This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
Tuesday's slate features a lone game between the Oilers and Sharks, so DraftKings is going with a Flex contest. Here are some insights...
Connor McDavid, EDM at SJ ($12,300): He's easily the best player on the ice, and if the Oilers score ANY goals it's highly likely McDavid will be credited for making the play. He's on a three-game point streak with two goals and three assists, and despite adding Erik Karlsson, defense has been a problem for the Sharks. McDavid has five goals and 12 points in 11 career games against the Sharks.
Aaron Dell, SJ vs. EDM ($8,000): The Sharks are definitely the favorite, and not only has Dell been better than Martin Jones recently, he's also $200 cheaper. Dell is coming off a shutout win against the Blues, and coaches usually ride the hot hand, so it'd be both surprising and disappointing if he doesn't get the nod. If Jones starts, the Oilers might have a better chance but ultimately, it's the Sharks' game to lose.
Tomas Hertl, SJ vs. EDM ($7,900): He was on a three-game assist streak before sitting out with an injury, and he's expected to be a game-time decision. His return would help bolster the Sharks' 12th-ranked offense, especially on the power play where he's scored two of his five goals this season. Hertl skated in his usual spot on Logan Couture's wing, and it may be a good idea to line-stack the duo.
Darnell Nurse, EDM at SJ ($6,100): If you thought this list was going to be McDavid and five Sharks, you were pretty close. Nurse is a low-floor pick because he shoots more than most defensemen and also blocks a lot of shots. He'll be plenty busy against the Sharks, especially since Cam Talbot and Mikko Koskinen are both struggling. There is some offensive upside to be had depending on how the Sharks goaltending performs.
Joonas Donskoi, SJ vs. EDM ($5,600): He's scored just 10 points in 21 games this season and none in his last three, but with Hertl potentially back in the lineup, that moves Donskoi and Evander Kane back to Joe Pavelski's wings. Donskoi's upside is quite limited, but with only one game on tap and so few options on the Oilers, he could be worth the gamble.
Ryan Spooner, EDM at SJ ($4,500): Honestly, he hasn't looked great, and the Oilers might've lost yet another trade. However, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been playing well this season and Alex Chiasson is on a hot streak, so at least Spooner is playing with guys who can boost his ability. Spooner's a huge boom-or-bust pick, but given the quality of goaltending, it could be a high-scoring game.
