DraftKings daily fantasy value picks for Jan. 27

Each day during the 2015-16 season, NHL.com's fantasy staff will identify one player at each position worth owning in DraftKings daily fantasy hockey contests. Based on factors including but not limited to matchups, line combinations, power-play usage, statistical coverage and recent production, we'll provide you with lower-priced options that can help you build a winning lineup.

Tyler Johnson, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

DraftKings price: $4,800

We still have not seen Johnson's best, but it should only be a matter of time before his production spikes as he continues to center Nikita Kucherov, who has the second-most home points in the League since Dec. 1 (18 in 12 games). The Maple Leafs will be on short rest and have Jonathan Bernier in net, who has allowed 10 goals in his past two starts. Johnson averages 1.9 DraftKings points per game this season, but has taken it up a notch with five points, three blocks and 22 shots on goal in his past 10 games (2.4). It's a favorable matchup for the Lightning, but Johnson's underachieving production at large and his low price (13th among centers) still make him an under-the-radar option with high upside.

James Neal, W, Nashville Predators

DraftKings price: $5,800

The top line in Nashville features Neal and proven distributors Ryan Johansen ($5,900) and Mike Ribeiro ($3,500). The Calgary Flames, the Predators opponent Wednesday, allow the second-most DraftKings points to opposing wings this season. Neal has three goals, three assists and 20 SOG in his past six games, with two of those points coming on the power play. He's tied for ninth at his position in price and can be conveniently stacked with Johansen and/or Ribeiro in a favorable matchup.

Jake Muzzin, D, Los Angeles Kings

DraftKings price: $5,000

Muzzin is in a great spot at home as the Pacific Division-leading Kings approach the All-Star break. He faces the Colorado Avalanche, who are shorthanded in net and may have to start Calvin Pickard again on the second of their back-to-back set after he allowed four goals on 20 shots Tuesday at the San Jose Sharks. Muzzin is tied for 11th among defensemen in DraftKings price and has eight points, 11 blocked shots and 29 SOG in his past 10 games (3.7 DraftKings points per contest). He's a physical player who has a ton of exposure to Los Angeles' top power-play unit alongside Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Tyler Toffoli and Drew Doughty.

Michal Neuvirth, G, Philadelphia Flyers

DraftKings price: $7,300

On light game nights, you should always construct a favorable lineup with some unique plays sprinkled in for against-the-grain value. While there are viable options in Andrei Vasilevskiy ($7,600 vs. Maple Leafs) and Pekka Rinne ($7,500 at Calgary Flames), there's something to be said about the surprise factor and the strategy of targeting players who might be lesser owned in DraftKings. With Steve Mason and Sean Couturier out, the Washington Capitals are the clear favorite at home against the Flyers. But Neuvirth has been strong in his past 10 games with a 6-3-1 record and a .930 save percentage, and DFS owners should never underestimate a player going up against his former team. Neuvirth, who played for the Capitals from 2008-2014, quietly has the best save percentage in the NHL this season (.934) and should have all the motivation needed to handle a high shot volume and potentially stand on his head against the loaded Washington offense.

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