This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
It's a light schedule with four games, but at least two - the Panthers at Wild and Predators at Hurricanes - should be barn burners. Both feature teams at or near the top of the standings, and it'll be a test for Minnesota and Nashville to see where they stack up against the elite clubs.
Stars at Blackhawks brings its fair share of intrigue in a divisional matchup. Dallas has been much more consistent of late while Chicago's still mulling their future as the trade deadline approaches. Jack Eichel will play in his second game after getting shut out last time out as the Golden Knights host the Kings.
GOALIES
Frederik Andersen, CAR vs. NSH ($8,500): The Canes blew a one-goal lead twice in their last game as they fell in OT to the Panthers, marking their fourth loss in five. All four defeats have been by just one goal, so they're not really struggling. Andersen's salary is a bit steep against an opponent that's normally pretty tough. Good thing the Preds have experienced their own recent woes going 1-4 from the past five and getting outscored 15-8 in those four losses.
Laurent Brossoit, VGK vs. LA ($8,000): Robin Lehner was supposed to the workhorse, but his uneven season and current injury has forced Brossoit into the spotlight. The veteran backup has responded rather well allowing just two goals against the Avs while winning nine times over 17 appearances this season. The two clubs have split the season series with the winning side scoring six goals both times, so there is some risk here - though Vegas should have the advantage as the better team.
Jake Oettinger, DAL at CHI ($7,900): Oettinger was excellent in his last start making 46 saves and stealing a win from the Avs. He should have a much easier time against the Blackhawks and it looks like the Stars are finally going to commit to him as their No. 1 following three straight victories.
VALUE PLAYS
Frederick Gaudreau, MIN vs. FLA ($5,100): Linemates Kevin Fiala and Matt Boldy didn't find the scoresheet last game, but they can still certainly elevate Gaudreau's offensive ceiling. The big center isn't known for his scoring, but exposure to two talented wingers make him a sneaky value play. The Panthers showed they can grind out low-scoring wins, but generally speaking don't mind swapping offensive chances with the other team with this projecting as a more wide-open matchup.
Brandon Hagel, CHI vs. DAL ($5,000): It's trade-deadline season, and Hagel is reportedly one of the names out there. The Hawks will want to showcase him a bit, and that may lead to some additional ice time even though he's spent a lot of time playing alongside Patrick Kane this season.
Seth Jarvis, CAR vs. NSH ($4,100): Jarvis will likely skate on the second line with Vincent Trocheck and Andrei Svechnikov. Even though he's the least heralded of the trio, he still offers plenty of offensive upside. The same goes for Martin Necas ($4,900), who is a little more reliable and will be skating with Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen. The Canes' balanced attack means both lines should receive plenty of minutes.
Nicolas Roy, VGK vs. LA ($4,500): Both Roy and Chandler Stephenson ($5,200) should be decent options. But since both are listed as centers, Roy may be the better value play. Stephenson was pushed to the third unit with Eichel's return, but the two formed quite the formidable pair against the Avs by dominating puck possession with Mattias Janmark and Jonathan Marchessault taking turns as the third wheel.
LINE STACKS
Stars at Blackhawks
Roope Hintz (C - $7,400), Jason Robertson (W - $8,300), Joe Pavelski (W - $8,000)
The Stars' top line is one the league's most reliable stacks, and all three could feast on the Hawks' 28th-ranked penalty kill. With each recording 21 goals, they represent over 45 percent of Dallas's output.
DEFENSEMEN
John Klingberg, DAL at CHI ($5,000): Klingberg didn't register a point in his last game against Colorado, but it was a solid showing with three shots and three blocked shots across 23 minutes after returning from injury. He's a more desirable value play than Miro Heiskanen ($5,200), who comes at a slight premium even though their offensive production is relatively similar.
Tony DeAngelo, CAR vs. NSH ($6,400): DeAngelo's goal against the Panthers was his ninth of the season, fifth-best among NHL defensemen in the league, and his sixth point in five games. Both teams feature excellent attacks, but the Hurricanes hold the edge on the power play. The Preds' PK is merely average against the Canes' top-10 PP, and Nashville's taken a league-high 237 penalties this year.
