This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
David Rittich, CGY vs. VGK ($7,900): We're all aboard the Rittich hype train after an impressive win against the Oilers. It's Rittich's net to lose now, and he faces a Knights squad that lacks scoring punch. Undrafted and signed as a free agent, Rittich is 6-1 in nine appearances this season with a 1.92 GAA and .933 save percentage, which rank second and fourth among goalies with at least five appearances and 200 shots faced. Frederik Andersen ($7,900) and Pekka Rinne ($8,000) are also viable plays.
CENTER
Jack Eichel, BUF at PIT ($6,900): He's not scoring goals but it's very encouraging for the Sabres to see Eichel be so productive regardless. He has three assists and 11 shots in his past two games, and the Pens are expected to start the struggling Matt Murray. Even if Murray somehow finds his groove, he has a career .894 save percentage against the Sabres, and the defense in front of him deserves at least some of the blame. Eichel and Jeff Skinner are one of the league's highest scoring duos.
Derick Brassard, PIT vs. BUF ($3,800): Brassard played 15 minutes and was minus-2 in his return from injury against Ottawa in a 6-4 loss. Overall, the performance ranged from okay to subpar, but if Sidney Crosby remains sidelined with injury then it's possible Brassard will play a bigger role in his second game back. Evgeni Malkin is the only other center who can score and he can't carry the team by himself. I simply like Brassard's value proposition at this price.
WING
Blake Wheeler, WPG at VAN ($7,100): Wheeler is the engine that drives the Jets' first-ranked power play, and they face a penalty kill that ranks 20th in the league and a goalie whose .844 save percentage on the penalty kill ranks 39th. The Canucks are home after a lengthy road trip, but remain without their top penalty killers and lost Saturday against the Habs after taking an ill-advised penalty late in the game that led to a goal.
Vladimir Tarasenko, STL vs. LA ($6,300): After a three-game road trip that saw the Blues get shut out twice, they return home where Tarasenko has scored all six of his goals this season. Tarasenko has always been a much stronger performer at home and Mike Yeo will get last change. The Kings rank 22nd in both penalty killing and goals allowed per game, and last season allowed Tarasenko to score two goals and four points in three games.
Tom Wilson, WAS at MON ($4,900): Wilson had two assists in 24 minutes of ice time Friday against Colorado, and since returning from suspension has not looked rusty at all. It's unlikely Wilson will change the way he plays, especially considering the success he's had against Montreal in the past: two goals in two games last season and seven points in 13 games in his career. It should be a lively affair with Max Domi, Andrew Shaw and Brendan Gallagher in the mix, too.
DEFENSE
Thomas Chabot, OTT vs. FLA ($6,200): He has just one assist in his past four games but Chabot's the type of player who can explode in any game no matter the opponent or the situation. The underachieving Panthers have become too reliant on Roberto Luongo this season, but even he's been struggling lately; 10 goals allowed in his past two starts, both of which have resulted in losses. He has the most upside among elite defensemen playing Monday.
Esa Lindell, DAL at NYR ($3,900): The Stars played the Islanders yesterday, but it shouldn't be a big factor with zero travel, and the Rangers with their 23rd-ranked penalty kill are clearly the inferior team. Jim Montgomery has tapped Lindell to run the top power play, taking over for Miro Heiskanen ($4,600), though both of his goals yesterday were scored at even strength. Heiskanen and Lindell will probably split the duties, but currently Lindell is the better bang for your buck.
