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

With another day of NHL action upon us, the playoff push continues for a number of teams. There are nine games listed on the docket for good ole St. Patrick's Day, and a number of players are just waiting to be discovered in a pot of escrow at the end of commissioner Gary Bettman's rainbow. 

While every day is a great day to participate in a daily fantasy league with DraftKings, Tuesday is a particularly great day to get involved because there are 18 teams in action. Having a big pool to choose from will allow for some true diamonds in the rough.

With a $50,000 salary cap in mind and some four-leaf clovers in my free hand, here are your DraftKings studs and duds for March 17.

Studs

Center: Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets ($4,500)

John Russell/Getty Images

The Winnipeg Jets are valiantly fighting to keep a playoff spot, and Mark Scheifele has been a key contributor as of late. The 6'2", 195-pound 22-year-old pivot has eight points in his last 10 games and a 3.5 fantasy-points-per-game average. He's a nice value center for $4,500 and is someone who will fly under the radar in a number of pools.

Winger: Jiri Hudler, Calgary Flames ($5,900)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Jiri Hudler has been a great contributor for the Calgary Flames this season and is a rock on the top line. Over the last seven games, Hudler has six goals, 12 points and a 5.7 fantasy-points-per-game average.

He has averaged nearly a point per game this season, 60 in 65 to date, so feel confident investing some cap space in Hudler.

Defense: Kris Russell, Calgary Flames ($6,000)

Kris Russell has stepped up for Calgary since Mark Giordano went down with an injury, and he's a solid player worth adding to your daily lineup. The Flames rearguard has eight points in his last 10 games, and he's averaged 5.0 fantasy points per game.

Goalie: Andrew Hammond, Ottawa Senators ($8,600)

Andrew Hammond has been one of the NHL's hottest netminders, and it is surprising that he isn't one of the most expensive players in action on Tuesday. Hammond is 9-0-1 with a 1.18 goals-against average and a .961 save percentage in his last 10 appearances, and he's averaged 7.7 fantasy points per game during that stretch.

Duds

Center: Logan Couture, San Jose Sharks ($6,700)

Logan Couture has been in a bit of rut for the Sharks, and he's a player you would be wise to avoid. Couture has only five points in his last 10 games, and he's averaged a mere 2.9 fantasy points per game.

Winger: Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders ($6,100) 

Don Smith/Getty Images

The New York Islanders' top winger has been a bit underwhelming since returning from an eye injury. In three games, Okposo has averaged about 20:00 a game, but he has zero points to show for it. The Islanders have been struggling as of late, so it is a good idea to avoid the team if possible.

Defense: Roman Josi, Nashville Predators ($7,200)

Roman Josi has five points and a 4.3 fantasy-points-per-game average over his last 10 contests, but he is hardly worth $7,200. Defenders like Kris Russell—listed above—and Dennis Wideman will give you more bang for your buck, because both have higher point totals and lower cap hits while averaging more points per game.

Goalie: Pekka Rinne, Nashville Predators ($8,800)

Jonathan Kozub/Getty Images

Pekka Rinne has been unable to stop a beach ball lately, and his overall numbers have really dipped. In his last 10 appearances, Rinne has a record of 3-7-0, a 2.56 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage. He's only averaged 3.2 fantasy points per game during that span and is hardly worth an $8,800 price tag.

DraftKings stats and details per its official site.