In terms of hardest shot, Hughes ranks higher than Makar: Hughes is in the 87th percentile among defensemen at 95.04 mph, while Makar is in the 82nd percentile at 93.90 mph. But, in terms of average shot speed, Makar has the advantage (71.91 mph; 90th percentile among defensemen) compared to Hughes (67.46; slightly below NHL average of 67.67).

Friday night’s NHL slate is bigger than last week’s condensed two-game calendar, featuring five games on the frozen pond. Four of the five betting favorites are -144 or longer, excluding the Colorado Avalanche as a -245 home favorite against the Winnipeg Jets.