This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Sergei Bobrovsky, CLS vs. COL ($7,900) – Bobrovsky missed Tuesday's game due to illness but he's expected to start against the Avalanche, who have won just four of their past 10 and have just 12 wins on the road, the second-worst total in the conference. The key to the Avs' success is Nathan MacKinnon, who has one of the most lopsided home-road splits in the league with just 21 of his 76 points coming on the road. The Avs are a one-line team, and if Seth Jones and the Jackets can shut down their top line, Bobrovsky should have an easy win. If Bobrovsky can't go, Jonathan Quick ($8,000) is also an option.
CENTER
Connor McDavid, EDM vs. NYI ($8,100) – He's dragging the Oilers' offense with nine points in his past five games even though the team's sitting in lottery position yet again — but it won't matter against the Islanders. Both teams' playoff chances have evaporated, but with 241 goals allowed, the Islanders are easily the league's worst defensive team. They don't have any standout two-way forwards, their defense has been in shambles all season and they haven't had good goaltending in years. McDavid has 26 points in his past 17 games and has feasted on Metro Division opponents with 18 points in 13 games this season.
Jeff Carter, LA vs. WAS ($6,300) – His salary has increased for the fourth straight game since returning from injury, and this may be the last chance before he gets priced in the same tier as the elite centers. His three-game goal streak was snapped against the Blackhawks, but the Kings are coming off a four-day break and playing a Capitals team that has struggled on the road. Braden Holtby has just one win in his past eight starts and is having the worst season of his career.
WING
Evander Kane, SJ vs. STL ($6,900) – He's been excellent for the Sharks so far with five points in three games. The sample size is small, but he's playing on a better team with better linemates. His willingness to shoot is a welcome addition to a team that has just one other player (Logan Couture) with more than 20 goals, and the Sharks play a pretty fast game that caters to him. Expected starter Jake Allen has lost four straight decisions and has taken a step back this season with an .877 save percentage since the All-Star Game.
Rick Nash, BOS vs. PHI ($6,600) – Nash has been held without a point in back-to-back games, but he's also averaging nearly five shots per game with his new team, which is almost two more than with the Rangers. The Flyers will likely match Ivan Provorov with Brad Marchand's line, which means Nash will draw either Andrew MacDonald or Radko Gudas in a matchup he should have no problems with.
Sam Reinhart, BUF at OTT ($5,600) – Something's clicked for Reinhart recently because he's scored 25 points in his past 28 games, which is undoubtedly the best stretch of hockey he's played this season. He continues to be effective even with Jack Eichel out of the lineup and remains a fixture on the top line with Ryan O'Reilly. The Sabres are generally terrible at scoring, but the Senators have allowed the second-most goals in the conference and will be likely be starting Craig Anderson, who's allowed 20 goals in his past five games.
DEFENSE
Victor Hedman, TB vs. NYR ($6,500) – It would be a travesty if Hedman didn't win the Norris Trophy this season. He's been the league's best and most consistent defenseman, and even though he was shut out by the Panthers, he notched four points Saturday against the Flyers, giving him 11 goals and 49 points in 62 games this season. Henrik Lundqvist has been slightly tougher to beat on the road, but the Rangers' defense is noticeably thinner since the trade deadline and containing a dangerous Lightning offense will be even tougher if Mika Zibanejad (illness) doesn't play.
Shea Theodore, VGK at DET ($3,900) – Call it a hunch, but Theodore seems due. He's registered just two assists in 12 games since the All-Star Game despite even though he's been held without a shot on net in just two games in 2018 and has been receiving the same ice time. He's averaging close to 23 minutes over his last three games and is just too talented and involved on offense for this cold streak to continue. Theodore has a chance to bust his slump against Jimmy Howard, who has lost four straight.
