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
Frederik Andersen ($8,800): The Carolina Hurricanes are -188 road favorites against the Nashville Predators, which should be a lower-scoring matchup tonight. This season, both teams sit in the league's top 11 for the fewest goals allowed per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, a surprise to no one. The years go on and both teams continue to be solid on defense, providing a tough matchup for their opponents.
When it comes to their offenses, there has been a clear lack of scoring in recent games. Over the last month, both teams are in the league's bottom four for the fewest goals scored per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. The lack of scoring is apparent for both teams, and with the solid defense, this sets up to be an uneventful game. With that said, the Canes are still the better team and have the full motivation to win and secure points for the playoff race.
High Salaried Skaters
Jack Hughes ($9,700): The New Jersey Devils have a slate-high 4.26 implied goal total against the Columbus Blue Jackets, which could make them a chalky option. Despite it being a 14-game slate, the Devils are looking like a clear option in all formats due to their scoring potential. Over the last month, the Blue Jackets are allowing 4.97 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the worst in the league by over a full goal.
It appears the Blue Jackets are all-in on getting the top lottery pick, leading to a lack of defense every time they are out on the ice. Hughes has been elite all season for the Devils and has clear multi-point potential with his role on the second forward line and the first power-play unit.
Over his last 10 games, Hughes has 10 NHL points, 42 shots on goal, and 8 blocked shots. Despite that elite shot volume, he doesn't have a goal over his last five games, but this soft matchup is the ideal time to find the back of the net.
Elias Pettersson ($9,800): While the Vancouver Canucks and the Chicago Blackhawks are both out of the playoff picture, this game still has plenty of fantasy potential. That is due to the Blackhawks allowing the ninth-most (3.09) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over the last month. We could see a bit of a back-and-forth sloppy game with a lack of defense.
Pettersson continues to produce and comes in with 12 NHL points, 29 shots on goal, and 7 blocked shots in his last 10 games. The Canucks are scoring 2.74 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is only 17th in the league over the last month. However, that rate is higher than their 2.65 goal rate for the entire season.
It's not a massive increase, but the scoring is still consistent and should shine versus this weak defense.
Mikko Rantanen ($9,700): Rantanen is sitting on 49 goals this season and has an elite matchup to reach the 50-goal plateau tonight. The Colorado Avalanche have a strong 3.81 implied goal total against the San Jose Sharks in what should be a very lopsided game. Over the last month, the Sharks are allowing the third-most (3.51) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the third-worst in the NHL.
For the Avs over that same time, they are scoring 3.04 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the ninth-best in the league. Rantanen continues to pile up the points with 15 of them in his last 10 games, along with 46 shots on goal. Stacking him with Nathan MacKinnon ($10,400) is always a strong option.
Value Skaters
Vince Dunn ($5,600): The Seattle Kraken are looking to secure a big two points tonight against the Arizona Coyotes, which would clinch them their franchise's first-ever playoff berth. Luckily for them, the Coyotes are allowing 3.59 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over the last two weeks, which is the fourth-worst in the league. Over those same two weeks, the Kraken are in the top 10 for the most goals scored (3.04) per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations.
Dunn is the defender on the first power-play unit, coming in with 8 NHL points, 26 shots on goal, and 8 blocked shots in his last 10 games.
JJ Peterka ($4,300): The Buffalo Sabres are technically still alive for a playoff spot, however slight that might be. This means full effort from their players and looking to continue pressing their offense forward in every matchup. The Sabres have a 3.31 implied goal total tonight against the Detroit Red Wings, which should make them a stackable team. Peterka is on the second forward line and the second power-play unit, coming in with 6 NHL points and 18 shots on goal over his last 10 games.