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 are sizable -300 road favorites versus the Chicago Blackhawks, which puts Oettinger in a spot to pick up the win. Over the last month, the Blackhawks have been one of the weakest offensive teams in the league, scoring just 2.03 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations (fourth-worst in the NHL).
While the Stars have faltered a bit on defense, their offense has picked up over the past month. The Stars are now scoring 3.30 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is higher than their rate for the entire season (2.68). This should help power to the Stars to the win, making Oettinger a clear top option in goal tonight.
High Salaried Skaters
Mika Zibanejad ($8,300): The New York Rangers lead the slate with a 4.23 implied goal total at home, and they are set to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets. When it comes to defense, the Blue Jackets have opted out of playing it this season, and things have gotten worse as the season has gone on. Over the last month, the Blue Jackets are allowing 4.72 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is comfortably the worst rate in the league.
That is noticeably worse than their rate for the entire season (3.37), making them a clear team to target. On top of this, they are also allowing a league-worst 69.09 Corsi Against (Total Shot Attempts Allowed) per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations.
When it comes to Zibanejad, he has been on fire over the last 10 games with 12 NHL points, 22 shots on goal, and 7 blocked shots. However, he hasn't scored in the last three games, which is a bit surprising due to his role on the first forward line and the first power-play unit.
With this matchup and offensive role, Zibanejad is in a clear spot to find the back of the net.
Sidney Crosby ($8,200): With a 3.65 implied goal total, the Pittsburgh Penguins are a clear team to target tonight against the Detroit Red Wings. In the last month, the Red Wings are allowing 3.29 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the seventh-worst mark in the league. The Penguins are in the midst of a very tight Eastern Conference Wild Card race, and this is a clear matchup they should be looking to pile up the goals and come away with the win.
Crosby is on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, which has allowed him to rack up 9 NHL points, 39 shots on goal, and 6 blocked shots in his last 10 games. Look to stack him with Jake Guentzel ($7,300) and Kris Letang ($6,100).
Value Skaters
Nino Niederreiter ($4,800): The Winnipeg Jets are approaching must-win games to end the season, and this matchup against San Jose Sharks is not one they should be losing. The Sharks have been a mess on defense for the entire season, and things have gotten worse over the last month. During that time, they are allowing 4.37 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the second-worst mark in the league.
Niederreiter is now up on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, which is legitimately the best offensive role any player could have. He is under $5K playing the second-worst defense over the last month. This is a clear matchup to attack, and with Niederreiter having 5 NHL points and 23 shots on goal over his last 10 games, he already has a decent level of consistency to build on.
William Karlsson ($5,100): The Vegas Golden Knights are hosting the Edmonton Oilers with the over/under set at 6.5 goals. In the last month, both teams are in the top 11 of the league for the most goals scored per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which should set things up for a great fantasy matchup.
Karlsson is a solid value option with 8 NHL points, 22 shots on goal, and 9 blocked shots in the last 10 games. With a role on the second forward line and the second power-play unit, he's in a good spot to provide solid point-per-dollar value tonight.