This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
There may be NFL playoff action today, but there's plenty of time before that to get in your DFS NHL lineups. While there are two games taking place in the afternoon, I'm focused on the evening slate. Don't worry, you aren't missing out with nine contests starting at 7 p.m. ET or later. On to the recommendations!
SLATE PREVIEW
In terms of the stars aligning, the team with the highest average goals - the Avs - are matched up with the team carrying the highest GAA - the Canadiens. There are also quite a few clubs on the second leg of a back-to-back. The Wild and Blackhawks are in Minnesota for the finale of a home-and-home. The Rangers and Islanders are both at home on consecutive days while the Hurricanes, Coyotes, Red Wings, and Lightning will continue on the road.
GOALIES
Darcy Kuemper, COL vs. MON ($8,600): The Habs aren't only tied for the league's worst GAA, but also rank last in goals for at 2.18. Kuemper has posted a 2.65 GAA on the season while recording a 2.34 GAA and .926 save percentage over his last 11 appearances.
Jack Campbell, TOR at NYI ($8,500): I'm betting on Campbell rebounding after a few subpar starts. After all, he still maintains a 2.24 GAA and .927 save percentage. This is an opportunity for him to find his form with the Isles on the second leg of a back-to-back and bottom-three in goals per game.
Juuse Saros, NAS vs. DET ($8,400): After a few iffy outings, Saros made 36 saves on 38 shots in a win over the Jets. He's still produced a 2.42 GAA and .924 save percentage. And now Saros is at home against a team playing on consecutive days and bottom-10 in scoring.
VALUE PLAYS
Kevin Fiala, MIN vs. CHI ($6,000): Fiala has started 66.2 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, most on the Wild. He's also finally seeing a return of his puck luck after being snakebit to start the year. The Swiss winger has scored five of his nine goals in his last seven games. Due to this home-and-home situation, the Blackhawks will likely have Kevin Lankinen in net with his 3.43 GAA and .884 save percentage.
Ryan Johansen, NAS vs. DET ($5,700): Johansen has tallied 33 points, including 12 with the extra man and registering in nine of his last 11 outings. The Red Wings are on the second night of a back-to-back, and Thomas Greiss may not be available due to COVID-19 protocols. And even if he is, there's not much to worry about his 3.36 GAA and .894 save percentage.
J.T. Compher, COL vs. MON ($5,200): Compher notched an assist in each of his last two games with 14 overall points while averaging 2:51 with the extra man. Montreal allows 34.8 shots on net per contest, and now Samuel Montembeault with his 3.73 GAA and .904 save percentage is the top available goalie.
LINE STACKS TO CONSIDER
Capitals vs. Senators: Nicklas Backstrom (C - $6,700), Tom Wilson (W - $5,200), Alexei Protas (W - $3,900)
The Sens come in with a 3.67 GAA, which puts them even with the Habs at the bottom of the league. They've also allowed 33.8 shots on net per contest. The Caps boast a dynamic duo on their top line with Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov, but I decided to go with the second unit. I figured you could save some salary on your stack and still take advantage of a great matchup.
Backstrom has only played in eight games this season, but still has six points. He's also averaged 4:04 per game on the power play and he gets to play with Ovechkin and Kuznetsov there. Wilson is riding a four-game point streak, giving him 29 on the year. Protas isn't on the same level, but has posted three points from his last seven contests.
Flames at Oilers: Mikael Backlund (C - $4,300), Andrew Mangiapane (W - $6,000), Blake Coleman (W - $5,000)
The Oilers are struggling with a 3.42 GAA, and things have recently been bleak in net with Mike Smith and Stuart Skinner both out. Over his last seven appearances, Mikko Koskinen has posted a 4.28 GAA and .855 save percentage. In this Battle of Alberta, I'm going with Calgary's second trio as a stack.
Backlund has recordedthree assists in his last six and his 5.3 shooting percentage is likely to improve. Mangiapane doesn't seem to know you can pass the puck – he only has four helpers – but has racked up 18 goals after 18 all of last season. Coleman has helped out with five points in the last six games while firing 107 pucks on goal this campaign.
DEFENSE
Devon Toews, COL vs. MON ($6,500): Toews has produced 28 points and hasn't slowed down in January with four goals and four assists in 11 outings. Montembeault has struggled to a 3.80 GAA and .909 save percentage across eight games and has faced over 50 shots in each of his last two.
Jacob Trouba, NYR vs. ARI ($5,500): Trouba has notched 18 points along with 104 shots on net. The Coyotes are bottom-three in both GAA and penalty-kill percentage and are also on the road for the second leg of a back-to-back.
Rasmus Andersson, CGY at EDM ($4,700): Andersson just scored a goal in his last game, marking his first tally of the season along with 16 assists. He's now facing the Oilers, and probably Koskinen in net. Don't forget his 4.28 GAA over his last seven outings.
