This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
There are seven games in the NHL on Friday. Here are a handful of recommendations across multiple price points to consider at DraftKings.
GOALIE
Braden Holtby, WAS at CHI ($7,700): The reigning Vezina winner is a matchup-proof starter with a four-game winning streak that includes victories over Columbus, Montreal and Pittsburgh. The Blackhawks are an admirable opponent, but Holtby and the Capitals are currently making a midseason run up the standings. Holtby has also allowed just three goals through his past four starts, netting two shutouts and a .974 save percentage in that span. This salary doesn't match his resume or recent production.
CENTER
Auston Matthews, TOR vs. NYR ($7,700): The Rangers have struggled defensively of late, allowing the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (13.28) through their past 10 games. Meanwhile, Matthews has emerged as an elite fantasy contributor. After all, among all skaters with at least 600 minutes, his 3.02 points and 12.06 shots per 60 minutes rank 11th and second in the league, respectively. New York's recent defensive slide might be flying under the radar, too.
Jussi Jokinen, FLA vs. NYI ($4,300): Although a two-game point streak isn't typically anything to get excited about, Jokinen appears to be finding his scoring touch after an atrocious start to the year (three goals and eight points through 31 games). With the Islanders allowing the most scoring chances per 60 minutes (33.07) in the league, Jokinen is a cheap option with upside to easily return value.
WING
Johnny Gaudreau, CGY vs. NJD ($7,200): The talented winger has just one goal and two points through his past seven games and is in need of a slump-busting matchup. Facing the Devils while they're on the wrong end of back-to-back road games should do. New Jersey has allowed 3.0 goals per away game, and Gaudreau has 28 goals, 71 points and 166 shots over his past 58 home games dating back to last season.
Brandon Saad, CLM at TAM ($6,200): The Lightning are also on the wrong end of back-to-back games, and Saad enters with a modest salary compared to his league-best 3.16 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five. Additionally, with the Blue Jackets in a mini funk since ending their winning streak (1-3 through past four games), Saad has found himself on a loaded-up top line alongside Alexander Wennberg and Cam Atkinson.
Mathieu Perreault, WPG at ARI ($4,200): Currently playing with Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler, Perreault has seen an uptick in offensive production with two goals, four points and 14 shots through his past seven games. The Coyotes have allowed the most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (13.41) in the league, and Perreault and Little have been especially dangerous with a 3.24 goals per 60 minutes mark through the past three seasons at five-on-five.
DEFENSE
Dmitry Orlov, WAS at CHI ($4,000): Currently providing excellent cross-category production with 12 points, 27 shots and 24 blocked shots through his past 18 games, Orlov brings a respectable floor to the table. Chicago isn't a defensive juggernaut, either. The Blackhawks allow 11.18 high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, the 10th-most in the league. Expect Orlov to be scarcely owned, too.
T.J. Brodie, CGY vs. NJD ($3,800): While it'll be an uphill climb for Brodie to hit the 40-point plateau for a third consecutive season, his currently salary doesn't match his upside in a cushy matchup. As noted, the Devils are in a tough schedule spot and struggle on the road, and Brodie averages 23:33 of ice time and 2:42 on the power play. Just note that the 26-year-old defenseman is far from a risk-free option because of his underwhelming returns in the peripheral categories (43 shots and 61 blocked shots through 44 games).
