This article is part of our FantasyDraft NHL series.
It's March, and where I am we just got a heaping helping of snow. Hey, at least I can stay in Friday and enjoy one of the nine NHL games on the slate. On that front, here are some recommendations for your daily fantasy lineup.
GOALIE
Winnipeg Jets, WPG vs. DET ($17,300): The Jets are 23-7-2 at home and they bolstered themselves at the deadline. On the other hand, the Red Wings made trades to help begin a rebuild. Detroit has also only scored 2.57 goals per game. Connor Hellebuyck is likely to get the start for Winnipeg and he has a 2.39 GAA and a .922 save percentage.
CENTER
Ryan O'Reilly, BUF at FLA ($12,700): In his last nine games O'Reilly has nine points and 31 shots on net. He's also averaged 3:31 per game with the extra man, notching 15 power-play points in 63 contests. The Panthers are on the second night of a back-to-back and James Reimer (3.22 GAA, .905 save percentage) is slated to get the start.
Mikael Backlund, CGY vs. NYR ($11,400): Backlund had a bit of a rough stretch, but he has six points in his last five games. He's also averaged 19:10 a night in ice time, including 2:14 on the power play, which are both career highs. That has given him plenty of time to try and rack up fantasy points. While Backlund has played better recently, the Rangers have collapsed. Since the All-Star break New York has a league-worst 3.93 team GAA.
WING
Reilly Smith, VGK vs. OTT ($13,800): Smith has been tearing it up, tallying 22 points in his last 15 contests, including seven on the power play. The Senators have a 3.44 team GAA, second worst in the NHL, and have allowed 33.2 shots on net per game. Ottawa also has the 28th-ranked penalty kill, which bodes well for Smith given his power-play acumen.
Brendan Gallagher, MON at NYI ($12,400): Gallagher has scored 21 goals on 210 shots through 63 games. It's easy to imagine him adding to both of those totals in this matchup. The Islanders have a 3.53 team GAA and have given up 35.8 shots on net per game. Both are worst in the league. New York also has the 30th-ranked penalty kill.
Kyle Connor, WPG vs. DET ($11,800): Connor has started 55.0 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, second most among Winnipeg forwards. The rookie has 22 goals and 19 assists through 57 games, including six points in his last six outings. Detroit has a 2.97 team GAA on the road and Jimmy Howard has a 2.76 GAA and a .912 save percentage himself.
DEFENSEMEN
Tyson Barrie, COL vs. MIN ($13,200): Barrie has played huge minutes with Erik Johnson out. The 26-year-old has averaged 25:36 per game, including 4:00 on the power play, in ice time. He's also notched 19 points with the extra man through 49 games this season. The Wild have a 3.43 GAA and have allowed 34.2 shots on net per contest on the road. Not only are they away from home in this one, but they are on the second night of a back-to-back.
Cam Fowler, ANA vs. CLM ($9,800): Fowler has struggled at times offensively, but he has notched 10 power-play points in 52 games. The Blue Jackets, for their part, have the 27th-ranked penalty kill. Columbus is also playing their second game in as many nights and it has a 3.07 team GAA with zero days of rest.
