DraftKings NHL: Thursday Picks

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Updated on December 20, 2018 2:47PM EST

GOALIE

Jacob Markstrom, VAN vs. STL ($7,700): Markstrom has won five straight games with just nine goals allowed in that span, and even though he still allows the occasional soft goal, he's in much better shape than Jake Allen. The Canucks will be missing Troy Stecher, but his absence should have minimal impact on an already mediocre defense. Markstrom has an excellent 1.80 GAA and .937 save percentage in December.

CENTER

Bo Horvat, VAN vs. STL ($5,100): This is a steal at this price, especially with how well Horvat's been playing. He is averaging the same amount of fantasy points (3.9) as Evgeni Malkin, Joe Pavelski and Ryan Getzlaf, but comes cheaper than any of them. He's had 11 shots and two points in his past two games and is averaging well over 20 minutes per game this season.

Colby Cave, BOS vs. ANA ($2,800): This might be Cave's last chance to stay in the lineup with Patrice Bergeron's imminent return, and that should be plenty of motivation. He scored a goal and an assist in his last game against the Habs, a 4-0 win, and will center David Backes and Joakim Nordstrom. Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson might have the wingers with higher upside, but Cave's been the slightly more consistent performer.

WING

Artemi Panarin, CLS vs. NJ ($6,600): The Devils have allowed 24 goals in their past five games, including seven in their most recent contest against the Leafs. The Jackets have also been struggling of late, but not Panarin, who continues to produce at above a point-per-game pace. In eight career games against the Devils he's scored 12 points.

Ondrej Kase, ANA at BOS ($5,700): The Ducks will likely face Tuukka Rask, who is having a decent season but certainly getting outplayed by Jaroslav Halak. That will make Kase's job slightly easier as he continues to emerge as a dependable second-line scorer. He has four goals and an assist in his past four games, and his ice time continues to creep up. He played over 18 minutes in two of his past three games.

Tomas Nosek, VGK vs. NYI ($2,800):Brandon Pirri was recalled and will take Max Pacioretty's spot on the second line, but you wonder how long that will last. Pirri played just two games for the Knights last season, and despite being a top scorer in the AHL, there are still questions as to whether he can produce in the NHL.

DEFENSE

John Klingberg, DAL vs. CHI ($6,300): Yes, he's back. Returning earlier than expected from a broken hand, Klingberg's presence alone will change the look and effectiveness of a Stars power play that has not lived up to expectations. He scored 13 points in 16 games before getting hurt, and special teams has been a problem for the Hawks all season.

Dustin Byfuglien, WPG at SJ ($6,000): Prior to a surprising 4-1 loss to the Kings, Big Buff was on a five-game point streak and through 28 games this season has scored 26 points. He shoots and blocks shots, as well, making him a relatively safe pick as he looks to get back on the scoresheet.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire.