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DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy hockey lineup- January 5

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Dec 22, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) watches from the bench during the third period against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars shut out the Blackhawks 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Chicago Blackhawks right wing Patrick Kane (88) watches from the bench during the third period against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars shut out the Blackhawks 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) reacts after being named the first star of the game against the New York Islanders at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) reacts after being named the first star of the game against the New York Islanders at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

High Salary C

Sidney Crosby – Pittsburgh Penguins ($7,100): Crosby finally seems to have woken up this season after a slow start. He’s been playing his best hockey of the year and is absolutely on fire lately with a three-game point streak and 10 points in his last eight games. Crosby was one of the NHL’s three stars for last week and needs to be in your fantasy lineup tonight. He’ll face a very tough matchup with Chicago, the best team against opposing centers, but Crosby has been playing too well not to be used in your lineup.

Evgeni Malkin – Pittsburgh Penguins ($7,700): It’s usually not a smart move to use two teammates at the same position, especially in a tough matchup, but if you don’t feel like deploying Crosby tonight then take a look at Malkin. He will cost more than Crosby but has a higher fantasy points average (4.0) and is coming off of back-to-back three-point games. You can hardly go wrong using Malkin in fantasy hockey.

Steven Stamkos – Tampa Bay Lightning ($7,600): Stamkos draws a great matchup tonight with a Calgary team ranked 28th in points allowed to opposing centers. He hasn’t been his usual consistent self this season but still has the ability to show up on the scoresheet in a moment’s notice. He dished out an assist on Saturday and recently had a three-point game. Stamkos is a fine option for your lineup tonight.

High Value C

Jason Spezza – Dallas Stars ($6,000): Spezza has seen his fantasy salary rise recently thanks to his stellar play. Overshadowed on a very potent Dallas team, Spezza usually doesn’t find his way onto many fantasy lineups. However, he’s an excellent play but will cost you a bit more than a value pick usually does. Spezza has a four-game points streak and has put up eight points over the last seven games. As for fantasy points, he has earned his owners 5.5 points in three of the last four games. He’ll get a decent matchup with the Rangers this evening.

Evgeny Kuznetsov – Washington Capitals ($5,800): The young Russian has found his place on a  Washington team that’s loaded with talent. Still a bit of an unknown at the start of the season, Kuznetsov has become a clear fantasy target each night he’s on the ice. With five points in his last five games he has been playing excellent hockey and faces the Boston Bruins tonight who are ranked 29th against centers. Kuznetsov needs to be one of your centers tonight.

Charlie Coyle – Minnesota Wild ($3,600): Coyle will likely have a low ownership number with all the options available tonight, and that makes him an excellent value pick to target at center. He has quietly put up 21 points this season and has seven points in his last seven games, raising his fantasy points average to 2.7. Throw in a very favorable matchup with Columbus tonight and Coyle becomes a must own for your daily fantasy lineup.

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