This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
It's a 12-game main slate beginning with the 7 p.m. EDT contests. There aren't many significant favorites with the Maple Leafs receiving the most chalk followed by the Bruins, Penguins, Avalanche and Oilers. With such a deep player pool, you'll be able to consider multiple lineup strategies as there are options at all salary ranges. It's also worth noting the Canucks, Blackhawks and Wild are playing their second of back-to-back road contests.
GOALIES
Connor Hellebuyck, WPG at SJ ($8,300): If you're looking to spend up in goal, Hellebuyck has a favorable matchup and is poised for a bounce-back showing. The Sharks scored just 2.61 goals per game last year while leading goal scorer Evander Kane (not injury related) isn't with the team.
Igor Shesterkin, NYR at MON ($8,100): The Canadiens have only potted two goals and only 16 high-danger scoring chances through their first two outings, and Shesterkin surrendered two goals or fewer in 19 of his 35 starts last year. While he wasn't overly impressive in his season debut Thursday, there's definite upside with Montreal struggling to generate offense.
Marc-Andre Fleury, CHI at PIT ($7,100): Taking a trip down narrative street with Fleury starting against his former team could reward. He's inexpensive and the Penguins are without superstars Sidney Crosby (wrist) and Evgeni Malkin (knee). Just note, Chicago is playing its second road game in consecutive nights and Fleury let in four goals on 36 shots during his season debut.
Cal Petersen, LA vs. MIN ($6,700): With a discounted salary and Minnesota appearing for the second consecutive night, Petersen represents a low-salary target to keep in mind. He turned away 23 of 25 shots in his season debut, and the Kings could be one of the league's most improved teams with the influx of young talent joining proven veterans.
VALUE PLAYS
Drake Batherson, OTT at TOR ($5,000): The 23-year-old winger registered four shots, seven attempts and two high-danger scoring chances against Toronto on Thursday. He's locked into top-line minutes and plays a key role on the No. 1 power-play unit. With the Leafs the largest favorite on the night, there's also contrarian appeal here.
Jared McCann, SEA at CLS ($4,800): It's rare for a top-line center who skates on the No. 1 power-play unit to be in this salary range, so McCann warrants attention. He's found the scoresheet in both contests to start the campaign while Columbus has a lot to prove.
Tyler Johnson, CHI at PIT ($4,400): Playing with Patrick Kane ($7,800) and Alex DeBrincat ($7,400) is a fantasy luxury, and Johnson is also rolling with the No. 1 power-play unit. After picking up two helpers with the man advantage on Friday, the former 70-point producer could be starting a rebound campaign. And as noted, the Penguins aren't at full strength.
Robby Fabbri, DET vs. VAN ($3,700): The 25-year-old forward has never fully cashed in on his potential, but he's carved out a top offensive role in Detroit and posted a pair of assists while logging 19:30 of ice time - including 5:13 with the man advantage - during the season opener. With Vancouver playing its second road game in consecutive nights, this could also prove to be a soft matchup for Fabbri and the Wings.
Dylan Sikura, COL vs. STL ($3,000): Projected to skate on the No. 1 line and top power-play unit with Mikko Rantanen ($8,200) and Nazem Kadri ($5,400), Sikura is a value flyer to keep in mind. While the winger has only seen 53 NHL games, he's recorded a respectable 42 goals and 48 assists through 121 AHL outings. Checking in at minimum salary also doesn't hurt Sikura's case.
LINE STACKS
Hurricanes at Predators
Andrei Svechnikov (W - $7,400), Vincent Trocheck (C - $5,600), Teuvo Teravainen (W - $5,900)
These three dominated in the opener with 34 shot attempts, eight high-danger scoring chances and two goals through 16:10 of shared ice time. It's all the more impressive considering the Islanders allowed the second fewest goals per game in the league last year.
Oilers vs. Flames
Leon Draisaitl (W - $8,700), Connor McDavid (C - $9,000), Jesse Puljujarvi (W - $4,600)
Simply put, McDavid, Draisaitl and Puljujarvi have combined for an elite 6.56 goals per 60 minutes over the past two seasons. Puljujarvi's lower salary helps mitigate the overall cap hit, and Calgary could be a little rusty playing its first game of the campaign.
Maple Leafs vs. Senators
William Nylander (W - $6,800), John Tavares (C - $7,500), Mitch Marner (W - $7,700)
There's potential head coach Sheldon Keefe looks for more opportunities to roll out his three best players as a five-on-five trio tonight. They've generated nine high-danger scoring chances with a 75.0 Corsi For percentage through only 6:55 of five-on-five ice time over the first two, so there's serious upside. They also all skate together on the top power-play unit while also providing coverage to Toronto's top two offensive lines when not together.
DEFENSEMEN
Quinn Hughes, VAN at DET ($6,500): The young star ranked fifth in points per 60 minutes among regular defensemen through his first three seasons and has now found the scoresheet in consecutive appearances. He's just entering his prime and has already established himself as an elite offensive contributor. Hopefully the back-to-back set keeps his popularity in check because there shouldn't be much to worry about against the Red Wings considering they gave up seven goals in their first game.
Tony DeAngelo, CAR at NSH ($4,900): Until DeAngelo's salary matches his upside, he'll be a popular target. He collected two assists in his Hurricanes debut with 5:27 of man-advantage while starting every five-on-five shift in the offensive zone. Don't forget DeAngelo ranked second in the league in points per 60 minutes among regular defensemen in 2019-20.
Zach Werenski, CLS vs. SEA ($4,900): Injuries have slowed Werenski down the past two seasons, but he collected a goal and assist Thursday and remains in a top offensive role for the Blue Jackets. The Kraken have also surrendered seven goals through two outings.
Neal Pionk, WPG at SJ ($4,800): The Sharks surrendered the second most goals per game last season, and Pionk is projected to remain quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit. He racked up 25 points with the man advantage during his first season in Winnipeg and also moves the needle in the shots and blocks columns.
Rasmus Sandin, TOR vs. OTT ($3,500): With 10 shot attempts and three individual high-danger scoring chances through the first two games, Sandin is proving he's ready for the biggest stage. He's also posted a 66.1 CorsiFor percentage, started 57.9 percent of his five-on-five shifts in the offensive zone and averaged 2:14 of power-play time per contest leading the second unit.
