This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
Friday is here, and why not kick off your weekend with a little hockey? There are three NHL games, which means you've got the chance to put together a daily fantasy lineup. Here are my recommendations to try and help you end the traditional work week with gusto.
GOALIE
Ben Bishop, DAL vs. MIN ($8,900): Bishop's early-season numbers are still hurt by a rough start against the Maple Leafs, but he still has a 2.55 GAA. This comes after last year when he had a 2.49 GAA and .916 save percentage. The Wild have struggled offensively to start the season, as they've only scored 2.33 goals per contest. Last year, they only managed 2.80 goals per game on the road.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. FLA ($6,700): Backstrom has been one of the most consistent centers in the NHL for years. Over the last five seasons, he's managed at least 70 points per game, and at least 26 on the power play. With Roberto Luongo still injured, James Reimer will start this game. The 30-year-old had a 2.99 GAA and .913 save percentage last year.
Kyle Turris, NAS at CGY ($5,200): After being traded to the Predators last year, Turris started 65.3 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, highest on the team. That number is up to 75.6 percent to start this season, and he has four points in six games. Mike Smith hasn't had quite as good of a start to the year, as he has a 3.23 GAA and .889 save percentage though five games.
WING
Alexander Radulov, DAL vs. MIN ($6,600): The Stars were very top-heavy last season, but…well actually it's still true this year. That doesn't hurt Radulov, though, given that he has 10 points through six games, including five on the power play. The Wild were awful defensively on the road last year, as they had a 3.41 GAA in away games.
Craig Smith, NAS at CGY ($5,100): Smith, like Turris, has started 75.6 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone this year. He only has two goals, but he's put 21 shots on net through six games, so he's been quite active. As previously noted, Mike Smith has struggled to start the year, but on top of that, the Flames had a 3.42 GAA after the All-Star break last season.
Chandler Stephenson, WAS vs. FLA ($3,300): Stephenson is now the guy skating on a line with Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov. That has the potential to pay huge dividends. How many players at this price have linemates this good? Add in James Reimer and his .913 save percentage last year, and this could be a nice change to get some bang for your buck.
DEFENSE
P.K. Subban, NAS at CGY ($6,100): Subban notched a personal-best 16 goals last year, his sixth campaign with double-digit goals. He also averaged 3:05 per game on the power play last season, tallying 25 points with the extra man. If Mike Smith's struggles continue, and it's not uncommon for 36-year-old goalies to have issues, Subban could be in for a big day.
Connor Carrick, DAL vs. MIN ($3,800): It's early, but a move to Dallas seems to be primed to pay off for Carrick. He has four points in six games, which is a strong start. What particularly intrigues me, though, is that the 24-year-old has started 55.1 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, fourth most on the Stars and most among defensemen. As mentioned earlier, the Wild struggled on the road last year, posting a 3.41 GAA in away contests.
