NHL.com identifies daily fantasy hockey picks, lineup notes, relevant injuries and strategies for FanDuel DFS contests throughout the 2019-20 season

NHL.com identifies daily fantasy hockey picks, lineup notes, relevant injuries and strategies for FanDuel DFS contests throughout the 2019-20 season. For more coverage, visit NHL.com/Fantasy and subscribe for free to the NHL Fantasy on Ice podcast.MORE FANTASY COVERAGE: Top 200 ranks | 100 F | 50 D | 25 G
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CENTER
Sean Couturier, PHI (vs. MTL): He had three points (one goal, two assists) and five shots on goal for the Philadelphia Flyers against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday, giving him 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) and 120 SOG in 46 games. The Flyers are one of the best home teams in the NHL (15-3-4), and Couturier leads them with 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) in 22 such games. Philadelphia hosts the Montreal Canadiens, who will be on short rest after playing Wednesday.
WING
Cam Atkinson, CBJ (vs. CAR): He has been activated off injured reserve and could return for the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Carolina Hurricanes. Atkinson hasn’t played since Dec. 19 because of an ankle injury but is arguably the best offensive player for Columbus, which has gotten at least a point in 16 of their past 18 games without him for much of that stretch. Atkinson is a staple in the top six and on the first power play and is among the Blue Jackets leaders in goals (nine; fifth), power-play points (eight; tied for second) and SOG (113; second) despite missing significant time.
Conor Garland, ARI (at VAN): He had three points (one goal, two assists) and six SOG against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday and quietly leads the Arizona Coyotes with 16 goals on the season. Garland, who covers PPP (seven) and SOG (114; T-2nd on Arizona) well, is playing on the top line with elite left wing Taylor Hall (acquired from New Jersey Devils on Dec. 16) and visits the Vancouver Canucks, who have been outscored 22-14 over their past five games.
DEFENSEMAN
Rasmus Sandin, TOR (vs. CGY): The rookie had two assists and two SOG in 16:12 for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday. Sandin was paired with Cody Ceci in the absence of injured Morgan Rielly and Jake Muzzin and has a chance to return value in the coming weeks with even-strength exposure to elite forwards Auston Matthews, Mitchell Marner and John Tavares. It’s worth noting Sandin was named best defenseman at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in seven games for Sweden.
GOALIE
Elvis Merzlikins, CBJ (vs. CAR): He has thrived in the absence of injured Joonas Korpisalo, going 6-2-0 with a .950 save percentage in his past eight games. He has consecutive shutouts against elite teams in the Vegas Golden Knights on the road and Boston Bruins at home. The Hurricanes have lost three straight road games and been outscored 15-9 in the span, and the return of Atkinson should only help Merzlikins’ goal support.
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