This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
It's an interesting schedule Monday with the Senators, Rangers and Red Wings three of the weakest defensive teams in the league, and the Bruins and Coyotes atop the league in goals against per game. Additionally, the Bruins, Rangers and Predators are all notable favorites, and the Oilers are a slight favorite over the visiting Coyotes.
GOALIES
This is an odd price for Pekka Rinne ($7,800). The Finn was shelled for six goals in his most recent start against Calgary, but the poor outing was preceded by back-to-back shutouts. As noted, Nashville is the largest favorite on the schedule, and Rinne's still undefeated in regulation.
An alternative to Rinne, Alexandar Georgiev ($7,900) is off to an excellent start with a .933 save percentage that's been boosted by consecutive wins with just a single goal allowed in each. Ottawa has also scored the seventh fewest goals per 60 minutes this season.
This is a low price for Darcy Kuemper ($7,300). He's surrendered two goals or fewer in eight of nine starts en route to a 6-3 record, .942 save percentage and 1.67 GAA. Additionally, the Coyotes have been suffocating opponents with a league-low 1.71 goals against per hour at five-on-five. Edmonton has also dried up offensively with just 15 tallies through their past eight games.
Jaroslav Halak ($8,300) is also in play. Just note that he's surrendered four goals in each of his past two starts, and the Penguins have potential with Evgeni Malkin ($5,900) back in the lineup.
VALUE PLAYS/ONE-OFFS
Speaking of Evgeni Malkin ($5,900), his salary is way down. Even with the noted daunting matchup against the Bruins, the Russian could easily reward. Malkin logged 6:54 of power-play time and attempted nine shots in his return to the lineup Saturday. Linemate Alex Galchenyuk ($4,200) is also a candidate to pair with No. 71 in an cost-effective mini stack.
With just two goals and an assist through 11 contests, Kaapo Kakko ($3,300) hasn't made an immediate impact at the highest level. However, he lands in a soft matchup against the Sens and has averaged 4:39 of power-play time through his past three games. The discounted salary lands him in flier territory.
Another Ranger to consider is Ryan Strome ($5,100). The 26-year-old center has recorded four goals and five assists while logging a hefty 20:00 of ice time per contest during his active six-game point streak.
Danton Heinen ($3,500) has been productive of late with two tallies and three helpers through his past six outings, and he's skating up the lineup with David Krejci and Jake DeBrusk. His price doesn't match his recent production or the promotion.
FORWARD LINE STACKS
Sometimes the numbers do the talking, and in the case of Boston's No. 1 line, it's becoming more difficult to overlook them by the game. The trio has been on the ice together for 25 goals this season and average a combined 52.5 DraftKings points per contest. Fade Patrice Bergeron ($7,800), David Pastrnak ($8,400) and Brad Marchand ($7,700) at your own risk.
By his standards, Connor McDavid ($7,900) is in the midst of a cool stretch with just a single goal and five assists through his past eight outings. However, linemate Leon Draisaitl ($7,800) continues to produce and has collected seven tallies and three helpers during a five-game scoring streak. The third member of their line, Zack Kassian ($4,100) has also been quiet over the past eight games with just three assists and eight shots, so it's not out of the question to go with a McDavid-Draisaitl mini stack.
It's been a strong start to the campaign for Matt Duchene ($5,500), Filip Forsberg ($7,300) and Mikael Granlund ($4,600). The trio has clicked for 5.58 goals and a 59.4 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five and draw the noted favorable matchup against Detroit. It's worth noting they provide coverage to both power-play units, too.
DEFENSEMEN
Torey Krug's ($5,300) salary isn't prohibitive enough. He's paced all defensemen with 2.3 points per hour over the past three seasons and also found a groove of late with eight assists and 19 shots through his past eight games. Krug's an affordable addition to a Boston stack, too.
Another power-play quarterback to look at is Roman Josi ($6,700). He's marked the scoresheet in 10 of 14 games and boasts an elite 2.45 points and 19.11 shot attempts per 60 minutes. Josi's high salary could keep his ownership down, too.
Justin Schultz ($3,800) and Anthony DeAngelo ($4,700) both offer value. They're skating with the No. 1 power-play unit on their respective clubs. Schultz has a goal, seven shots and four blocks through his past two contests, whereas DeAngelo has a respectable four tallies and four helpers through 11 games this season.
While it's been eight consecutive games without a point for Oscar Klefbom ($5,500), he's buoyed his fantasy value with 24 shots and 21 blocks. He's logged huge minutes during the point drought (26:26 and 3:59 on the power play) and recorded double-digit DraftKings points in each of the past three contests. It's a nice fantasy floor for offense to build on.
