This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
It's time to kick off the weekend with four NHL games Friday. If you are looking for some solid value for your daily fantasy lineup, the players listed below could be just the ticket to take you into the weekend happily…
GOALIE
Craig Anderson, OTT at CAR ($8,500): Since returning from his lengthy absence for personal reasons, Anderson has posted a 1.76 GAA and .944 save percentage in four starts. On the season, he has a .927 save percentage, which is tied for third best in the NHL. Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are headed in the wrong direction, as they've lost five games in a row.
CENTER
Jason Spezza, DAL vs. ARI ($6,000): Spezza was dealing with an injury for a few games recently, but there are still reasons to be excited about him in this matchup. For starters, Spezza has started 34.6 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, which is the highest percentage of Dallas skater. He's also averaged 3:01 a game on the power play, tallying 15 points. The Coyotes, who played on Thursday, have the 26th-ranked penalty kill, and they've allowed 3.14 goals per game, so Spezza could find some of his pre-injury footing Friday.
Mikael Backlund, CGY at FLA ($5,200): Backlund has averaged 11.6 fantasy points per game, a robust total for a player at this price point. He also hasn't slowed down, as he's tallied nine points in his last eight contests, including two Thursday night. In his last nine games, Roberto Luongo has a 3.93 GAA and a .892 save percentage, and overall the Flames have allowed 31.6 shots on net per contest. Given Backlund's production this season, and his relatively cheap price point, he looks like a nice value.
WING
Jonathan Huberdeau, FLA vs. CGY ($6,200): Huberdeau has played excellent hockey since finally making his season debut. He's notched eight points in eight games while also registering 25 shots on net per contest. Calgary will be on the second night of a back-to-back, and its goaltenders have a collective save percentage of .900. Huberdeau has also played 2:29 per game on the power play since returning, and Calgary's penalty kill ranks a middling 16th.
Patrick Eaves, DAL vs. ARI ($5,400): As previously mentioned, the Coyotes have given up 3.14 goals per game, and they've also ceded 33.8 shots on average. Eaves has started 30.8 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, and he's also scored a whopping 16 power-play points while averaging 3:11 with the extra man. He's also been a prolific shooter recently, as he's notched 43 shots on net over his last 12 games. Arizona has the 26th-ranked penalty kill, so there's an excellent chance Eaves' power-play prowess will continue.
Max Domi ARI at DAL ($4,800): Dallas has allowed 3.20 goals per game, and its penalty kill ranks dead last in the NHL. Domi has averaged 2:38 per game on the power play, and since returning from injury, has seven points in his last eight games.
Zack Smith, OTT at CAR ($4,600): Smith has averaged 9.3 fantasy points per game, and over his last 14 he's tallied 10 points. Carolina, meanwhile, has allowed 2.88 goals per game, and that number is up to 3.43 in the month of February. In his last 12 games, Ward has a 3.78 GAA and a .871 save percentage. His overall save percentage is down to .904, and Carolina's once-formidable penalty kill only ranks 17th in February. Smith is also quite cheap, making him a potentially excellent value play in this matchup.
DEFENSEMEN
Dion Phaneuf, OTT at CAR ($4,800): Phaneuf has been on a bit of a scoring bender recently, as he has six points in his last seven games. That includes three power-play points, giving him 14 with the man advantage this season. Given Carolina's recent slide on the penalty kill, there's less reason to be concerned about Phaneuf's potential with the extra man Friday. On top of that, the Hurricanes rank 10th in the NHL in shot attempts per 60 minutes (57.5). Phaneuf has blocked 108 shots in 58 games, and he should have the chance to block a few more in this matchup.
Keith Yandle, FLA vs. CGY ($4,800): As previously mentioned, the Flames will be on the second night of a back-to-back, and neither of their goalies has been impressive this season. Yandle has averaged 22:08 of ice time, with 3:15 of that coming on the power play. He's tallied 12 points with the extra man, and Calgary's 16th-ranked penalty kill shouldn't concern him too much. He's put 131 shots on net in 59 games, which is a solid total for a defenseman, making him a decent value.
