SLATE PREVIEW
There are four games in the NHL on Friday. Detroit is home to the Rangers, the Islanders host Minnesota, Chicago plays in Calgary and Winnipeg travels to San Jose. Below, you'll find suggested options for crafting an effective lineup.
GOALIE
Connor Hellebuyck, WPG at SJ ($8,000): Another year and another great start for Hellebuyck with a 2.32 GAA and .921 save percentage over 10 starts. He faced the Sharks three times last season and won all three while stopping 68 of 75 shots.
VALUE PLAYS
Will Smith, SJ vs. WPG ($5,600): Smith is showing why he was selected fourth overall in 2023 as he's notched five goals and eight assists while playing alongside Macklin Celebrini.
Jonathan Drouin, NYI vs. MIN ($4,300): Drouin has registered seven points in 12 games with his new club. While he's gone scoreless during the last three, he's averaging 4:18 on the Islanders' top power play.
FORWARD LINE STACK
Blackhawks at Flames
Frank Nazar (W - $6,100), Connor Bedard (C - $7,300), Andre Burakovsky (W - $4,900)
Nazar has racked up five goals and six assists while averaging 2:50 on the man-advantage. Bedard is finally breaking out with 18 points after two decent seasons. Burakovsky is also off to a solid start with five goals and five assists.
DEFENSEMEN
Matthew Schaefer, NYI vs. MIN ($6,500): Schaefer has taken the NHL by storm as the No. 1 overall pick has reeled off five goals and six assists in 13 games. He's also notched five points on the power play and will be facing a Minnesota side on Friday ranked 29th on the penalty kill.
Zeev Buium, MIN at NYI ($5,100): Buium completes my rookie blueline duo. He's another fine talent who leads all Wild defensemen in power-play ice time. Buium has so far produced three goals and six assists, including two and four while up a man.
