Sandwiched between Thursday's spirited docket and Saturday's 14-game schedule is a typically lighter Friday slate. The only early game features the second and final inter-conference match-up between the Jets and Penguins in Pittsburgh. We can expect a battle of the backups in that tilt as Tristan Jarry doesn't yet appear fully fit and Connor Hellebuyck played in Buffalo the night before. Hours later, the Devils launch their California road trip with a stop in Anaheim. While vicious on the road -- 15-2-1 -- New Jersey's skaters need to concentrate on the task at hand and not look ahead to Saturday's more challenging stop in Los Angeles. Wrapping matters up, the Oilers play the Sharks for the first time this season. Again, the risk of distraction in play here. Connor McDavid and company will have to stay focused and in the San Jose moment ahead of Saturday's trip to Vegas.
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Outside of one solid performance in Arizona, goalie Casey DeSmith has struggled of late. This week's unravelling against the Canucks - which lasted about seven minutes before Dustin Tokarski successfully took over - wasn't pretty. With the Jets' top six fully healthy again, we could see a fair bit scoring from the visitors on Friday. From the home side as well, with David Rittich expected to start after Connor Hellebuyck helped beat the Sabres the previous evening. Now, coach Mike Sullivan could choose to save DeSmith for Saturday and start Tokarski instead, which might mute expectations for a Winnipeg goal-fest. Boasting terrific numbers in the AHL this season, the Penguins' third-stringer was excellent in replacing DeSmith on Tuesday.
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Goalie John Gibson surrendered 13 total goals in his past two games (Wednesday's appearance versus the Oilers lasting only two periods), and plenty all season long. Overall, the Ducks' defense ranks 32nd in the league. New Jersey's offense is even more dangerous on the road, averaging 3.94 goals/contest. Play your Devils.
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Ondrej Palat, New Jersey Devils (43.0%)
Dylan Holloway, Edmonton Oilers (3.5%)
While expected back soon, Evander Kane still appears a handful of games away from returning to the Oilers' lineup. As such, Holloway seems stuck on a top line with Connor McDavid for at least one more game. The 21-year-old rookie scored from that spot against the Ducks two nights ago, with McDavid earning the primary assist.
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Matt Benning, San Jose Sharks (3.5%)
Benning blocks shots, throws hits, and contributes the odd assist. Four in his past six games, in fact. I like the ex-Oiler to bring a little extra against his former team on this Friday evening.
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Vitek Vanecek (projected), New Jersey Devils (75.2%)
In addition to allowing too many goals, the Ducks don't score much either. I might even roll the fantasy dice with backup Mackenzie Blackwood (2.8%) in this particular match-up, should the Devils' No. 2 earn the start. Coach Lindy Ruff might prefer to rest Vanecek ahead of Saturday's meeting in Los Angeles.
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