This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
There's just one game in the NHL on Friday, but DraftKings has grouped the Lightning-Canadiens bout with Saturday's three afternoon contests. Thankfully, the site has a late-swap option -- after all, projecting lineup decisions a day in advance isn't a cakewalk at this stage of the season. It's also pretty difficult to gauge just how motivated and interested teams will be. Nonetheless, here are a handful or recommendations across multiple prices to consider.
GOALIE
Peter Budaj, TAM at MON ($7,100): Since dealing Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay has gone 13-5-2, including wins in six of its past eight outings with the playoffs on the line. Montreal has nothing to play for, so despite being on the second leg of back-to-back road games, expect the Lightning to have the pedal to the metal. Budaj has won all three of his starts with Tampa Bay, too. Should Andrei Vasilevskiy ($7,200) start Friday, he's also worth considering.
CENTER
Kyle Turris, OTT vs. NYR ($5,800): The Senators' go-to center has collected five goals, 11 points and 37 shots while averaging 20:12 of ice time (3:16 on the man advantage) through his past 12 games. Ottawa can secure second place in the Atlantic Division with a win, whereas the Rangers' playoff position is locked in. The Blueshirts have also allowed the fourth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (12.15) over the past 10 games.
Brayden Point, TAM at MON ($5,400): The Lightning shipped out two centers at the trade deadline, and they're now dealing with multiple injuries, so Point's role has expanded significantly. The rookie has picked up seven goals, 12 points and 31 shots while averaging 21:23 of ice time (2:44 on the power play) over his past 13 games, so there's plenty of profit room in his salary.
WING
Nikita Kucherov, TAM at MON ($7,700): Establishing himself as a superstar, Kucherov has put the Lightning on his back to the tune of 18 goals, 15 helpers, 78 shots and 10 multi-point showings through his past 21 games. For the campaign, his 1.67 goals, 3.47 points and 10.28 shots per 60 minutes are elite marks, and as noted, the Habs have nothing to play for.
David Pastrnak, BOS vs. WAS ($6,900): There has been some game-to-game inconsistency with Pastrnak, but his upside is second to none. After all, he's concluded his breakout campaign with 15 goals, 37 points and 116 shots over his past 32 outings. Washington has also clinched the Presidents' Trophy, and considering their past playoff struggles, the Caps should be focused on next week. Funky things can happen in afternoon games, too.
Jordan Weal, PHI vs. CLM ($3,900): Projected to return to the lineup following an absence last time out, Weal is a solid low-priced flier against the Blue Jackets. He's collected four goals, two helpers and 13 shots during a five-game point streak, and Columbus has allowed the sixth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes (11.68) this season.
DEFENSE
Victor Hedman, TAM at MON ($6,700): Back to the Lightning stack. Hedman has climbed atop the ranks in points per 60 minutes (2.23) among all defensemen this season on the back of a dominant stretch run. Dating back to mid-February, the Swede has recorded eight goals, 20 assists, 15 power-play points, 63 shots and 43 blocked shots through 25 games. His floor and ceiling are both high, and he could easily approach 30 minutes of ice time in a must-win game.
Kevin Shattenkirk, WAS at BOS ($5,900): The power-play quarterback leads all defenseman at 7.38 points per 60 minutes with the man advantage over the past three years, and he's collected 13 points -- seven on the power play -- through 17 games with the Caps. This salary doesn't match his recent cross-category production, either. Now settled in with his new club, Shattenkirk has posted seven points, 15 shots and 16 blocked shots through his past seven games.
