This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
It's Friday. Spring seems like it is finally here. What better way to celebrate than to play some daily fantasy hockey? Four NHL games take us into the weekend, so take a break from college basketball long enough to check out this list of players who could provide great fantasy value.
GOALIE
Andrei Vasilevskiy, TAM at DET ($8,300): Vasilevskiy's last three starts have been a little disappointing, but in his 10 games before that he posted a 1.74 GAA and a .945 save percentage. He could find that form once again against Detroit. The Red Wings have only averaged 2.39 goals and 28.4 shots on net per game, so their offense clearly lacks punch. Meanwhile, Detroit is also starting Petr Mrazek (3.01 GAA, .900 save percentage) in net, which increases Vasilevskiy's chances of picking up a win.
CENTER
Ryan Kesler, ANA vs. WPG ($5,700): Kesler's scoring has dropped a bit recently, but it's hard to look at the 11.9 fantasy points per game he's averaged and not like his potential. This is especially true in this matchup against the Jets. Winnipeg has allowed 3.16 goals per game and is playing on the second night of a back-to-back, which could mean Michael Hutchinson (.897 save percentage) in goal. Additionally, the Jets have the 28th-ranked penalty kill. Kesler has averaged 2:53 per game with the extra man, notching 18 points.
Joe Thornton, SAN at DAL ($5,500): Sure, Thornton only has six goals this season, but don't let that fool you. He's notched 48 assists, including 17 on the power play. Thornton has also started 35.3 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone (most of any Sharks forward) and averaged 3:23 per game with the extra man. Dallas' putrid penalty kill ranks last in the NHL, and Thornton is certainly in prime position to take advantage of that.
WING
Conor Sheary, PIT vs. NYI ($6,400): Sheary has been as hot as anybody recently, as he's tallied 14 points and 32 shots on goal in his last nine games. It certainly benefits him to start 37.0 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone and also play on Pittsburgh's top line alongside Sidney Crosby. The Islanders have allowed 3.00 goals and 32.1 shots on net per game, so New York doesn't seem like the team to slow Sheary.
Jonathan Drouin, TAM at DET ($5,600): Drouin has started 37.8 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone (most of any healthy Tampa forward), but it's the power play where he's done most of his damage. He's averaged 3:07 per game with the extra man, and he's notched 21 power-play points in 63 games. Also, for what it's worth, Drouin picked up three more points Thursday against the Bruins. Detroit's penalty kill hasn't been bad, but the fact Mrazek, who again has a 3.00 GAA and a .900 save percentage, will be in net is a point in Drouin's favor. His excellent power-play performance means you can trust him even in a tougher matchup.
Corey Perry, ANA vs. WPG ($5,500): Perry has a 7.2 shooting percentage, which is the lowest of his career, and the first time he's been less than 10.0 since the 2006-07 season. He doesn't have much time left to regress toward the mean, but a great matchup like this could help with his puck luck. The Jets have allowed 31.0 shots on net per game, and their goalies have a collective .898 save percentage. Perry has notched 195 shots on goal in 73 games, but he also has 18 power-play points despite his struggles. That's an encouraging sign heading into this matchup with Winnipeg's 28th-ranked penalty kill.
Tomas Hertl, SAN at DAL ($4,300): Hertl has been in a slump, but at this low price, and in this great matchup, it's worth seeing if he can break out of it. He's started 35.0 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, second most of any Sharks forward, so the opportunity should be there. Plus, he's going up against a Dallas team that has allowed 3.22 goals per game, and the Stars' goalies have a collective .893 save percentage. Dallas is also on the second night of a back-to-back, which could hurt its performance. If Hertl is ever going to find his footing, it would be in a matchup like this. If he does, he'll be a steal at this price.
DEFENSEMEN
Nick Leddy, NYI at PIT ($4,500): Since Pittsburgh will be on the second night of a back-to-back, there's a good chance Marc-Andre Fleury (2.94 GAA, .911 save percentage) will be in net. That certainly increases Leddy's chances of success, which is something he's had quite a bit of recently. In his last 11 games, Leddy has notched eight points. The Penguins have also allowed 32.3 shots on net per game, and Leddy has 120 shots on goal in 71 games. Pittsburgh has also attempted 59.8 shots per 60 minutes, fifth most in the NHL, and Leddy has blocked 90 shots.
David Schlemko, SAN at DAL ($3,400): Schlemko has averaged 8.3 fantasy points per game, which for a player this cheap is a healthy number. He's notched five points in his last eight games and has 100 shots in 53 games overall. His numbers aren't great, but Dallas' defensive numbers are terrible, so this is a tremendous matchup for Schlemko. He may even be able to do something against the Stars' league-worst penalty kill, as he's played 1:53 per game on the power play. Dallas has averaged 59.7 shot attempts per 60 minutes, which is sixth most in the league. Schlemko has picked up 89 blocked shots, and he could prove to be well-worth this price on the defensive end of the ice alone.
