We're in the middle of January and the NHL season. It's been exciting so far while Saturday was busy, though Sunday is significantly lighter with only three games on the DraftKings slate starting at 7 p.m. EST or later. You still can play some DFS contests, so here are my lineup recommendations.
SLATE PREVIEW
The teams on the second leg of a back-to-back are the majority on Sunday with both sides of the San Jose-Vegas matchup involved while the Preds host the Capitals and the Blue Jackets will be on the road against the Mammoth.
GOALIE
Karel Vejmelka, UTA vs. CLM ($8,400): Vejmelka plays as often as any No. 1 netminder. And while at times that seems to wear on him, he's also prone to solid stretches. Vejmelka has started eight of Utah's last 10 games where he's posted a 2.13 GAA and .920 save percentage. He's also bolstered by a top-five defense in shots allowed. Columbus ranks below-average in average goals and will be on the road for a second consecutive day.
VALUE PLAY/ONE-OFF
Pavel Dorofeyev, VGK at SAN ($5,700): Dorofeyev broke through last year with 35 goals, including 13 on the power play. And he's already reached double-digits with the extra man from only 43 outings. While the Sharks are on the fringes of the bottom-10 in penalty-kill percentage, they're in the bottom-five for both GAA and shots allowed.
FORWARD LINE STACK TO CONSIDER
Capitals at Predators
Justin Sourdif (C - $4,600), Ryan Leonard (W - $5,500), Connor McMichael (W - $4,800)
Though the Preds are at home, they're the ones on the second leg of a back-to-back. Juuse Saros started Saturday, leaving Justus Annunen for Sunday. Over the last two seasons, the latter has struggled to an .881 save percentage. This line could change if Tom Wilson returns. But given he's on retroactive IR, there's a decent chance this trio will be together on Sunday.
The rookie Sourdif has been enjoying his best run of play with 10 points across six appearances, though five of those come in one performance. Speaking of rookies, Leonard was a venerated prospect who's now starting to make good on the promise by racking up nine points in nine matchups since returning from injury. A 6.8 shooting percentage has hindered McMichael's goal count, but he's also delivered 21 assists with at least three shots four times over his last six.
DEFENSEMAN
John Carlson, WAS at NAS ($6,100): The 36-year-old Carlson has benefited from the best shooting percentage of his career while totaling 34 points overall. He's also on a three-game scoring streak, including two with more than one. Fortunately, the veteran isn't playing on the second leg of a back-to-back, though his opponent has to. And as noted, Justus Annunen has recorded an .881 save percentage the last two campaigns.
