Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: NHL DraftKings Studs and Duds for February 17

After an eight-game Monday night schedule, the NHL is back Tuesday with seven games on the docket. The packed schedule ensures there are tons of players up for grabs. In this situation, you want to get the most bang for your buck and avoid getting hosed at all costs.

In addition, you want to find some diamonds in the rough, because they can end up making a huge difference.

With a salary cap of $50,000, every dollar counts, so here are some bargain studs and overpriced duds to be aware of.

Studs

Morgan Rielly ($4,300)

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Morgan Rielly is a talented defender who has a bright future with the Toronto Maple Leafs, barring a trade as part of the team's five-year rebuild plan. The skilled Leafs rear guard has three goals and six points in his last 10 games, and he's averaged 3.0 fantasy points per game during that span.

Nicklas Backstrom ($5,700)

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Nicklas Backstrom is in the midst of an amazing season in which he's averaging over a point per game. He's been one of the Washington Capitals' most consistent forwards this season, and he's averaging 3.5 fantasy points per game over the last 10 games. He'll cost only $5,700 against the cap, and that's an amazing bargain.

John Klingberg ($4,200) 

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John Klingberg is an amazing value at $4,200, and the stunning Swede has 11 points in his last 10 games. He's averaging three fantasy points per game, and he's a great pickup for your lineup. He will help contribute offensively, and picking him will allow you to spend your savings on an elite forward or netminder.

Curtis McElhinney ($7,600)

Curtis McElhinney has stepped up for the Columbus Blue Jackets while Sergei Bobrovsky has been out of the lineup, and $7,600 is a bargain. The Blue Jackets' current starter is 6-3-0 in his last 10 starts, and he's got a 2.43 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.

The Blue Jackets will take on a Philadelphia Flyers squad that is 6-1-3 in its last 10, but McElhinney's play gives him an edge over Ray Emery, who is 3-4-2 in his last eight appearances with a 3.43 goals-against average.

Duds

Claude Giroux ($7,700)

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Claude Giroux has been a point-per-game player through 55 games this season, but you should avoid him Tuesday. The Philadelphia Flyers captain has a price tag of $7,700, and he has only six points in his last 10 games. His fantasy points-per-game average is also down 1.2 points. You can get better value elsewhere.

Phil Kessel ($6,700)

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Despite Phil the Thrill's massive slump, he continues to carry a high salary of $6,700. He's got only two goals in his last 10 games, and his fantasy points-per-game average has dropped rapidly. Kessel is a threat in real hockey, but he hasn't provided reasonable value in daily fantasy hockey.

John Carlson ($6,200)

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John Carlson carries a $6,200 price tag for action Tuesday, and he's really overpriced. Although he's got 38 points this season, the Capitals defender has only three points in his last 10 games, and he's not a viable option to contribute to your lineup's offense.