This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
There are four games in the NHL on Friday, but only the late three are included in the main contests on Yahoo. The Maple Leafs-Sharks tilt is excluded. The Bruins and Stars are both notable favorites, whereas the Golden Knights are receiving short chalk at home. It's also worth noting Edmonton is playing its second consecutive road game after beating Arizona 5-1 on Thursday. Here's a look at a handful of recommendations and fades to keep in mind ahead of Friday's action for the main contests.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
GOALIE
Linus Ullmark, BOS at BUF ($29): Expect the first-year Bruin to be a popular target Friday. While the Sabres are off to an admirable 3-0 start with 12 goals through three games, Boston is a superior team on paper and receiving notable road chalk. For what it's worth, Ullmark should have some familiarity with the Buffalo shooters after playing for the franchise the past six years.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Robin Lehner, VGK vs. EDM ($35): Back-to-back spot or not, Lehner is a risky start against the Oilers, and he's the most expensive netminder in the player pool. Edmonton has 19 goals through the first four games of the campaign, and the Golden Knights are still missing a few key cogs from their lineup, after all.
CENTER
Charlie Coyle, BOS at BUF ($10): At minimum salary, Coyle opens up cap space to spend up for a superstar or two. Pointless through the first two games, there's a low fantasy floor, but he's also skating on the second line and power-play unit with proven veterans Taylor Hall ($19) and Craig Smith ($14). Buffalo did allow the third most goals per game in the league last year, too.
CENTER TO AVOID
Joe Pavelski, DAL vs. LA ($21): This salary is out of whack with Pavelski's start to the campaign. The veteran has a single goal, just seven shots and five individual high-danger scoring chances through four games. With a stacked center pool, you're likely better allocating your budget elsewhere.
WING
Viktor Arvidsson, LA at DAL ($17): With a middling salary and a high-fantasy floor, Arvidsson is worth considering. His 22 shot attempts pace the Kings, and he's skating on the top line and No. 1 power-play unit. Additionally, with Dallas allowing just nine goals through the first four games of the campaign, Arvidsson might also fly under the radar.
Kailer Yamamoto, EDM at VGK ($10): Another target at minimum salary, Yamamoto has been incredibly quiet this season with just nine shot attempts and no points through the first four games of the campaign. However, he skated with Leon Draisaitl ($34) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ($21) Thursday, and the trio has recorded an impressive 4.92 goals per 60 minutes over the previous two years.
WINGS TO AVOID
Brad Marchand, BOS at BUF ($32): This fade is strictly based on Marchand's shooting efficiency to start the campaign. He's sporting a 42.9 shooting percentage with three goals on just nine shot attempts and three individual high-danger scoring chances. Marchand could easily hold off statistical correction Friday, but negative regression looms.
Jason Robertson, DAL vs. LA ($21): Last season's breakout star is close to returning from a lower-body injury and will participate in the morning skate Friday. However, even if he suits up, it's probably best to wait for him to prove his health before utilizing him in daily contests. There's no injury discount in his salary.
DEFENSE
Charlie McAvoy, BOS at BUF ($19): It's been an excellent start for McAvoy with two assists, five shots, four blocks and 11 shot attempts through the first two games of the season. McAvoy projects to continue logging huge minutes while quarterbacking the No. 1 power-play unit. As noted, this shouldn't prove to be a tough matchup against Buffalo, either.
Evan Bouchard, EDM at VGK ($17): The emerging blueliner has found the scoresheet in consecutive games while racking up 10 shots and seven blocks. Perhaps more impressively, Bouchard also paces the Oilers in shot attempts for the campaign.
DEFENSE TO AVOID
Alex Pietrangelo, VGK vs. EDM ($22): Projected to spend the bulk of his minutes trying to slow down Connor McDavid ($36) and/or Leon Draisaitl ($34), Pietrangelo is a significant plus-minus risk. Admittedly, there's contrarian appeal with Pietrangleo, but the Golden Knights are riddled with injuries against a daunting 4-0 opponent.
Tyson Barrie, EDM at VGK ($21): The power-play quarterback broke out in Thursday's game with his first two assists of the campaign. However, it was the first time he reached double-digit fantasy points and his 44.4 Corsi For percentage ranks last among Edmonton defensemen.
