This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Jonathan Bernier, COL vs. SJ ($7,500) – The Avs will put their seven-game winning streak on the line against the Sharks, who have won three straight and sit three points ahead in the standings. It's not like the Avs have been playing easy opponents, either, including a shutout win against the Jackets and a 7-2 drubbing against the Wild. Bernier has won six straight games – five of them at home – and allowed no more than two goals in each of those games. Obviously, the Avs are a dicey play against the more experienced Sharks, but they've been dominant at home.
CENTER
Auston Matthews, TOR at PHI ($7,300) – It's not uncommon for some players to play better on the road, but the splits for Matthews are pretty significant; in 58 career home games, Matthews has scored 22 goals and 41 points, but in 60 career road games, he's scored 37 goals and 61 points. For whatever reason, his shooting percentage is far better on the road and he averages a little less ice time away from the ACC. The Flyers defense is young and talented but also prone to mistakes, and we all know Philadelphia is a goalie graveyard. Matthews hasn't registered a point in three straight games, so you know he's due.
Mathew Barzal, NYI vs. BOS ($6,200) – He's now the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy, and even though his impressive three-game point streak was snapped Tuesday against the Devils, he still played more than 19 minutes. The Bruins won't be easy to beat, but observers are already marveling at Barzal's speed, and it gives the Islanders a 1-2 punch down the middle they've never had. If John Tavares draws Zdeno Chara, Barzal should have no problem against Torey Krug and Brandon Carlo. Barzal has 47 points in 46 games this season.
WING
Phil Kessel, PIT at LA ($7,100) – Kessel has scored in four straight games, which includes back-to-back games against the Rangers and Red Wings, and will now face the Kings after playing the Ducks last night. Clearly, everyone's favorite hot dog aficionado is not fazed by back-to-backs, and he's arguably been the Penguins' best player this season with 52 points in 46 games. Jonathan Quick will not be easy to beat, but Kessel seems to have found some good chemistry with Jake Guentzel and Conor Sheary.
Jamie Benn, DAL at CLS ($6,900) – The Stars captain is on a five-game point streak and quietly putting together an All-Star caliber season. He started off well before scoring just seven points in 13 games in November, but has since scored 22 in 21. Their go-to scoring unit with Alexander Radulov and Tyler Seguin is virtually unstoppable, and Seth Jones and Zach Werenski are a combined minus-6 in their past two games, both of which were losses. The Jackets are reeling from injuries and Jack Johnson trade rumors, while the Stars have been much better on the road recently, winning seven of their past 10 games.
Anthony Beauvillier, NYI vs. BOS ($3,800) – He's shown some great chemistry with Mathew Barzal and played more than 18 minutes last game, even though he was held off the scoresheet. Like Barzal, Beauvillier is known for his speed and scoring ability, which gives the Islanders a very talented second line. On home ice, head coach Doug Weight can tilt the scales in his favor a little with last change. Beauvillier has five points in his past four games, and like most young players he tends to score in bunches, but at this price he can provide a lot of value.
DEFENSE
John Klingberg, DAL at CLS ($6,000) – I's unclear why Klingberg and his 43 points are priced below John Carlson and Erik Karlsson, both of whom have scored fewer points, but it just means Klingberg is a must-have bargain. Even though the Jackets have Sergei Bobrovsky in net, they've allowed 129 goals this season with a minus-5 goal differential. They've been good at home but have just four wins in their past 10 games.
Drew Doughty, LA vs. PIT ($5,600) – One of the reasons the Penguins have underperformed this season is because they can't stay out of the penalty box. They're third in the league with 201 penalties taken after finishing 17th last year, which means Doughty, who's scored nine of his 30 points on the power play this season, should get plenty of scoring opportunities. Doughty and the Kings will try to end their four-game slide facing a team that's playing the second half of a back-to-back.
