Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: DraftKings NHL Optimal Lineup for October 22

It's still early in the NHL season, but trends are starting to show for daily fantasy hockey owners. But with only eight games from which to choose players, narrowing down the options isn't an ideal situation.

You know who has your back? We do. Instead of picking apart rosters, here's a look at players to target for any games on Thursday night.

Center: Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers ($5,700)

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One of the lone repeats from our ideal lineup last Thursday, Aleksander Barkov is still an ideal fit for any lineup. The Florida Panthers' top-line center has paired up with veteran Jaromir Jagr to combine for 13 points through the first six games.

Having an experienced wing player to feed has helped Barkov improve in the short time they've played together. Averaging 4.4 fantasy points per game, expect solid production again from Barkov as a top center on Thursday against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Winger: T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals ($5,700)

Not that T.J. Oshie wasn't already a great winger before the move to the Washington Capitals, but he's kicked into another gear this season. Similar to Barkov, much of that increase in production comes from a veteran teammate.

Oshie's teammate just happens to be Alex Ovechkin, who has six seasons with 50 goals. Playing alongside that goal-scoring potential is a breeding ground for fantasy points.

Going against a Vancouver Canucks defense that has allowed six goals in the last two games, Oshie will continue his hot start. Instead of targeting Ovi at $9,200 as a No. 1, grab Oshie and look for great numbers for a No. 2 wing.

Defenseman: Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins ($5,500)

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Kris Letang is finally finding the back of the net in recent matchups after a slow start through the first two games. And when he isn't, Letang has dished three assists to tally four points over the last four games. Tack on the 12 hits and 11 blocked shots, and Letang is averaging 4.2 fantasy points per game on DraftKings.

So why is he a better start over players like Erik Karlsson and Roman Josi? Because he's facing a Dallas Stars team that ranks 25th against defensemen. With nearly identical production to the top-ranked defensemen, Letang is the player to target at his $5,500 price point.

Goalie: Martin Jones, San Jose Sharks ($7,100)

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Martin Jones has taken his new role as a No. 1 goaltender and ran with it. In terms of full-time goalies, Jones has averaged the most fantasy points this year and won four of his five starts.

Those numbers are thanks to a ridiculous open to the season. Jones allowed a total of two goals in the first four starts before allowing four in one game against the New York Rangers. Don't expect that trend to continue with Jones facing the Los Angeles Kings.

Through the first five games, the Kings have averaged just 1.2 goals per game. Suffice to say, Jones is a steal at nearly $1,000 less than the top option at his position on Thursday.

UTIL: Artem Anisimov, Chicago Blackhawks ($3,800)

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It's not a long streak, but Artem Anisimov has shown flashes of production recently. His second goal of the season on Saturday came after registering an assist last Thursday against the Capitals. That's good for over three fantasy points during those starts.

Centering the puck for Patrick Kane, Anisimov is sure to find ways to put up points against the Florida Panthers. Roberto Luongo may be off to a torrid start, but the Blackhawks have too much offensive talent to be denied. With over 17 minutes on ice in four of six games this season, Anisimov is a perfect utility player to target.

Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more DraftKings advice.

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