Each day I will be providing my recommended player picks for your FanDuel daily fantasy hockey lineups. The goal is to help you build the optimal cash game (50/50s/double-ups/head-to-head) lineup.
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After an action filled Thursday night of National Hockey League action, we roll into Friday night with a three-game slate on tap. The New York Islanders and the Chicago Blackhawks are your biggest favorites and that is where you should look when building your roster in all formats. Lastly, the Arizona Coyotes are the only team playing on consecutive nights.
GOALTENDER
Make sure to check the RotoGrinders NHL Starting Goalies Page to confirm that the goalies listed below are starting prior to game time.
Jaroslav Halak, New York Islanders, $8,500 – As the biggest favorite on the night, Jaroslav Halak gets the nod as top goalie on this three-game slate. The Coyotes are not a strong offense, yet they still manage to fire plenty of shots on goal, putting Halak in a great spot this evening. Arizona is also playing in back-to-back games, and this will be their third game in four nights. Halak is a lock for the win and he has shutout upside in this one.
Other Top Option: Corey Crawford (CHI)
CENTER
John Tavares, New York Islanders, $7,500 – The truth remains that the Arizona Coyotes are a very weak defensive team. They have been one of the worst statistical defensive teams in hockey the last couple of seasons and they will continue to struggle on the defensive end all season long. In three games this season, the Desert Dogs have allowed a league high 38.3 shots per game and a ridiculous 15 goals against. John Tavares is off to a slow start by his standards, but this awful Arizona team will play slump buster tonight. Look for a multi-point performance from Tavares this evening.
Top Mid-Tier Plays: Ryan Johansen (NSH)
Top Value Plays: Artem Anisimov (CHI), Brock Nelson (NYI)
WINGERS
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks, $8,800 - The Columbus Blue Jackets have not looked good to start the 2016-17 campaign. The Blue Jackets have lost both of their games giving up nine goals against in the process. Goals against are not the only problem for Columbus thus far, the Blue Jackets are also allowing the second-most shots against per game (37.5), which will only lead to more trouble, especially with the Chicago Blackhawks potent offense in town. Patrick Kane had a monster game last time out (1 G, 3 A, 4 PTS, 6 SH), and he is a must play tonight on this short slate.
Top Mid-Tier Plays: Artemi Panarin (CHI), Andrew Ladd (NYI)
Top Value Plays: Josh Bailey (NYI), Richard Panik (CHI)
DEFENSE
Ryan Pulock, New York Islanders, $3,400 – Looking for value on defense? Look no further. The young and talented Ryan Pulock is seeing solid minutes, and duty on the New York Islanders’ number one power play unit. Thanks to their youth and weak goaltending, the Arizona Coyotes will continue to play weak defensive hockey and this is a team we must pick on this evening.
Top Overall Plays: Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook (CHI)