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
Andrei Vasilevskiy ($7,900): The Tampa Bay Lightning are very slight -102 road underdogs against the New York Rangers in what should be a lower-scoring game. Vasilevskiy is on the less expensive side of goalie salaries tonight, and with solid win equity, he's absolutely worth a shot in some lineups.
Over the last two weeks, both the Lightning and the Rangers are in the league's top 10 for the fewest goals allowed per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. Both goalies are also in the top six for the most Goals Saved Above Expected (GSAx) this season, setting things up for a true playoff-type atmosphere. It's a coin-flip game, and Vasilevskiy is the less expensive option, making lineup construction a bit easier on a three-game slate.
High Salaried Skaters
Connor McDavid ($10,500): McDavid is the best hockey player in the galaxy, and you shouldn't be trying to fade him on a small slate. The opportunity cost of not rostering McDavid is simply too high tonight and could lead to your lineups playing catch-up.
That is the basis of things to start, and it should go without saying that McDavid is producing fantasy points at an unbelievable rate right now. Over his last 10 games, he has 18 NHL points and 33 shots on goal, a level of production he will look to extend tonight. The matchup against the Anaheim Ducks is incredibly soft and gives the Edmonton Oilers a slate-high 4.75 implied goal total.
Over the last two weeks, the Ducks are allowing 4.38 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the second-worst in the league. This puts McDavid in a position to rack up another multi-point game and be a cornerstone of your lineups tonight.
Kyle Connor ($7,400): The Winnipeg Jets are hosting the Calgary Flames in what could be the most important games of the year for these teams. They are separated by just two points in the Western Conference wild card race, with the Jets holding the spot right now.
Luckily for the Jets, the Flames' defense and goaltending have collapsed over the last two weeks, allowing 3.53 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fourth-worst in the league. On the other side, the Jets' offense has found life and is scoring the third-most (3.20) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over that same time frame.
This puts Connor and the Jets in a great spot to pour in the goals and secure a big two points tonight. Over the last 10 games, Connor has 5 NHL points and 28 shots on goal while skating on the first forward line and the first power-play unit.
Value Skaters
Filip Chytil ($5,000): While the Rangers versus Lightning game might be lower-scoring, there are still some good value options to consider. Chytill is on the third forward line and the second power-play unit, which has allowed him to produce 7 NHL points, 30 shots on goal, and 4 blocked shots in his last 10 games. While the matchup is certainly tough, the Rangers' offense is firing on all cylinders right now with 3.18 goals scored per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the third-best over the last two weeks.
Andrew Mangiapane ($4,800): The Flames' defense might be a mess right now, but at least they are scoring some goals. This puts their players in a spot for wild high-scoring games, which is great for fantasy production. Over the last two weeks, the Flames are scoring the fourth-most (3.14) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations.
Mangiapane has solid point-per-dollar value tonight given the potential scoring volume between these two teams, which should allow him to add to his 6 NHL points and 22 shots on goal from the last 10 games.