NHL DFS is similar to MLB in terms of how you build lineups, how you view stacking, and how to value players.
Two main points to always focus on in NHL DFS are what lines the players are on and making sure the goalies you are rostering are confirmed as the starters. Two of the best resources for that are LeftWingLock.com and DailyFaceOff.com. That is where you can find updated forward and power-play lines for each team, along with which goalies are confirmed as the starters.
Let's jump in and take a look at today's slate and some players to consider for your lineups.
Goalie to Target
Jake Oettinger ($8,300): The Dallas Stars can clinch a playoff spot tonight with a win against the Nashville Predators, making them a clear team with motivation to target. As we get to the final stretch of the season, the motivation, or lack thereof, for teams is vast. Some teams need to win every single game they possibly can, while others are looking to improve their lottery odds.
With the Stars being -192 home favorites, we should be looking at them as an elite option on this small three-game slate. Oettinger is looking solid in net for the Stars and comes in with three goals or fewer allowed in four of his last five games. With the Predators scoring the second-fewest (1.90) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over the last month, he's in a good spot to come away with the win.
High Salaried Skaters
Jared McCann ($6,600): The Seattle Kraken lead the slate with a 4.04 implied goal total at home against the Arizona Coyotes, which should make them a very popular team. The Kraken are a team with maximum motivation to grab every single point they can in the midst of a very close Western Conference wild card race. This is a winnable matchup for them, and stacking several of the Kraken players should be very viable tonight.
For the season, the Kraken are scoring 3.07 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the second-best rate in the league. This puts their offense in a spot to not only have a consistent floor of points but also be able to reach for a fantasy ceiling, something you always look to have for tournaments.
McCann is on the top forward line and the first power-play unit, coming in with 8 NHL points, 34 shots on goal, and 7 blocked shots. He's at a very affordable salary considering the offensive role he has and the production in recent games.
Jason Robertson ($9,300): The Stars have a 3.68 implied goal total and given the win-and-in scenario for them tonight, this is a maximum effort game for them. That means turning to their best player, Robertson, who has 14 NHL points and 30 shots on goal over the last 10 games.
It's not just Robertson but the entire Stars lineup that has been producing on offense lately. Over the last month, the Stars are scoring 3.24 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fourth-best in the league. Ideally, you would look to stack Robertson with Roope Hintz ($7,400) and Joe Pavelski ($7,100) because they are all on the first forward line and the first power-play together.
Value Skaters
Matias Maccelli ($5,300): While the Coyotes have been out of the playoff race for a while, they still have some viable fantasy options to consider to close out the season. Maccelli has been an interesting option for the Coyotes and continues to put up decent numbers with 9 NHL points and 17 shots on goal over his last 10 games.
They are going up against the Kraken, who have the full motivation to win, but it might not be a clean game. Over the last month, the Kraken have been very average on defense, allowing 2.62 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is 15th in the league. Seattle should win this game, but there could be some goal-scoring back-and-forth.
Matty Beniers ($5,500): Beniers is the center on the top forward line and the top power-play for the Seattle Kraken, who have a slate-high 4.04 implied goal total tonight. He is simply too cheap given the offensive role he has and should be a vastly popular option tonight. The future Calder Trophy winner has 18 shots on goal and 5 NHL points over his last 10 games. His production is modest, but the role is too good to pass up tonight.