This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
Though you may have had some time off for the holidays, the NHL sure did, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy Friday's hockey action to kick off the weekend. There are 11 games on the slate for the NHL, and here are the players I would recommend for your daily fantasy lineup.
GOALIE
Columbus Blue Jackets, CLM at OTT ($16,600): The Senators are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games, and they've lost four in a row. Their offense has been a big part of their struggles, as Ottawa has only averaged 2.63 goals per game. Sergei Bobrovsky, the defending Vezina winner, has a 2.41 GAA and a .921 save percentage this season.
CENTER
Ryan Getzlaf, ANA vs. CGY ($12,700): Since returning from injury, Getzlaf has resumed his playmaking ways. He's notched nine points (one goal, eight assists) in eight contests. The Flames are on the second night of a back-to-back on the road, and since the beginning of November Mike Smith has a 2.72 GAA and a .912 save percentage.
Nico Hischier, NJD vs. BUF ($11,400): The top pick in the 2017 NHL Draft has not lit the world on fire, but he did score two goals in his last games, and he's put 22 shots on net in his last eight contests. He's also started 58.1 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, most among New Jersey forwards. Perhaps the rookie will build on his two-goal outing, as the Sabres have a 3.30 team GAA and they have given up 32.3 shots on net per tilt.
WING
Nikolaj Ehlers, WPG vs. NYI ($11,700): Ehlers has a four-game point streak, and he's notched nine points in his last 10 contests. He's also put 35 shots on net in those tilts. The Islanders, meanwhile, have a team GAA of 3.46, worst in the league. They also have the 30th-ranked penalty kill, and Ehlers has 10 power-play points.
Rick Nash, NYR at DET ($11,300): Nash has struggled to score a bit, but he has 114 shots on net through 37 games. He also has a 7.9 shooting percentage, which would be the worst of his career if it doesn't improve. Addtionally, with Chris Kreider out with a blood clot, Nash is a top-line wing now, which helps. Also helpful? The fact the Red Wings have a team GAA of 3.60 in December.
Patrick Maroon, EDM vs. CHI ($7,600): Not only are the Blackhawks on the road for the second night of a back-to-back, but with Corey Crawford on injured reserve Anton Forsberg may have to play both games, which makes this matchup look quite enticing on paper. After scoring 27 goals last year, Maroon has nine on 93 shots so far this season.
DEFENSEMEN
Seth Jones, CLM at OTT ($11,400): In addition to having at least one point in six of his last seven games, Jones has been racking up the shots recently. He's tallied 25 shots on net in those aforementioned seven contests. On top of having a struggling offense, the Senators have a team GAA of 3.26, and also a team save percentage of .896.
Rasmus Ristolainen, BUF at NJD ($9,900): Ristolainen has averaged 26:51 in ice time (3:27 on the power play), and he's put 71 shots on net through 28 games. Though he doesn't have a goal yet, if he keeps playing this much, and taking these many shots, his luck will change eventually. The big Finn should be able to get some more pucks on goal in this one. The Devils have allowed 33.1 shots on net per tilt.