SLATE PREVIEW
There are four games on the NHL slate Friday. Vegas goes to St. Louis, the Rangers travel to Florida to play in the Winter Classic, Anaheim hosts Minnesota and a tired Seattle team plays in Vancouver. Below, you'll find suggested options for crafting an effective lineup.
GOALIE
Thatcher Demko, VAN vs. SEA ($7,200): Demko has lost his last three starts, yet is 8-8-0 on the season with a 2.72 GAA and a .905 save percentage. He's primed to turn things around on Friday against a Seattle side that played on Thursday.
VALUE PLAYS
Eeli Tolvanen, SEA at VAN ($4,800): Tolvanen is finally showing why he was selected 30th overall in 2017 as he's broken out for 10 points over six games. He's also part of the Kraken's first power play where he's combined for three goals and six assists.
Will Cuylle, NYR at FLA ($4,100): Cuylle is close to his pace from last year when he established career-highs of 20 goals and 25 assists as he's at 10 and 13 of each with eight points on the man-advantage.
FORWARD LINE STACK
Panthers vs. Rangers
Sam Reinhart (W - $7,800), Anton Lundell (C - $5,200), Eetu Luostarinen (W - $3,800)
The Panthers have relied on Reinhart and Lundell for offense with the former at 43 points (two behind team leader Brad Marchand) while the latter has chipped in with 31. Luostarinen is currently riding a four-game scoring streak where he's produced a goal and four assists.
DEFENSEMEN
Quinn Hughes, MIN vs. ANA ($7,200): Hughes went off on Saturday with three assists and now has seven points in nine games since joining the Wild. He also registered five helpers in three matchups against Anaheim last season.
Vladislav Gavrikov, NYR at FLA ($3,800): Gavrikov has been a pleasant offensive surprise for the Rangers having already surpassed his previous high in goals at seven that includes his first career PPG. He's also provided 57 shots and 66 blocked shots overall.
