DraftKings picks: Matthias finds third-line niche

Shawn Matthias, C, Colorado Avalanche
DraftKings price: $3,200
The Avalanche's third line of Matthias, Carl Soderberg (C, $4,700) and Andreas Martinsen (W, $2,500) has been flying under the radar with strong production in recent games. Matthias, center-eligible in DraftKings but the left wing on that line, has been productive since being traded to Colorado from the Toronto Maple Leafs and has three points, three blocks and nine shots on goal in his past four games. He continues to return value and is priced $700 above the DraftKings minimum. The Vancouver Canucks allow the eighth-most DraftKings points to opposing left wings.

Andrew Ladd, W, Chicago Blackhawks
DraftKings price: $5,300
Ladd is due for a bounce-back showing after a combined minus-4 in losses to the Dallas Stars and Los Angeles Kings. In those games, he had two blocks and three SOG. Prior to that, he had points in four of his first five games since joining the Blackhawks in a trade. He's in a favorable spot alongside Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa and also with different combinations of Chicago forwards in power-play situations (2:37 per game, three power-play points since trade). Ladd faces the Philadelphia Flyers, who will be on the second of a back-to-back set.
Cam Fowler, D, Anaheim Ducks
DraftKings price: $4,400
Fowler is not elite in any of the three major DraftKings categories, but he produces at respectable levels in each with 23 points (15 on power play), 81 blocked shots and 91 SOG. He had one assist and one SOG (2.5 DraftKings points) in one game against the New York Rangers. Wednesday's opponent, earlier this season, and is tied for 24th among defensemen in price. Most notably, he is playing on Anaheim's top power-play unit lately (2:55 of power-play ice time Monday vs. New Jersey Devils).
Robin Lehner, G, Buffalo Sabres
DraftKings price: $7,500
Lehner has a .926 save percentage this season through 20 starts and has been even better in his past 10 (.932). He has faced 30.6 shots per game, so he can return value even in a loss. He's 1-1-0 against the Montreal Canadiens this season with five goals allowed and a .928 SV%. If Chad Johnson gets the call, he's even cheaper in DraftKings ($7,300). Of the 48 goalies who have played at least 20 games, Lehner and Johnson are just outside the top 20 in even-strength SV% (Johnson .926, 21st; Lehner .925, T-22nd).
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