Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: DraftKings NHL Optimal Lineup for December 15

Welcome back to the daily fantasy hockey lounge, where 11 games will be dissected before Tuesday night. After a light schedule on Monday evening, DraftKings owners have myriad decisions to make when setting lineups.

Before making those difficult calls, we've helped by picking apart some of the best players at each position. Whether you're setting one lineup or double-digit rosters, here's a look at targets to lock in for December 15.

Center: Tomas Plekanec, Montreal Canadiens ($5,800)

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One of the Montreal Canadiens' most steady scoring threats from 2014 has finally returned. Tomas Plekanec has been in the lineup all season but is finally getting back to his old ways. With eight assists in his last 10 games, Plekanec is still flying under the radar at $5,800.

He's been shifted around on lines recently but appears to be back at home with Max Pacioretty. Why does that matter? Well, Pacioretty is the team's leading scorer, and Plekanec scores most of his points through assists. Look for that top line to take advantage of a porous San Jose Sharks defense.

Winger: Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames ($6,500)

Listen, I understand that Johnny Gaudreau was on this list last week. You know why? Because he was playing out of his mind. Let's just say he hasn't slowed down since.

Gaudreau is cranking out goals like it's his job—because it is—with eight over his last 10 games. To put that into perspective, he had just four through the first 19 games. Not to mention he's also tallied six assists over that 10-game stretch for a whopping 14 points.

The only concern here is that Gaudreau's production is cut in half on the road in terms of fantasy points. But with the recent tear the 22-year-old winger has been on, he should be trusted in all DFS lineups on Tuesday.

Defenseman: Justin Faulk, Carolina Hurricanes ($6,200)

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This might be a slight overpay for a defenseman—I usually like to stay below $6,000—but Justin Faulk has been that good recently. With 10 points, 11 blocked shots and 22 shots on goal, the Carolina Hurricanes' lead defenseman averaged 4.1 fantasy points in his last 10 games.

One of the best two-way defensemen in the game, Faulk faces a Philadelphia Flyers team that has allowed 3.25 goals over its last four games. Given Faulk's seven points over the last four games, DFS owners can expect a huge night from him once again.

Goalie: Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils ($7,500)

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I know what you're thinking: Wait, Cory Schneider is coming off statistically one of his worst games of the season and you want me to pick him up? Yes. And it's for pretty obvious reasons.

Schneider was shelled by the New York Islanders Sunday, a team that ranks seventh in goals per game. However, the 29-year-old goalie has been terrific otherwise this season with a .924 save percentage and 13-8-4 record.

Oh, and the last time he was peppered for three or more goals, Schneider responded with 7.8 fantasy points on DraftKings. With the Buffalo Sabres ranking 24th in goals per game, the Devils goalie has a much more favorable matchup for DraftKings players to pick up massive points.

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

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