This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
It's a six-game slate for Friday with the Blue Jackets and Devils playing the second half of their back-to-back after impressive wins against the Panthers and Penguins, respectively.
But only the Devils at Blackhawks and Kings at Ducks should provide any intrigue, as the other four matchups offer a clear favorite.
GOALIES
Darcy Kuemper, COL vs. WPG ($8,600): The Jets were on the other side of a comeback their last time out, which doesn't bode well against the league's best team. Kuemper has been outstanding despite a rocky start and seems to have found his rhythm with only one regulation defeat since December, and the Avs should still carry enough firepower to defeat Winnipeg sans Nathan MacKinnon.
Frederik Andersen, CAR vs. CBJ ($8,500): The Blue Jackets are playing the second of consecutive night and with Elvis Merzlikins' status uncertain, they may be forced to start Jet Greaves who was just signed after splitting the season between AHL Cleveland and ECHL Kalamazoo. This should be an easy matchup for Carolina, who hold the edge over Columbus in almost every category. For the Blue Jackets, this will be a much tougher challenge than facing third-string Jonas Johansson on Thursday.
Ville Husso, STL vs. BUF ($8,300): Husso should get the nod even though Jordan Binnington started and won their last game. Aside from the Sabres' top line, their scoring ability is a little suspect and defense has always been one of the Blues' strong suits. While historical records don't usually mean a whole lot, it's worth noting Buffalo has only beaten St. Louis five times since 1999.
Laurent Brossoit, VGK at ARI ($8,200): Vegas's roster is always in a bit of a flux due to various injuries and cap restrictions. But even with Peter DeBoer juggling the lines, there shouldn't be any problems beating the Coyotes. Jack Eichel found the back of the net twice, a sign he's finally comfortable on the ice again after a lengthy absence. The Coyotes will also be playing with a depleted blueline after trading Ilya Lyubushkin to the Leafs.
VALUE PLAYS
Logan Brown, STL vs. BUF ($3,300): Jordan Kyrou's struggles of late has forced Craig Berube to shuffle the units, and that's included moving Brown with Ryan O'Reilly and David Perron during Thursday's practice. The hulking forward has not been able to carve out a regular role in the NHL, but his size should create a lot of space for his linemates. Though O'Reilly is used in a lot of matchup roles, a relatively easy head-to-head with the Sabres could produce scoring opportunities.
Lukas Reichel, CHI vs. NJ ($3,700): The 19-year-old rookie was a point-per-game player for AHL Rockford, but has yet to find the scoresheet in four games with the Blackhawks. Though immensely talented, the lack of quality depth in Chicago means Reichel will be flanked by Dominik Kubalik and Brandon Hagel, neither of whom have been adept at scoring this season. But in what may be an open contest, he presents untapped offensive potential for those looking to find a sneaky value play.
J.T. Compher, COL vs. WPG ($4,500): An injury to MacKinnon means Andre Burakovsky gets bumped up to the top line and that's opened a top-six spot for Compher on Nazem Kadri's line. He started the season on a tear, but his production suffered after moving down the lineup. Compher is getting another chance to go on a scoring tear with five of his 17 points this season involving Kadri.
LINE STACKS
Devils at Blackhawks
Jack Hughes (C - $8,000), Yegor Sharangovich (W - $5,300), Dawson Mercer (C - $5,000)
Nico Hischier's line might be a safer bet with Jesper Bratt and Pavel Zacha on his wings, but Hughes represents the Devils' most dynamic forward and Mercer has been one of their most dependable players despite his rookie status. Both trios were effective against the Pens on Thursday and it's expected that will continue against a weaker Blackhawks side. Note that Mercer is listed as a center, even though he'll operate on the right wing.
Kings at Ducks
Anze Kopitar (C - $6,700), Adrian Kempe (W - $5,500), Alex Iafallo (W - $5,700)
John Gibson is expected to start and he's going through the roughest stretch of the season with 19 goals allowed in four games. Meanwhile, Kempe is enjoying his best season while Iafallo remains a solid complimentary piece.
DEFENSEMEN
Cale Makar, COL vs. WPG ($7,100): Riding a six-game point streak, Makar is easily the best defenseman on Friday's slate, especially when he's only a $100 premium over Dougie Hamilton, who played just 19 minutes in his first game back from a broken jaw and $200 over Drew Doughty, who doesn't offer nearly the same amount of offensive upside.
Jaccob Slavin, CAR vs. CBJ ($5,900): With Tony DeAngelo out for a month, look for Slavin to take over as the Canes' top PP QB. There's tremendous potential playing with the man advantage with arguably the league's best crop of forwards while the Blue Jackets may be forced to start fourth-string goalie Jet Greaves, who has yet to see a minute of NHL action.
