This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
Just when we thought things would simmer down, upsets continue every night and teams with multiple injuries blow out opponents with healthy squads. I'll do my best to guide you through this rather "straightforward" slate with five games starting at 7 p.m. EST.
SLATE PREVIEW
Here's the breakdown on teams playing the second night of a back-to-back: Canadiens, Bruins, Penguins, Devils, Rangers, Blues and Canucks. Montreal enters with the league's sixth-highest goals against and Edmonton with the most goals.
GOALIES
John Gibson, ANA vs VAN ($7,600): The Pittsburgh native continued his hot form on Friday with his fifth consecutive win, albeit an ugly one. Nevertheless, Gibson has been a force in the net this season wit a 2.54 GAA and .921 save percentage. For one of the value goalies going against a rather weak offense, this represents a plus matchup.
VALUE PLAYS
Ryan Getzlaf, ANA vs VAN ($5,700): Getzlaf seems to have once again found his stride with 15 points overall and six in his last five games. The veteran centers seems to be connected with linemate Troy Terry and will come into another favorable battle against a Canucks team on the second half of a back-to-back.
Dawson Mercer, NJ at NYR ($4,500): The rookie phenom in Jersey is catching fire once again with a 2-3-5 line with five shots over his last three appearances. Mercer managed to put together a goal and assist against Boston yesterday and now gets an even faster-paced Rangers squad. It would be very surprising to not see him on the scoreboard.
LINE STACKS TO CONSIDER
Ducks vs Canucks
Ryan Getzlaf (C - $5,700), Adam Henrique (W - $5,700), Troy Terry (W - $6,600)
With the Ducks welcoming the tired Canucks, this is the perfect opportunity for this trio. In 14 contests together, they're averaging 3.30 goals and are great at keeping the puck with a 52.70 Corsi For Percentage. This line has generated four goals and seven assists in the last three along with 31 shots and should continue to carry Anaheim's offense.
Capitals vs Penguins
Evgeny Kuznetsov (C - $8,000), Alex Ovechkin (W - $9,500), Conor Sheary (W - $3,800)
To be able to fit other high-valued players into the mix, we're going to run a Washington power-play stack. After last night's debacle with Pittsburgh getting handled by Ottawa's AHL lineup, they'll face a much more difficult test stopping Ovi and Company. In No. 8's last five appearances, he's racked up three goals and six assists to go with 22 shots. Add in his center and power-play linemate and you have a nice mix against an unpredictable Pittsburgh side.
DEFENSE
Chris Wideman, MTL at BOS ($3,500): Wideman is nothing to write home about, but sits at the bottom of the salary range and happens to run the Habs' top power play. If he manages to get a point or two along with added peripherals like last night, he'll easily hit value.
Adam Fox, NYR at NJ ($6,900): Fox is by far the definition of consistency when it comes to the Rangers. Across 14 outings, he's only missed double-digit fantasy points three times. In a fast-paced matchup, this is a perfect opportunity for him to continue his form.
