This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Hockey series.
It's a quiet night in the NHL on Friday with just two games. The Hurricanes host the Flames, and the Blues visit the Capitals. Carolina is the largest favorite on the docket with the St. Louis-Washington bout projected to be close. Here's a look at some recommendations and fades at each position.
All statistics from Natural Stat Trick and Hockey Reference.
GOALIE
Frederik Andersen, CAR vs. CGY ($37): The Flames are playing their fifth consecutive road game out of the holiday break and third in four nights after losing in Tampa Bay on Thursday, so this sets up favorably for Andersen and the Hurricanes. Additionally, Carolina allows the fewest goals per game in the league and ranks second in penalty-kill percentage. Andersen's also sporting a high-end .929 save percentage and 1.91 GAA for the campaign.
GOALIE TO AVOID
Jacob Markstrom, FLA at CAR ($29): The Hurricanes rank seventh in goals per game, ninth in power-play percentage and first in Corsi For percentage, so this isn't a great matchup for Markstrom. Additionally, as noted, it's a tough schedule spot with the Flames. For what it's worth, Markstrom also allowed six goals in losing fashion Tuesday to the Panthers.
CENTER
Nicklas Backstrom, WAS vs. STL ($20): St. Louis has surrendered nine goals through the past two games and ranks second last in expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five in the league. Backstrom is projected to return to action Friday, and he's found the scoresheet in all three games he's played for the campaign.
CENTER TO AVOID
Elias Lindholm, CGY at CAR ($27): As noted, this is a daunting matchup for the Flames offense, and Lindholm has been limited to just a single goal through four games since the holiday break. There are probably more cost-effective options at the position.
WING
Alex Ovechkin, WAS vs. STL ($34): It's hard to look past the high-floor, high-ceiling profile Ovechkin offers from a shallow winger pool. Additionally, this could prove to be a sneaky soft matchup for the Caps. Ovechkin has also been on a year-long heater with 24 goals, 26 assists and 159 shots,
Teuvo Teravainen, CAR vs. CGY ($20): This is a manageable ticket for Teravainen. He's locked into a go-to offensive role and has collected six tallies, five helpers and 36 shots with a plus-9 rating through the past 10 games. It's also worth highlighting Teravainen's plus-67 rating over the past four seasons is a sneaky bonus in this scoring system.
WINGS TO AVOID
Johnny Gaudreau, CGY at CAR ($28): Sticking with the Calgary-wide fade, Gaudreau missed the scoresheet Thursday against Tampa Bay after racking up an impressive four tallies, three assists and a 30.8 shooting percentage through his first three games out of the break. It wouldn't be surprising to see another underwhelming performance Friday.
David Perron, STL at WAS ($19): The Capitals are also a high-end defensive club with the sixth fewest goals allowed per game in the league and an eighth-ranked 82.8 penalty-kill percentage. Perron has also been dropped in the lineup to a line centered by Oskar Sundqvist ($10), which is a notable dropoff from Ryan O'Reilly ($18).
DEFENSE
Tony DeAngelo, CAR vs. CGY ($20): Ranking first in points per 60 minutes among all regular defensemen in points per 60 minutes this season, DeAngelo is a worthy target. He's averaging 3:46 of power-play time per game and has recorded a respectable plus-11 rating through 24 games.
Oliver Kylington, CGY at CAR ($15): This is a tough matchup, but with all four teams sporting a top-10, penalty-kill percentage, looking to even-strength production could pay off. Kylington has found the scoresheet in four straight and ranks third in points per 60 minutes among regular defensemen at five-on-five.
DEFENSE TO AVOID
Noah Hanifin, CGY at CAR ($16): Another Flame to be wary of, Hanifin projects to match up against Carolina's top players Friday, and his current form isn't strong. He's only reached double-digit fantasy points once through the past 12 contests and has recorded a minus-4 rating during the stretch.
