This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
There are four NHL games in the afternoon Saturday, but the main daily fantasy slate is built around seven games in the evening. It is those late games that are the focus of this article, so here are some players I recommend for daily fantasy purposes from the contests starting at 7:00 PM Eastern or later.
GOALIE
Tuukka Rask, BOS at VAN ($8,300): These are two teams going in opposite directions, as Boston is 8-2-0 in their last 10 games while Vancouver is 3-7-0. Rask is having a stellar season, posting a 2.11 GAA and a .924 save percentage thorough 37 games. The Canucks have only scored 2.60 goals per contest, so they likely won't challenge Rask too much.
CENTER
Sean Monahan, CGY vs. FLA ($6,400): Monahan has started 58.9 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, most on the Flames. The advantageous ice positioning has paid off, as the 23-year-old has 27 goals and 25 assists through 57 games. Florida has allowed a whopping 34.7 shots on net per contest, and Roberto Luongo is getting his first start since Dec. 4. If he has any rust, it would benefit Monahan.
Jonathan Toews, CHI vs. WAS ($5,400): Though Toews has been hampered by career-low 8.8 percent shooting, he has notched six points and 31 shots in his last 10 outings. Any regression to the mean and Toews will be the player we expect him to be. The Capitals have really struggled on the road, as they have a 3.44 team GAA away from Washington.
WING
Reilly Smith, VGK vs. MON ($6,400): Smith has a current six-game scoring streak wherein he's tallied nine points. The Canadiens have a 3.09 team GAA, but on the road that number rises to 3.41. Montreal also has the 25th-ranked penalty kill, and Smith has six goals and five assists with the extra man.
Craig Smith, NAS vs. DET ($5,400): It's a good day for guys names Smith, evidently. Nashville's Smith has started 57.1 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, which is fourth most among Predators forwards. He's also scored 16 goals on 162 shots through 55 games, including seven on the power play. The Red Wings have a 3.02 team GAA, bottom 10 in the NHL, and their penalty kill is ranked 26th.
Tyler Johnson, TAM vs. NJD ($5,300): Johnson has averaged 3.3 fantasy points per game, thanks to 42 points through 57 contests (including 11 on the power play). With Cory Schneider injured, Keith Kinkaid (3.24 GAA, .893 save percentage) will likely be in net. Though it has been a while since Johnson has scored a goal, he has 25 shots on goal in his last nine games so the opportunities have been there.
DEFENSE
Dougie Hamilton, CGY vs. FLA ($5,000): Hamilton has put 180 shots on goal in 58 games, which is a lot for a defenseman and the most for any Calgary player. He's also been scoring quite a bit recently, tallying nine points in 10 contests. The 24-year-old's propensity for putting the puck on net bodes well in this matchup, as the Panthers have allowed 34.7 shots on net per game.
Duncan Keith, CHI vs. WAS ($4,700): Keith finally scored his first goal of the season in Chicago's last game, but that means he has one goal on 141 shots. His 0.7 percent shooting still almost has to improve. As previously noted, the Capitals have a 3.44 team GAA on the road. They also have the 20th-ranked penalty kill away from home, and Keith has averaged 3:00 per game with the extra man.
