This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
Because of the holiday, this is an unusual Friday of action. There are 11 games, but a lot of them are in the afternoon, starting with Rangers-Flyers at 1:00 p.m. ET. So if you want to play a full slate of games, you've got to be that early bird and get that worm.
GOALIE
Martin Jones, SAN vs. NYI ($8,400): Although Jones has been a bit up and down, he still owns a solid .919 save percentage. He draws a home gig against an Isles team that has gone 2-4-4 over the last 10 games and sits 21st in goals scored. It's a good bet that Jones picks up a win, and he's available at a relatively low price.
CENTER
Kevin Hayes, NYR at PHI ($5,400): With Mika Zibanejad out, Hayes is currently the top-line center for the Rangers – a task he's earned with a breakout performance in the early going (18 points, plus-15 in 21 games, although that rating doesn't help FanDuel players). The Flyers have allowed an average of 3.3 goals per game, and Hayes should be extra motivated to play a strong game after an ugly showing against Pittsburgh on Wednesday.
Bo Horvat, VAN at DAL ($4,200): The Canucks have more than their share of offensive woes, but Horvat has actually been alright. He's got seven goals and six assists in 20 games, including nine points in his last eight contests. The Stars' goaltending has been awful regardless of whether Antti Niemi or Kari Lehtonen is in net – they've allowed the most goals in the league. Horvat's team may be struggling, but that doesn't mean he can't help his fantasy owners.
WING
Jordan Eberle, EDM at ARI ($6,500): The Coyotes are 28th in goals allowed and penalty killing, with Mike Smith having been pulled from Wednesday's game after giving up four markers to the Canucks. That bodes well for Eberle, who's got 16 points while playing more than three minutes a night on the power play. His shooting percentage is the lowest of his career too, so Eberle could be in for an uptick in scoring, and this is a good matchup to make that happen.
Filip Forsberg, NAS vs. WPG ($6,400): Forsberg's goal Wednesday was only his second of the season, but he's taken 41 shots and is coming off a 33-goal campaign, so there's every reason to think there should be more to come. He's stayed productive despite the lack of goals, racking up 13 assists, and his role on the first line and first power-play unit gives him plenty of opportunities to pick up points. The Jets aren't a daunting opponent, as Connor Hellebuyck has posted inconsistent results in net and backup Michael Hutchinson has been awful.
Patrick Eaves, DAL vs. VAN ($5,700): Eaves' unforeseen breakout appears to be legitimate, at least for now. He's earned a hugely expanded role, averaging 16:55 of ice time with 3:31 on the power play – a far cry from his career-long bottom-six usage. The 32-year-old has earned the opportunity, as he's notched 16 points, with eight of those coming on the man advantage. Meanwhile, the Canucks have given up the sixth-most goals in the league and Ryan Miller has just a .908 save percentage.
Mats Zuccarello, NYR at PHI ($5,600): As previously mentioned, the Flyers have been awful at goal prevention. Zuccarello racked up 26 goals and 61 points last year, and his ice time is actually up this season. He's been a steady source of offense, having gone consecutive games without a point only once this season; his one weakness has been the power play, where he has only three points, but perhaps the Flyers' 23rd-ranked penalty kill can help Zucc get it going with the extra man.
DEFENSEMEN
Ryan Ellis, NAS vs. WPG ($4,600): Ellis isn't quite on the level of P.K. Subban or Roman Josi, but he's also quite a bit cheaper. He's also averaging more than 23 minutes a night, which has resulted in nine points over 19 games. Never a prolific shot blocker before, Ellis is averaging two per game this year, which should come in handy against a Jets team that sports some high-end offensive talent.
Cam Fowler, ANA vs. CHI ($4,900): The Blackhawks have the NHL's worst penalty kill, which is right up Fowler's alley. He's playing almost four minutes a night with the extra man, and he has seven power-play points. Fowler's also contributed 44 shots and 26 blocks in 20 games, offering some floor to go with his upside. At 24 years old, he's more important to the Ducks than ever, and fantasy owners have been reaping the benefits.
