There is only one NHL game Friday, with the Rangers hosting the Hurricanes. That means it's single-game daily fantasy rules. You will choose three forwards, two defensemen, and a captain who's worth 1.5 times the points. Here is the lineup I'd put together.
CAPTAIN
Mika Zibanejad, NYR vs. CAR ($13,000): It's a steep price to pay, but Zibanejad is worth it. He's tallied 53 points in 53 games, but that includes 19 points in his last 11 contests. The Rangers also have a distinct advantage in this matchup, as the Hurricanes are on the road for the second game of a back-to-back. That also likely means Petr Mrazek will be in the goal, and he has a .894 save percentage.
FORWARD
Michael Ferland, CAR at NYR ($9,000): However, don't write off the Hurricanes in this matchup. After all, Henrik Lundqvist has a 3.86 GAA and .865 save percentage in his last nine outings. Ferland has started 61.5 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, highest among Carolina players who have played more than 20 games. He's also averaged 2:31 per game with the extra man and notched nine power-play points in 44 games.
Lucas Wallmark, CAR at NYR ($8,500): Hey, somebody has to center Carolina's second line with Jordan Staal possibly out for the season, and that job falls to Wallmark. That means he gets to skate between Ferland and Teuvo Teravainen, and he's getting time on the second power-play unit. In addition to Henrik Lundqvist's recent struggles, the Rangers have the 26th-ranked penalty kill.
Pavel Buchnevich, NYR vs. CAR ($7,500): Buchnevich hasn't quite lived up to his prospect status, but he's still only 23. He skates on New York's second line, and he's been getting more power-play time recently. The Russian also has five points in his last seven contests. As for the Hurricanes, they have a 3.04 GAA on the road, and they are also on the second day of a back-to-back.
DEFENSE
Dougie Hamilton, CAR at NYR ($9,500): Hamilton got off to a slow start on the scoring front, but he's finally turned it around in the New Year. Over his last 16 games he has six goals and 11 points. However, all year he's been putting pucks on goal, as he has 169 shots on net in 54 contests. Now he gets to face Lundqvist, who has a 3.04 GAA and .906 save percentage on the year.
Anthony DeAngelo, NYR vs. CAR ($7,500): You've got to save a little cash somewhere, and DeAngelo can help you do that with a little upside. He has five points in his last eight games, and he's got a point in back-to-back contests. The defenseman has also put 22 shots on goal in those eight contests. Getting to face the Hurricanes on the second night of a back-to-back with Mrazek likely in net bodes well for DeAngelo.
