Tonight might be one of the most interesting, yet challenging NHL slates of the season. Not only are a lot of the top-tier players in great spots, but DraftKings has increased the price tag on the lower tier as well. There are plenty of game stacks which will be viable, but tough to construct. Let’s take a look at a few options this evening.

Center

Mathew Barzal (NYI): $6,500 @ EDM
This game opened at a 6.5 game total which will likely see a lot of offense. Both the Islanders and Oilers are among bottom teams in goals allowed. Yet both have elite offense skilled players. The first “narrative” of this game is how the Edmonton Oilers had the opportunity to draft Calder Trophy favorite, Mathew Barzal. Barzal has thrived in New York this season playing on the second forward line and top power-play unit. With 69 points in 67 games this season, the rookie is having an incredible year. Tonight, in Edmonton, he should have no issue adding to his point total.

Tyler Johnson (TB): $4,500 vs. NYR
As of right now, Tampa Bay has Tyler Johnson centering Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov. If this is the case going into tonight’s game, lock him in. On a night where salary saving is imperative, Johnson could fall into three points. The New York Rangers have been a team to pick on all season and are now decimated after the trade deadline. After a successful road trip to Western Canada, the Rangers took a 3-0 loss at home to Patrik Laine. Now they will head back on the road to face the number one team in the NHL. The Rangers are ranked 31st in the league in CF% which will open plenty of scoring opportunities for the dangerous Lighting team. All Tampa Bay players are in play tonight.

Wing

Nikita Kucherov (TB): $8,000 vs. NYR
Although fitting Tampa Bay players into a lineup tonight might be difficult, Nikita Kucherov is the top play of the night. Currently leading the NHL in scoring, both Evgeni Malkin and Connor McDavid are closing the gap. This should motivate the Russian superstar to take over the game. The New York Rangers do not have a single defenseman who is capable of slowing down Kucherov tonight. Another multi-point night should be in store.

Jordan Eberle (NYI): $5,300 @ EDM
In a questionable offseason trade, the Edmonton Oilers sent right-winger Jordan Eberle to New York in exchange for Ryan Strome. Eberle will return to Edmonton in an emotional game after playing seven long seasons for the Oilers. The fast-paced Eastern Conference has allowed Eberle to have a successful season, scoring 47 points through 66 games. Eberle is the second part of an Islanders stack in a game which should see a lot of goals scored.

Anthony Beauvillier (NYI): $4,800 @ EDM
Playing alongside Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle is the left-winger, Anthony Beauvillier. Also teaming up with Eberle on the second power-play unit, Beauvillier has benefited with the extra ice-time. Consistently throwing the puck on net and chipping in on the score sheet, Beauvillier gives fantasy owners a nice floor with big upside at a great price point.

Alex Tuch (VGK): $4,100 @ DET
The Vegas Golden Knights are dealing with some nagging injuries right now which has opened ice-time for winger Alex Tuch. Currently slotted in on the second forward line, Tuck will also take advantage of playing on the top power-play unit. Henrik Zetterberg is very sound defensively and should line match against the top forward line of the Golden Knights.  This will leave the second line matched up against Dylan Larkin. Who has a favorable 47.23 HDCF% on the season. This is assuming James Neal and/or Reilly Smith miss tonight’s action.

Defense

Ryan Pulock (NYI): $4,500 @ EDM
The final part of an Islanders stack is defenseman Ryan Pulock. Again, a great salary saving option, Pulock will have time on the second power-play unit. Although they have been much better at killing penalties, the Oilers, on the season, have a league-worst PK percentage. The high-priced players in this game will be highly owned, but a great pivot is to target the cheaper options who are capable of scoring just as many points tonight.

Shea Theodore (VGK): $3,900 @ DET
One of the better “punt” plays of the night is Golden Knights defenseman, Shea Theodore. Averaging around 20 minutes a night, Theodore has taken on more of a leadership role on the blueline. He will quarterback the top power-play unit which will add to his ice-time. Detroit has been out of the playoff picture for most of the season, whereas Vegas is looking to polish their game before a deep run. Theodore is a talented up-and-coming defenseman who is capable of producing big fantasy points. Hopefully, we cash in on another one tonight.

Goalie

Roberto Luongo (FLA): $8,400 vs. MON
The Florida Panthers are a -200 favorite tonight as they host the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens generate a lot of shots, but from low-quality areas on the ice. This will allow Luongo to make a lot of easy saves which translate into fantasy production. The Panthers are still in the playoff hunt and will be looking to make a strong push the rest of the season. In a must-win scenario, Roberto Luongo is among the best goalies to roster tonight.

Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.