DraftKings NHL: Thursday Picks

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Updated on January 3, 2019 2:59PM EST

GOALIE

Robin Lehner, NYI vs. CHI ($7,900): It's not a great selection of goalies, but I like the Islanders since Lehner has won five in a row. Braden Holtby ($8,200) and Andrei Vasilevskiy ($8,300) may be worth the premium tonight, but Carey Price ($7,600) is also a decent bet against the Canucks, who are playing the second of a back-to-back.

CENTER

Elias Pettersson, VAN at MON ($6,700): Despite scoring five goals in his past four games, including a hat trick last night, Pettersson remains a decent value play at this price. The Canucks are playing back-to-back, but it should be no problem for a young team that didn't have to travel very much. With the Canucks getting healthy, Pettersson will get better as Travis Green deploys him in more selective situations.

Casey Mittelstadt, BUF vs. FLA ($2,600):Jack Eichel's spot was taken by Evan Rodrigues at practice, but it seems wild that Phil Housley would actually use him as a No. 1 center if Eichel can't play. The Sabres are thin at center and Mittelstadt skated on the fourth line, but it would be crazy not to use him in offensive situations where Eichel would usually be deployed. Mittelstadt has had a rough rookie season but the upside can be pretty big, especially at this price.

WING

Alex Ovechkin, WSH at STL ($8,000): Ovechkin doesn't face the Blues very often, but when he does it's pure domination: 15 goals and 28 points and a shooting percentage of 20 percent in just 17 career games. If I'm Jake Allen, I'm feigning injury just to save myself some embarrassment. With the Blues defense in shambles, Ovechkin is worth the premium, even if he hasn't scored in six games.

Andrei Svechnikov, CAR at PHI ($4,900): He scored a goal against Philadelphia on New Year's Eve, giving him 11 in 38 games. Those numbers aren't gaudy, but make no mistake, Svechnikov is an elite offensive player who just needs to bury his chances. The Hurricanes have been terrible finishers all season, but against the Flyers and Carter Hart, perhaps enough volume will at least see a few pucks get through.

Sven Baertschi, VAN at MON ($4,400): That's now three points in three games since his return, including a goal and an assist against the Sens last night. Ice time will be hard to come by with a glut of forwards, but Baertschi has joined the top power-play unit and benefitted tremendously so far. His offensive skill is borderline top-six, but his value gets a boost because of the kinds of opportunities he gets.

DEFENSE

Mark Giordano, CGY at BOS ($6,100): He has three assists in his past four games and if you think the Flames are going to give him fewer minutes after playing over 25 minutes against the Red Wings last, guess again. The 35-year-old is having an outstanding season and continues to be a key cog. He has the unenviable task of facing Patrice Bergeron's line, but all the more chances to block shots. He is a low-floor fantasy defenseman who does it all and has the highest FPPG tonight.

Matt Grzelcyk, BOS vs. CGY ($2,800): He has two assists in two games and continues to play an expanded role with Charlie McAvoy out with an injury. Kevan Miller ($3,500) is also reaping the benefits since both play on the second power-play unit and the stronger shooter, but Grzelcyk has more overall upside and a better price. Grzelcyk is a good value play in certain situations and the Flames penalty kill ranks 17th.

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.