This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
Goalie
Devan Dubnyk, MIN at VAN ($8,600): Dubnyk comes in winning five of his last six games with the one blemish coming against the Avalanche. In that game, the net minder allowed five goals on 17 shots and was pulled early, as it clearly wasn't his night. During those five victories, though, Dubnyk has allowed just nine goals although he's averaged just 27 SA over that span. While Dubnyk may not possess immense upside in this matchup, he's a safer option and should come away with a victory.
Center
Mikael Backlund, CGY at OTT ($5,400): The Flames skate into Ottawa as the Senators play their second game in as many nights against one of the better road teams in the NHL. Calgary averages 2.91 GPG in enemy territory, while the Senators sport a 3.50 GAA in their own building, the third-most of any home team in the league. The Senators have been victimized by centers of late, allowing the most fantasy points (20 goals, 31 assists) over the last four weeks.
Dylan Larkin, DET at CBJ ($6,400): The speedy center for Detroit has a point in back to back games, both assists, but has been scratching and clawing to find the back of the net and could see that happen on Friday. Over his last two outings, Larkin has 14 SOG, and looking farther back, the young pivot has fired 28 SOG in his last five. The Blue Jackets, who played just one night ago, have surrendered 24 goals and 21 assists to centers over their last 15 games.
Wing
Mike Hoffman, OTT vs. CGY ($6,400): Hoffman is a goal scorer and has lit the lamp in three of his last five games. Over that span, the left winger has added two assists and fired 20 SOG. Each of those three tallies has come on the power play, and with Calgary averaging 11.5 penalty minutes per game, second-most in the league, Hoffman who has eight of his 19 goals on the power play, could increase that number on Friday.
Cam Atkinson, CBJ vs. DET ($6,200): Atkinson has a point in five of his last seven games with three goals and four assists over that span. The Connecticut native has fired 21 SOG over the five-game stretch and averages 6.05 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes in 5v5 situations this season, the fourth-most amongst all skaters. Look for Atkinson to continue his strong play, as he's buried five goals and dished out three assists in his last seven outings against the Red Wings.
Zach Parise, MIN at VAN ($6,100): The Wild may be the most popular team on Friday's slate and they're loaded with skaters from which to choose. Parise has been one of their hottest players with a point in five straight games with three goals and two assists. The Minnesota native has had recent success against the Canucks with three goals and two assists in his last seven matchups against them. Ice time has been a bit of a wild card of late, but when the winger has seen the ice, he's made the most of his opportunities.
Defense
Zach Werenski, CBJ vs. DET ($5,100): For the second straight day, Werenski is a guy I'm locking in on in a plus matchup. With a goal and an assist on Thursday, Werenski now has six points in his last five outings. The Red Wings have allowed the second-most fantasy points to defensemen over the last month, specifically 10 goals and 29 assists over the 14-game stretch. Werenski's teammate Seth Jones ($5,700) is also very much in play coming off of a big night, however, I prefer to take the discount with Werenski.
Mathew Dumba, MIN at VAN ($4,700): Dumba's salary, or lack thereof, will likely make him one of the higher-owned defensemen on the slate, but his savings and productive play make him a worth consideration. With three points and 10 SOG over his last four games, Dumba is part of a formidable stable of defensemen that Minnesota goes to battle with each night. With at least 23 minutes of ice time in nine of his last 10 outings, Dumba provides a solid floor and should have no problem hitting value against the generous Canucks defense.
