DraftKings NHL: Friday Picks

Written by

Updated on March 2, 2018 11:32AM EST

GOALIE

James Reimer, FLA vs. BUF ($7,800): While there's little encouraging about Reimer's .905 save percentage and 3.22 GAA this season, this is a cushy matchup. Buffalo has generated just 9.06 high-danger scoring chances and scored only 2.44 goals per 60 minutes on the road this season, and the Sabres are also without top-scorer Jack Eichel.

CENTER

Eric Staal, MIN at COL ($6,900): After being held off the scoresheet for just the third time in 13 games Thursday, look for a rebound showing from Staal. He's recorded 13 tallies, eight helpers and 41 shots during the noted 14-game surge, and his 1.73 goals per 60 minutes rank fifth among all NHL regulars. Colorado limiting opponents to just 2.39 goals per home game should keep Staal's ownership percentage in check, too.

Vincent Trocheck, FLA vs. BUF ($6,600): With the Panthers chasing a playoff berth, Trocheck has seen his ice time climb to 22:40 per game (3:42 with the man advantage) through the past five contests. His 24 tallies and 33 helpers have him flirting with a point-per-game pace this season, and he's also combined with linemate Jonathan Huberdeau for a high-end 5.77 goals per 60 minutes this season. There's nothing scary about a home matchup against the Sabres, either.

WING

Matthew Tkachuk, CGY vs. NYR ($5,800): With the Rangers allowing the second most high-danger scoring chances (13.46) per 60 minutes on the road this season, Tkachuk stands out as a solid value. He's collected seven goals, five assists and 36 shots through his past 11 games and also averaged a hefty 5:08 of power-play time per contest during that stretch.

Kyle Connor, WPG vs. DET ($5,600): The rookie has combined with linemates Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler for a rock-solid 4.3 goals per 60 minutes this season, and Connor also enters in excellent form with seven tallies and four helpers through his past 11 games. For what it's worth, the RotoWire NHL lineup optimizer and Vegas are both bullish about the Jets, too.

Tomas Tatar, VGK vs. OTT ($4,600): Considering Ottawa's road struggles (7-18-5 record with 3.37 goals allowed per game), this sets up as a perfect spot for Tatar to record his first point as a Golden Knight. He recorded four shots in his Vegas debut while skating with the No. 2 power-play unit, and he should see favorable in-game matchups skating on the third line.

DEFENSE

Jeff Petry, MON at NYI ($5,700): Thriving as the No. 1 defenseman with Shea Weber (foot) out, Petry's collected six goals, seven assists, 42 shots and 48 blocked shots through his past 16 contests. He picked up a helper and five blocked shots during Wednesday's win over the Islanders, and New York projects as a favorable matchup with the most goals allowed per 60 minutes (3.49) in the league.

Sami Vatanen, NJD at CAR ($4,400): With the Hurricanes on the second leg of a back-to-back set and starting Scott Darling (.889 save percentage and 3.08 GAA), this sets up as a nice spot for the Devils and Vatanen. The 26-year-old defenseman has collected nine assists while logging 24:18 of ice time (2:27 with the man advantage) through his past 10 games, so he presents value at this price.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Neil Parker plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: naparker77, DraftKings: naparker77.