Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: DraftKings NHL Optimal Lineup for October 29

The cream of the crop is slowly rising to the top in the 2015 season of daily fantasy hockey. With myriad players proving some scoring trends are here to stay, the selection process is starting to become easier for DraftKings players.

However, there are still multiple strategies for owners to utilize, and every lineup tends to be completely different. Here's a look at our choices for Thursday's slate, building around the first player on the list.

Center: John Tavares, New York Islanders ($8,400)

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Normally, I would save salary for a top-line winger like Patrick Kane or Max Pacioretty. But with John Tavares' torrid start and recent numbers against the Carolina Hurricanes, there's no reason not to target him at this price.

Last season, Tavares ripped apart the Hurricanes in all four games to the tune of eight total points. After posting three goals and five assists last season, Tavares knows exactly how to attack Carolina's defense and Cam Ward. Expect similar results on Thursday from the Islanders captain.

Winger: Brendan Gallagher, Montreal Canadiens ($5,400)

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Want a winger at a No. 2 spot that performs like a No. 1? Brendan Gallagher, the top right-winger for the Montreal Canadiens, has proved to be a reliable forward this season. Averaging nearly four fantasy points per game, Gallagher is proving to be a well-rounded player for the Habs.

Going up against the Edmonton Oilers, Gallagher has a prime matchup with Cam Talbot in the net. After allowing seven goals over his last two starts, Talbot will struggle against Gallagher.

With the Oilers ranking 21st against right wings, Gallagher will either score on his own or distribute to Max Pacioretty or Tomas Plekanec. Either way, that's a win for DFS owners.

Defenseman: Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues ($3,300)

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Colton Parayko is finally getting his chance to prove how talented he can be at the NHL level. And oh, has he done it. After working him into the defensive rotation slowly, Parayko has over 22 minutes of ice time in his last three games.

Teammate Troy Brouwer noted Parayko's sudden dominance on the ice this season, via Lou Korac of NHL.com:

Not only has he had extra time on the ice, he's also produced three points during that stretch. Compiling 11 blocked shots and nine total shots on goal in those starts, look for the production to continue against an Anaheim Ducks team that has only won one game this season.

Goalie: Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils ($6,800)

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Coming off his worst start of the season, Cory Schneider might look like a prime option. But an average of over 5.7 fantasy points per game over the previous five games tells another story.

Apart from his first start of the season and Tuesday night, Schneider has been a consistent force for the New Jersey Devils. Going up against a weak Philadelphia Flyers offense that ranks 21st in goals per game (2.3), Schneider should come away with another win for DFS owners.

Utility: Travis Zajac, New Jersey Devils ($3,300)

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The Devils offense hasn't exactly been a juggernaut this season, but Travis Zajac has done his part. A second-line center, Zajac comes at a reasonable price for a utility piece in any lineup.

His 2.8 fantasy points-per-game average might not look enticing, but 4.5 over the last four games is a lot more exciting. Facing a Flyers defense that ranks 30th against opposing centers in scoring, Zajac should thrive on Thursday against a porous Philly back line.

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

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