This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
It's a busy Sunday in the NHL ahead of the three-day break, and the featured contests at DraftKings consist of the six evening games beginning with the two 7pm ET tilts.
GOALIE
Anton Khudobin, DAL vs. NYI ($7,900): Playing the final leg of a four-game road trip, this is a potentially tough spot for the Islanders – especially ahead of the noted holiday break. Khudobin has also been solid at home with a 4-1 record, .916 save percentage and 2.57 GAA, and Dallas has been stingy at American Airlines Center allowing just 2.13 goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five this season.
CENTER
John Tavares, TOR vs. DET ($7,900): The first-year Leaf enters with three consecutive multi-point showings and an elite 2.01 goals per 60 minutes for the campaign. Detroit is also allowing the third most goals and fifth most high-danger scoring chances per 60 at five-on-five on the road this season.
Henrik Borgstrom, FLA at CHI ($3,500): After recording 22 points – including five goals – through 24 AHL games, Borgstrom has collected a goal and an assist over four contests at the highest level. The 21-year old Finn projected to remain in a second-line role and receive power-play time, so he's worth a look at this price. Chicago's 13.53 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes allowed at five-on-five also rank as the most in the league.
WING
Patrick Kane, CHI vs. FLA ($7,400): This qualifies as a reasonable salary, especially considering Kane has marked the scoresheet in nine of his past 10 outings for four goals, nine assists, four power-play points and 45 shots. It should also be a soft matchup with Florida playing the second leg of a back-to-back road set.
Brandon Pirri, VGK vs. LA ($3,300): A streaky and efficient scorer, Pirri has been skating in an offensive role with the Golden Knights of late and cashed in on the opportunity to the tune of three goals on eight shots through the past two games. It's important to note Los Angeles strives to play low-event hockey, so it's not an ideal matchup. Still, it should keep Pirri's ownership in check.
Denis Gurianov, DAL vs. NYI ($2,600): Skating in a cushy role with Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, Gurianov is positioned to succeed and checks out as a potential low-priced flier. The Russian has recorded two assists through his past four games and also logged a season-high 2:54 of power-play time Saturday against Minnesota.
DEFENSE
Keith Yandle, FLA at CHI ($5,600): A date with the Blackhawks is exactly what Yandle needs to curb his recent scoring funk. The veteran has collected just two assists through his past six outings, but look for the power-play quarterback to rebound with the noted soft matchup. After all, even with the offensive lull, Yandle's recorded 30 points – including five goals – through 34 games this season.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, ARI at SJ ($4,400): At this salary, Ekman-Larsson is in play as a high-floor defenseman with upside. He's turned in a respectable December with six points, 24 shots and nine blocks through 11 games, and it's rare to find the quarterback of a No. 1 power-play unit in this price range.
