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DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy hockey lineup- January 27

By Barry Leonard Jr.

Feb 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates against the St. Louis Blues during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 17, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) moves into position against Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 17, 2016; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) moves into position against Anaheim Ducks during the first period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

High Salary C

Evgeny Kuznetsov – Washington Capitals ($6,500): The Capitals have had a long layoff after having two games canceled due to the historic blizzard that hit DC over the past weekend. That means that all of the Washington players should be well-rested for tonight’s battle with rival Philadelphia. Before the layoff, Evgeny Kuznetsov was on fire with a two-game point streak and 15 points over the last nine games. He enters tonight after a four-assist performance in the last game on January 19. Kuznetsov is an absolute must-start for fantasy lineups tonight.

Anze Kopitar – L.A. Kings ($6,200): Kopitar has put together a fantastic season for the Kings with 13 goals and 28 assists. He registered an assist in his last game and has 11 points in the last eight games. Tonight he’ll face a Colorado team that’s ranked 17th in points allowed to opposing centers. Kopitar is averaging 3.5 fantasy points a game and has been a very reliable producer for his owners this season.

Nicklas Backstrom – Washington Capitals ($6,700): It could seem risky to target two centers from the same team, but not whenever you are talking about players from the Washington Capitals. The entire team is hot right now, including top-line center Nicklas Backstrom. He has 12 points in the last 10 games and at least a point in each of the last two games. The last time he was on the ice was January 19 in Columbus. All he did then was net two goals. Backstrom is rolling, much like many of his teammates, and makes for an excellent fantasy option tonight in a very favorable matchup with the Flyers.

Nazem Kadri – Toronto Maple Leafs ($5,600): Kadri could really be considered among the value picks with his price tag, but no matter how you look at it, he’s a solid pick this evening. He’s riding a two-game goal streak and has four points over the last five games. Toronto doesn’t provide a lot of offense, but Kadri is one of the better players on the team. If you’re looking to round out your lineup with a nice producer, then Kadri is an excellent choice.

High Value C

Vincent Lecavalier – L.A. Kings ($3,500): Just when it looked like the former fantasy stud was past his days of being relevant in fantasy hockey, Lecavalier has found new life in a new home. He’s enjoyed a resurgence since being traded to the Kings in early January. Through nine games with his new team he has recorded four goals and one assist. His most recent goal came in his last game on Saturday. He’ll look to stay hot tonight in a decent matchup with the Avalanche.

Paul Gaustad – Nashville Predators ($2,500): Gaustad presents the opportunity to draft a deep sleeper with a salary low enough to allow you to spend big on some of the superstars available tonight. He is a veteran center who doesn’t get a lot of opportunities on Nashville’s fourth line and has just five total points this season. However, when looking closer at Gaustad, one will see that two of those five points have come in the last five games. Add in the fact that tonight’s opponent is ranked 25th against opposing centers, and Gaustad actually makes for a low-risk play at center tonight.

Valtteri Filppula – Tampa Bay Lightning ($3,700): Filppula has been a nice source of fantasy points for owners lately. Though he’s averaging just two fantasy points a game this season, he has increased that number to 3.2 over the course of the last 12 games. Filppula has upped his game lately and has a goal and four assists in his last five games. The matchup with Toronto tonight looks tough on paper because the Maple Leafs have actually defended centers well this season. Still, Filppula makes for a decent fantasy selection tonight.

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