This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
Another weekend is upon us and the NHL is kicking things off with six games Friday. However, the 6:00 PM EST game between Colorado and Vegas is not being included for daily fantasy purposes, so there are only five games to choose from. I'm here to try and make your decisions easier by giving you some players that stick out to me as being good values. Hey, you've had a long week. You've earned it.
GOALIE
Chicago Blackhawks, CHI vs. NAS ($15,300): The Predators are off to a somewhat slow start, having averaged 2.56 goals and 29.8 shots on net per contest. Corey Crawford's start has been anything but slow, though, as he has a 2.13 GAA and a .937 save percentage this year. The odds of the Blackhawks getting revenge for last year's postseason at home here seem good, especially with Nashville taking some time to get going.
CENTER
Brayden Schenn, STL at CAR ($11,600): The Hurricanes played Thursday, so they will be on the second night of a back-to-back. That will likely mean Cam Ward in net, who has a career 2.70 GAA and .909 save percentage. The move to St. Louis has been good for Schenn thus far. He's averaged a career-high 19:49 in ice time and has nine points through 10 games.
Boone Jenner, CLM vs. WPG ($9,100): The Jets are also on the second night of a back-to-back, and they are on the road as well. Last year, Winnipeg allowed 3.11 goals per game, and heading into Thursday night they'd allowed 3.71 goals per contest. Jenner missed the beginning of the season, but in the two games he's played he has nine shots on goal, which is encouraging.
WING
Johnny Gaudreau, CGY vs. DAL ($14,400): You may be sensing a theme, because the Stars are also on the second night of a back-to-back. They started Ben Bishop on Thursday, which could mean Kari Lehtonen (.902 save percentage last year) in net. Last year, Gaudreau started 63.3 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, most of any Flame. Like last season, his shooting percentage is down, but he's made up for that with 10 assists in 10 games.
Mike Hoffman, OTT at NJD ($11,700): Hoffman has had at least 26 goals in his last three seasons, and last year he also tallied 26 points on the power play. This year, he already has 41 shots on goal in nine games and three points with the extra man. The Devils have allowed 3.00 goals and 34.8 shots on net per contest this year, and they allowed 2.94 goals per game last season.
Matthew Tkachuk, CGY vs. DAL ($9,400): The 19-year-old Tkachuk, who was drafted sixth overall in 2016, has built upon his rookie season thus far. He has eight points through 10 games, and he's put 27 shots on net. As previously mentioned, the Stars are on the road for the second night of a back-to-back and, presuming Lehtonen starts, this is a great matchup for Tkachuk to take advantage of.
DEFENSEMEN
Zach Werenski, CLM vs. WPG ($10,500): In addition to starting 60.0 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, Werenski has a Corsi For Percentage of 60.9, which tops the Blue Jackets. He's already a proven offensive force with six points and 26 shots on goal through nine games. Given Winnipeg's defensive woes dating back to last season, and the fact they are on the second night of a back-to-back, things are looking up for Werenski.
Colton Parayko, STL at CAR ($8,500): Parayko didn't have puck luck last year, but he did have 35 points and 188 shots on goal. This season, he has 25 shots on net through 10 games, and his power-play minutes are up (2:02). As previously mentioned, the Hurricanes are playing their second game in as many nights and the largely lackluster Ward likely won't provide much of an obstacle for Parayko and the Blues.
