This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. PHI ($6,100): The veteran has shown an uptick in shot volume of late (2.4 per contest) through his past 10 outings, and he's translated it into three goals and seven helpers. The Flyers have some goaltending concerns with Brian Elliott (lower body) on injured reserve, and Michal Neuvirth (illness) missing practice recently. It strengthens the lean to Washington and Backstrom, as Philadelphia is also allowing 12.09 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes on the road.
Nazem Kadri, TOR vs. NYI ($4,900): With three goals, an assist and 11 shots through his past four games, Kadri appears to be past a lengthy slump that stretched back to the beginning of December. The rebound aligns with Mitch Marner joining Kadri at five-on-five, and the duo have combined for a 65.09 Corsi For percentage while generating 15.02 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes at even strength. It also helps that the Islanders are playing their second game in consecutive nights and have allowed the most goals per game in the league.
WING
Alex Ovechkin, WAS vs. PHI ($7,900): This salary isn't prohibitive enough to rule out Ovechkin from a three-game slate. He's found the scoresheet in nine of his past 11 contests for seven goals, 16 points and 39 shots while logging a monster 5:32 of power-play time per outing. As noted, the Flyers haven't been as strong defensively on the road, and Philadelphia's 75.3 penalty-kill percentage ranks 28th in the league.
Timo Meier, SAN at DET ($4,400): The Red Wings lost six of their final eight games before the All-Star break and check out as a favorable matchup for Meier and San Jose. The 21-year-old winger has climbed into a larger role of late, and his 11.02 shots per 60 minutes pace the Sharks. Additionally, Meier's skating on an intriguing line with Logan Couture and Kevin Labanc.
Kevin Labanc, SAN at DET ($4,300): Another low-priced Shark with upside, Labanc has recorded a respectable 2.47 points per 60 minutes and logged a hefty 4:33 of power-play time with the No. 1 power-play unit during Tuesday's loss to Pittsburgh. As noted, the American winger projects to skate with Logan Couture and Timo Meier on a new-look line, and it's a trio that should give the Red Wings matchup troubles at even strength.
DEFENSE
John Carlson, WAS vs. PHI ($6,400): The points keep piling up for Carlson, as he's collected five goals, 11 assists, six power-play points, 54 shots and 29 blocked shots through his past 18 contests. He provides a high-floor, high-ceiling combo and offers potential contrarian value from the shallow defense pool if others chase lower-priced options.
Jake Gardiner, TOR vs. NYI ($4,700): With Morgan Rielly (arm) out of action, Gardiner has climbed into a larger role with an average of 24:09 of ice time (2:42 with the man advantage) per contest. The American defender has also now collected nine assists, eight shots and 10 blocked shots through the past five games. The Islanders are a target-worthy matchup, and this salary is also easily fit under the salary cap. Just note that Gardiner could be a popular selection.
