This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
There are three contests on Sunday's NHL schedule, with the Rangers and Ducks the only two teams not playing the second game of a back-to-back set.
GOALIE
John Gibson, ANA vs. CLS ($8,000): The Ducks' No. 1 has faced over 30 shots in nine of his 11 starts and boasts an elite .936 save percentage. Anaheim has allowed the most shot attempts per 60 minutes in the league at 68.35 to fuel a league-low 41.5 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five, so Gibson has the potential to finish with a high save count.
CENTER
Jack Eichel, BUF at NYR ($7,900): The Rangers enter allowing 3.23 goals and 11.88 high-danger scoring chances per hour, and projected starter Henrik Lundqvist owns an underwhelming .897 save percentage and 3.55 GAA through his past five outings. Plus, as hot as Eichel has been of late with one tally, 11 helpers and 29 shots through the past seven games, his 2.91 points per 60 minutes dating back to 2016-17 also stands as a high-end mark.
Brett Howden, NYR vs. BUF ($3,900): The 20-year-old center has recorded a goal, three assists, eight shots and four blocked shots while logging 16:13 of ice time – including 2:27 on the power play – through his past four contests. His salary allows you to spend up at other positions, and he's also combined with linemates Jimmy Vesey and Jesper Fast for an impressive 75.8 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five.
WING
Jeff Skinner, BUF at NYR ($7,100): The first-year Sabre entered Saturday's game with scoresheet appearances in seven of his previous nine contests for seven goals, six assists, four power-play points and 32 shots. Skinner proceeded to stay scorching hot against Ottawa with two tallies, a helper and another five shots. He's also clicked with center Jack Eichel for 7.58 goals and 21.05 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes this season. And as noted, this doesn't look to be a tough matchup.
J.T. Miller, TB at OTT ($5,500): The Senators were embarrassed 9-2 by Buffalo on Saturday, and have now lost five of their past six contests while allowing 30 goals in the process. It's a ripe set-up for Miller, who's locked back into top-line duty alongside Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov in all situations. The trio have connected for a dominant 6.07 goals per 60 minutes while driving possession with a 55.1 Corsi For percentage at even strength going back to last season.
Jimmy Vesey, NYR vs. BUF ($3,700): The third-year winger is a true flier but, as noted, has shown early chemistry with new linemates Brett Howden and Jesper Fast. The Sabres are also playing their second game in as many nights and enter with an unsustainably high .942 team save percentage at five-on-five away from KeyBank Center.
DEFENSE
Ryan McDonagh, TB at OTT ($5,500): As previously mentioned, this is a cushy matchup against the Sens, and McDonagh's salary is manageable. He's stepped up with Victor Hedman out and has recorded a respectable goal, two assists, 17 shots and 14 blocked shots over the past five games while also skating with the No. 1 power-play unit. Albeit, all three points have came in the same contest.
Kevin Shattenkirk, NYR vs. BUF ($4,600): With just three assists through 12 games to start the campaign, it's been a slow start for Shattenkirk. He's buoyed his value to a degree with 25 shots and 21 blocked shots and also quarterbacks the same power-play unit containing Brett Howden and Jimmy Vesey, so there's low-cost stack appeal to provide cap relief to spend more elsewhere.
