The NHL season is heating up, and Friday night brings a three-game slate featuring key matchups that can greatly impact fantasy hockey lineups. The Toronto Maple Leafs' top forward line, featuring Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Matthew Knies, is poised to capitalize against a New York Rangers team missing star defenseman Adam Fox. With a 59.6% expected goals (xGoals) rate and Matthews riding a seven-game point streak, this line is a prime target.

Toronto's second line, led by John Tavares and William Nylander, also offers excellent potential, especially if Nylander is fit to play following an injury scare. Their strong performance metrics make them an enticing stack for daily fantasy contests. On the other hand, the Colorado Avalanche's Nathan MacKinnon and his line face the Minnesota Wild, who have so far limited scoring chances. Despite a tough matchup, MacKinnon has been in fine form, making him a valuable consideration for lineups. The Los Angeles Kings' third line presents a budget-friendly option that has shown reliable scoring, particularly from Kevin Fiala, who has been hot lately.

Safety also comes from the defensive line selections; Cale Makar stands out as a must-have despite a higher salary, given his strong production and favorable matchup. In goal, Mackenzie Blackwood and Joseph Woll are the go-to options, both presenting solid stats and favorable conditions to earn a win, especially against teams struggling to score.