup. St. Louis is dealing with a number of injuries and have allowed 12.5 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (eight most in the league), so it should prove to be a favorably matchup for the Hawks. Look for a bounce-back showing from No. 88.
William Nylander, TOR vs. DET ($6,100): The silky-smooth winger has been on the ice for a whopping 32 high-danger scoring chances through six games this season and has recorded just five points with a 5.0 shooting percentage. Nylander has shown excellent chemistry with Auston Matthews, as the duo is consistently generating dangerous opportunities. Count on statistical correction for Nyalnder against Detroit.
Artturi Lehkonen, MON at LA ($4,400): With an assist in consecutive games and a top-line role alongside Max Pacioretty and Jonathan Drouin, Lehknonen is a strong value option to pluck out of the shallow player pool. The 22-year-old Finn recorded an impressive 9.4 shots per 60 minutes last season, and Lehkonen has the skills to succeed in an offensive role.
DEFENSE
Duncan Keith, CHI at STL ($5,100): In shallow player pools, it's often advantageous to lock in a workhorse defenseman that offers a high fantasy floor. Keith stands out in that regard, but his salary is also affordable. The veteran has collected three helpers, 18 shots and 10 blocked shots through six games, and as noted, it's not a daunting matchup against St. Louis.
Jake Muzzin, LA vs. MON ($4,500): This salary is too low for Muzzin. As noted, he grabs a strong matchup against the Habs, and the 28-year-old defender sports a four-game point streak with 14 shots and seven blocked shots while averaging a hefty 23:37 of ice time (3:21 with the man advantage). He checks out as a strong lean.
