This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
FLEX
Ryan O'Reilly, STL vs. DAL ($11,400): O'Reilly was cleaned out in the faceoff dot in Game 6, going just 5-for-16 on the night and 0-for-4 in the defensive zone. It was an uncharacteristic performance from their top center, and seeing how Craig Berube leans on him the most, O'Reilly's minutes are unlikely to decrease and it's unlikely he'll have such a poor showing in the dot for the second straight game. He has yet to score a goal this series but remains one of the most dependable players with his contributions in assists, faceoff wins and shots.
Vladimir Tarasenko, STL vs. DAL ($10,400): He's been rather quiet, scoring in just two of the six games, but there's nobody else better on the Blues at scoring goals. He's registered at least two shots in every game, and his line with Jaden Schwartz and Brayden Schenn dominated puck possession in Game 6, and the trio led the team with nine offensive-zone starts. With the Blues getting last change on home ice, Berube gets a chance to take advantage of the matchups.
Mats Zuccarello, DAL at STL ($8,700): The little engine that could is emerging as the best deadline-day pickup with seven assists in this series, and taking a load off Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin's shoulders. There's a premium for Alexander Radulov, who has scored just four points this series, and even though Zuccarello doesn't put a lot of shots on net, he's arguably been their best right winger.
Jordan Binnington, STL vs. DAL ($8,300): Binnington's looks rattled (even if slightly) and Ben Bishop's probably not at 100 percent, but since taking over the starting job, the Blues have not lost three games in a row. Combine that with home-ice advantage and the odds start to tilt slightly in favour of the Blues. If the Blues' defensive structure holds, Binnington's in line for another solid game.
Brayden Schenn, STL vs. DAL ($6,700): His line with Schwartz and Tarasenko has looked good, and in scoring situations Schenn will get the nod over O'Reilly. He has not scored a point since Game 1, but not without a lack of effort and his meager production has not led Berube to play him fewer minutes. The price is a tad steep, but considering his opportunities and his linemates, Schenn has a chance to outperform his price tag.
Roope Hintz, DAL at STL ($5,900): Hintz continues to be a good value play because of his emergence as a dependable depth scorer, allowing the Stars to stack their top line. Jim Montgomery has juggled his lines depending on the situation, stacking his top line when he needs offense in a pinch or otherwise spreading out his top forwards. Hintz did not take part in the morning skate (foot) but he's expected to play tonight and will start with Jamie Benn on his left and Radulov on his right. It's a great opportunity for Hintz, but don't rule out the possibility of re-uniting with Zuccarello, with whom he has established some chemistry. Generally speaking, even a second-line forward like Hintz who can be boom-or-bust can outscore a top-notch defenseman, so he's an intriguing pick due to his upside.
