This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
Thanks to the NHL stuffing the schedule with 15 games Friday, this isn't your normal Saturday. There are still 11 games, the first of which starts at 2:00 PM ET. However, every team except one – shout out to the Kings – is on the second leg of a back-to-back. It should be a weird day. Here are my recommendations for your daily fantasy lineup.
GOALIE
Semyon Varlamov, COL vs. DAL ($8,100): The Avalanche decided to give Philipp Grubauer the start Friday, saving Varlamov for this matchup. Dallas won't be happy about that, as the Russian netminder comes in with a 2.37 GAA and .925 save percentage. Not that Dallas is used to lighting up the scoreboard. Heading into Friday, the Stars had scored 2.73 goals and managed 29.3 shots on net per game – both in the bottom third of the NHL.
CENTER
Aleksander Barkov, FLA vs. CHI ($7,200): A healthy Barkov broke out last season with 27 goals and 78 points. He's been even better to start this year, as he's racked up 18 points in 20 contests. Cam Ward is expected to get the start for the Blackhawks. After sporting a .906 save percentage in his final season in Carolina, he's dipped to an .891 save percentage this year.
Nazem Kadri, TOR vs. PHI ($5,600):Auston Matthews is still out, which means Kadri is still centering the second line for the Maple Leafs. It also means more power-play time for him, and he's averaged 2:36 per game with the extra man. The Flyers own the 30th-ranked penalty kill, and will also be starting fourth-string goalie Alex Lyon in net.
WING
Anders Lee, NYI vs. CAR ($6,400): So far, no John Tavares hasn't kept Lee down. His proficiency on the power play certainly helps, as he's notched seven points with the extra man in 22 games after tallying 22 last season. The Hurricanes enter with the 26th-ranked penalty kill, and Scott Darling may be starting for the Canes. The former Blackhawks goalie has posted a 2.99 GAA and .903 save percentage.
Tyler Toffoli, LOS vs. VAN ($5,500): The Kings have experienced a lot of offensive issues, but Toffoli does have three points in his last four games. Plus, Los Angeles is the only team that hasn't played since before Thanksgiving, so it will have the rest advantage. Another point in Toffoli's favor? The Canucks have struggled to a 3.58 GAA.
Brandon Saad, CHI at FLA ($4,900): Saad has been moved up to Chicago's top line, which means he gets to skate with Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. It's paying off, as he's scored a goal in three of his last four games. James Reimer will likely be in net for the Panthers, with a 3.29 GAA and .893 save percentage to his name.
DEFENSE
Tyson Barrie, COL vs. DAL ($5,100): Barrie has been red hot, with at least one point in 11 of his last 12 games – and 20 points on the season. Due to an injury to Ben Bishop, either Anton Khubodin will have to start on back-to-back days, or Landon Bow will be getting his first NHL start. Either way, it bodes well for Barrie.
Neal Pionk, NYR vs. WAS ($4,600): Pionk seems to be emerging as a defenseman with some offensive potential. He's notched 14 points through 21 games, and a whopping 11 of those have come on the power play. On that front, the Capitals boast the 28th-ranked penalty kill. They will also likely be starting Pheonix Copley, who comes in with a 3.07 GAA and .899 save percentage.
