This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
Since the Devils traded Taylor Hall, they're 16-11-7, 15th in the league. They're a decent team, but beating the Blues – who are 20-9-4 during that same period – will be a tough task. There might be some upset potential here.
The Blackhawks are just six points out of a playoff spot despite being sellers at the trade deadline, and a win against the Red Wings will move them that much closer. The Dead Things are DOA on the road, going 5-26-3 this season.
The Maple Leafs will conclude a gruelling California road trip and face the Ducks, having played last night against the Kings. Both teams are inconsistent but the Leafs should still have the edge. They're 13-3-0 all-time against the Ducks since the 2009-10 season.
There are huge playoff implications with the remaining matchups in the West with Arizona, Winnipeg and Vancouver all tied at 74 points. The Jets face the toughest test facing the Pacific-leading Golden Knights, and the Coyotes and Flames enter their matchup with both teams having won their past two games. The Canucks, losers of four straight, will face the Avalanche, who are 7-1-2 in their past 10 and could move into first place in the Central with a win.
GOALIES
Pavel Francouz ($8,900) seems like a strong play against the reeling Canucks, but he was just okay in a 4-3 OTL to the Ducks (.867 Sv%). The Canucks still have some elite offensive players and rank ninth in the league in GF/GP. Thatcher Demko ($7,200) has allowed 13 goals in four games but looked good against Arizona (36 saves) and has been traditionally strong at home. Demko's a potential value play and there are surer 'tenders than Francouz.
Connor Hellebucyk ($8,100) could totally steal the game against Marc-Andre Fleury ($8,700) and the Knights. Fleury lost 4-1 to the Kings in his last start and might lose the starting job to Robin Lehner, but Vegas has been so good lately they're clearly the favourites. Hellebucyk has a career .875 Sv% against them.
Jordan Binnington ($8,700) has won six straight games and should be a good pick against the Devils, but MacKenzie Blackwood ($7,600) has been stealing games. Binnington is a better option than Fleury and the Blues' quality depth will be trouble for New Jersey.
Antti Raanta ($8,500) has a .921 Sv% this season but he'll need goal support to beat the Flames. Neither of the Flames' goalies are as good as Raanta, but they get plenty of goal support and that already makes them strong value plays. The same goes for Jack Campbell ($7,800), who should be getting enough goal support to win despite being outclassed by the other team's goalie, John Gibson ($7,200).
Corey Crawford ($7,800) may be the best value play of the night. Crawford has won four straight and the Red Wings are basically a doormat.
VALUE PLAYS
Kirby Dach ($3,600) has an assist in two straight games, and the Hawks are playing against the worst defensive team in the league.
Jake Virtanen ($3,800) had an assist and six shots on goal against Arizona after getting promoted to Bo Horvat's line mid-game and he should start there on Friday. His speed and shooting complements Horvat's two-way game very well, especially in transition.
FORWARD LINE STACKS
Chicago Blackhawks (TOTAL: $15,500)
C – Dylan Strome ($4,000)
W – Patrick Kane ($7,900)
W – Alexander Nylander ($3,600)
We know what Kane can do, but Strome has been excellent lately with two goals and six points in his past five games. Even Nylander is getting in on the action, scoring three points in two games and seeing a significant increase in ice time. Have I mentioned how bad Detroit is yet?
Vancouver Canucks (TOTAL: $19,200)
C – Elias Pettersson ($6,700)
W – J.T. Miller ($6,800)
W – Tyler Toffoli ($5,700)
Toffoli has fit in like a glove since joining Vancouver, and Miller continues to have an excellent first season with four goals and 12 points in his past seven games. All three play on a top-notch power-play unit.
DEFENSEMEN
Mark Giordano ($6,300) hasn't missed a beat since returning and now has four helpers in two games. Giordano, Shea Theodore ($5,800) and Quinn Hughes ($5,400) have the most upside among top-tier PP QB's, though Hughes might be nursing an injury.
Tyson Barrie ($5,00) and Oliver Ekman-Larsson ($5,000) are in the tier just below, mostly for their lack of consistent production. Samuel Girard ($4,400) would be the sneaky choice, having played 28 minutes against the Ducks in Cale Makar's absence.
Alex Pietrangelo ($5,800), Colton Parayko ($4,900) and Neal Pionk ($4,500) are low-floor picks because even if they don't score points, they're probably blocking a lot of shots.
