This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
Sabres at Islanders (12 p.m. EST) and Lightning at Blackhawks (2:30 p.m.) get an early start and will be part of Sunday's early-only slate, while the main slate will feature the remaining six games. All salaries quoted are for the all-day slate, which covers all eight contests.
GOALIES
Ilya Sorokin, NYI vs. BUF ($8,400): The Islanders didn't have any trouble dismantling the Sabres yesterday and the script is unlikely to change. Sorokin has a chance to help the Isles complete the sweep after only facing 18 shots in a win on Thursday.
Tuukka Rask, BOS vs. NJ ($7,900): The Devils were stifled again yesterday only managing two goals against the Rangers. The Bruins will be a much tougher test as they've allowed four goals over their past three games, making a concerted effort to reduce turnovers after letting in 13 from the previous two.
Casey DeSmith, PIT vs. NYR ($7,500): DeSmith will likely start after Tristan Jarry beat the Flyers. The Rangers' offense has been potent scoring six goals in three of their past five games, though two of them were against the Devils. The Pens' defense should be a little stouter and would be favorites here considering they've won six of their past nine meetings.
Anton Khudobin, DAL vs. NSH ($7,400): Khudobin's been, inconsistent but the Preds shouldn't pose much of a challenge. Both teams are playing the second half of a back-to-back, but Nashville were completely outclassed by the Panthers and fall to sixth place by P% in the Central. Khudobin is 2-0 against the Preds this season, who will be without Matt Duchene, not that it makes a huge difference anyway…
VALUE PLAYS
Filip Chytil, NYR at PIT ($3,700): Chytil's scored three points in three games since returning from injury, and perhaps it's not a coincidence the Rangers' offense has vastly improved with him in the lineup. At even strength, his offensive opportunities are limited. That may change if Mika Zibanejad continues to struggle, although Chytil does have a big role on the second power play. The Pens' PK ranks 27th and they'll be starting their backup.
Brandon Hagel, CHI vs. TB ($3,500): Hagel was shut out last outing, but racked up three assists in three games and should get an opportunity to collect more apples as long as linemate Dominik Kubalik stays hot. Hagel's emergence has been a nice story over the past two weeks and his ice time has crept up steadily since the start of the season.
LINE STACKS
Islanders vs. Sabres
Mathew Barzal (C – $6,700), Anders Lee (W - $7,100), Jordan Eberle (W - $6,000)
They combined for four points and Barzal's jaw-dropping between-the-legs made Rasmus Ristolainen look like a confused Gumby. It was just adding salt to the wound for the Sabres, who have no answers right now and look like they're just going keep losing games until the GM makes roster changes.
Bruins vs. Devils
Patrice Bergeron (C – $7,700), Brad Marchand (W - $7,500), David Pastrnak (W - $8,400)
This trio combined for six points against the Caps and remain one of the league's best lines. They should have a much easier time against the Devils, who will likely start backup Aaron Dell as they try to end their five-game losing streak during which they've allowed 22 goals.
DEFENSEMEN
Victor Hedman, TB at CHI ($6,800): Hedman's been brilliant in a tougher-than-expected series with two shots and nine blocked shots over the previous two games. He logged at least 27 minutes in both, so expect more of the same. The Blackhawks' goaltending has been solid, but not good enough to keep Tampa off the board. Hedman's in his own class among defensemen in action on Sunday.
Aaron Ekblad, FLA at CAR ($5,500): Another multi-point game against the Hurricanes gives Ekblad six points and 10 shots from two games. The season series has averaged six goals per contest while none of the previous three prior were decided in regulation. Ekblad plays a big role in all situations for the Panthers, putting him in an ideal situation to extend his point streak.
Miro Heiskanen, DAL vs. NSH ($4,500): Heiskanen has scored a goal in two straight after a lengthy drought to start the season. And after obliterating the Blue Jackets 5-0 last night, the Stars face another easy matchup against the Preds and their 29th-ranked PK.
Matt Grzelcyk, BOS vs. NJ ($3,800): The Devils carry the league's worst penalty kill at just 63.9 percent. Grzelcyk recently returned to the lineup and it still seems to be affecting his play a little bit, not to mention Charlie McAvoy exceling running the PP. However, Grzelcyk represents a good value option based on the matchup and his minutes should increase as he tries to get back on track after multiple injuries.
