This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
Goalie
Brian Elliott, PHI vs BUF ($7,800): Elliot has won his last four games and has looked good in doing so, allowing just seven goals over that span. The Sabres are 4-8-5 on the road and are averaging just 2.16 goals per game, which is the lowest mark in the NHL. Elliott is a streaky goalie and I feel good riding him in this matchup tonight.
Center
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS at BOS ($6,400): With Boston playing its second game in as many nights and likely starting its backup goaltender in Anton Khudobin, Backstrom is in a good spot to continue his productive play. He has six points in his last six games with two goals and four assists over that span. He's also had success in his career against the Bruins, racking up six goals and 29 assists in 32 games against them.
Brayden Point, TB at ARI ($5,800): The Coyotes haven't faired well against opposing centers in the last four weeks. Over this 13-game span, they've allowed 15 goals and 22 assists to the position. With the Lightning going as well as they are right now, leading the NHL with 3.73 goals per game and winners of five in a row, Point is in a prime spot to continue producing at a high level. Point has goals in four straight games and has amassed four goals and three assists in his last five.
Wing
Kyle Connor, WPG vs CHI ($4,600): Winnipeg has 12 goals in its last three games. Connor has points in back to back contests and three goals over his last five games. At home, he's been very productive with five goals and seven assists in 11 home games. Skating on the first line with Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler has been to Connor's benefit.
Reilly Smith, VGK vs PIT ($5,600): Vegas is 11-2-1 in its own building and have averaged 3.71 goals per game there. A major piece of their success is Reilly Smith, who has 14 points (four goals, ten assists) in 14 home games. He has three goals in his last five games and has a great matchup against the Penguins, who have allowed 21 goals and 7 assists to left wings.
Jesse Puljujarvi, EDM vs NSH ($4,600): Puljujarvi has played well since his recall from the AHL and has especially impressed over his last five games with three goals and two assists. He's still skating on Connor McDavid's line and with McDavid heating up that can only positively impact Puljujarvi. He's amassed 12 shots on goal over his last five games, and while his ice time isn't great, he's a skilled player that should benefit from facing a Predators team playing its second road game in as many nights.
Defense
Zach Werenski, CBJ vs NYI ($5,300): Werenski comes in scoring goals in two of his last five games with 22 shots on goal over that span. The Islanders are playing their second game in as many nights and have struggled with the defense position lately — over their last 13 games, they've allowed seven goals and 25 assists to blueliners, which is the fourth most in the league.
Victor Hedman, TB at AZ ($5,600): Hedman has struggled this year, which has depressed his price to a much affordable rate. That said, Hedman should be a popular play Thursday given his $5,600 price tag. He's always a threat with the man advantage for the Lightning, who own the top power play in the NHL. This seems like a perfect spot for Hedman to exceed his salary.
