This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
The Oilers will host the Golden Knights in the game of the night. The Knights have lost the second game of back-to-backs just once this season. The season series is split 1-1 and it'll be the first time the Oilers play host this season.
The Sabres are looking to end their six-game losing streak and have lost ground since making additions at the trade deadline. The Capitals are coming off a win against rival Pittsburgh and remain at the top of the Metro, but their 18 wins at home are the second-fewest among Eastern Conference teams in playoff position.
The Panthers are riding their red-hot third-string goaltender in their hunt for a playoff spot. Coming off a 4-1 win against Montreal, they've only managed to win two games in a row just once since mid-January. The Blues, on the other hand, are dominant at home (23-6-5) and have not lost on home ice since Feb. 15.
The Jets and Coyotes will be a key battle in the Western Conference wild-card race. The Jets have a chance to move into the first wild card spot with a win; but, if the Coyotes win, it'll create a four-way tie with the Canucks, Predators and Jets at 76 points.
The Kings have played spoilers lately with a five-game winning streak, but there won't be much to spoil for the Avalanche, who will likely finish first or second in the Central.
GOALIES
Connor Hellebuyck ($8,700) should be a strong play against the offensively-challenged Coyotes. He's allowed one goal in his past two starts, including a shutout against Vegas. Both Antti Raanta ($8,600) and Darcy Kuemper ($7,300) have played well, but if you're looking for an upset, Kuemper's the better value play. He was victorious in their previous matchup this season in October.
Jordan Binnington ($8,500) should get the call against the Panthers and he should be one of the more popular picks of the night. He's 20-4-5 at home this season. Chris Driedger ($7,500), who will likely draw the start, will have to stand on his head yet again to pull off the win. It'll be difficult for the journeyman minor leaguer to keep up his current pace.
Braden Holtby ($8,400) allowed just two goals in a win against Pittsburgh so he should start against the Sabres, who rank last in GF/GP with 1.67 since the trade deadline. Holtby made 29 saves in his previous start against the Sabres, a 6-1 victory in November.
Marc-Andre Fleury ($8,200) should start against the Oilers, a team he's been successful against in the past (11-4-1, .924 Sv% in his career), but he's also allowed four goals in each of his past two starts. With the Oilers' offensive firepower, it may be best to just stay away. Mikko Koskinen ($7,700) is the better overall and value play.
Michael Hutchinson ($7,100) should start for Colorado after Pavel Francouz played last night, but considering how well Jonathan Quick ($7,800) has been playing, he's clearly the better pick. Hutchinson looked good in his Avs debut but he's struggled all season (.888 Sv%) and only managed to find jobs due to a slew of various goalie injuries this season.
VALUE PLAYS
His ice time has fluctuated but Dominik Kahun ($3,600) has been one of the few bright spots for the Sabres recently. He has four points in five games and he's playing on the second line with rookie sniper Victor Olofsson.
With Joel Quenneville mixing up the lines, the biggest beneficiaries have been Frank Vatrano ($3,800), who now plays alongside Aleksander Barkov on the top line, and Erik Haula ($3,700), who centers the second line flanked by Jonathan Huberdeau and Mike Hoffman. Both registered a point against the Habs.
Sammy Blais ($3,300) isn't known for his scoring but Craig Berube played him on the top line with Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz last night, and together they posted a 57.14 CF%, according to Natural Stat Trick. Berube likes to mix up his lines so maybe Blais won't stick, but he did register an assist against Chicago last night.
FORWARD LINE STACKS
Edmonton Oilers (TOTAL: $17,600)
C – Leon Draisaitl ($8,800)
W – Tyler Ennis ($4,100)
W – Kailer Yamamoto ($4,700)
I like how cheap this line is, especially since you also get Draisaitl. Yamamoto has three points in four games since returning from injury and remains one of the better value options. He's been nearly a point-per-game player for the Oilers this season.
DEFENSEMEN
John Carlson ($6,600) will be a popular pick against the lowly Sabres. No one else comes quite close tonight.
Alex Pietrangelo ($5,800) and Oscar Klefbom ($5,300) are the safest picks due to their ability to contribute in multiple categories. It doesn't look like Klefbom's on a minutes restriction since returning after a three-week absence. Darnell Nurse ($4,500) and Ethan Bear ($3,700) will both see their minutes clawed back a little bit.
Shea Theodore ($5,700) and the red-hot Oliver Ekman-Larsson ($5,200) are high upside picks for their offensive contributions. Theodore has quietly become one of the league's best puck-moving defensemen while OEL has five points in three games. Samuel Girard ($4,400) has some upside, taking over for Cale Makar in his absence, but he's been rather quiet lately so Ryan Graves ($3,900) is the safer pick.
