Here are the top contrarian picks for Monday:
C Pavel Datsyuk, Red Wings (at Kings)
The magic may be fading for Datsyuk, who is off to an alarmingly slow start this season with 16 points through 27 games. Despite his struggles, he remains one of the highest-salaried centers on the night.
Datsyuk has scored just twice in his last 16 games, but there's a glimmer of hope that Monday will see him bust his slump. The 37-year-old remains one of Detroit's biggest power-play weapons, and the Kings' normally impressive penalty kill has surrendered five goals in the last four games.
While the Detroit power play is scuffling (23rd, 17.4 percent), there is simply too much talent on the team for that to continue. If Datsyuk and the Red Wings get a chance to work with the man advantage, don't be surprised if "The Magic Man" hits the scoresheet.
D Brent Burns, Sharks (at Flames)
The reason for avoiding Burns is a simple one: he carries a monstrous price tag on the majority of daily fantasy sites, particularly on a short slate. That alone will keep many players from rostering him.
But Burns needs to be utilized whenever the matchup is good - and it doesn't get much better than Monday, when Burns and the Sharks face the Flames in Calgary. Burns is tied for sixth in the NHL in power-play assists (12), and Calgary has the league's worst penalty-kill rate (74.2).
Add in his shots-on-goal and blocked shot totals, along with his position-high 17 goals, and Burns is a sensational contrarian selection Monday.
G Jacob Markstrom, Canucks (vs. Panthers)
Betting against a team on a 12-game winning streak is the ultimate counter play - but Markstrom is in good position to end the Panthers' amazing run.
Markstrom has been terrific over his last 10 games (eight starts), posting a 2.12 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. He and the Canucks will be facing a Florida team playing the back end of a back-to-back following Sunday's 2-1 triumph in Edmonton.
If you're looking for a way to spend up at other positions, rostering Markstrom is a terrific option. The Panthers have been formidable, but may be weary from their West Coast trip - and Markstrom is good enough to capitalize.
