Spending lower in any daily fantasy lineup is a way to incorporate some diversity into your roster. In NHL DFS, there is typically more value in this strategy but also a good deal more risk. This is especially true on tonight's larger slate, where there are lots of lower-salaried plays. Plugging in these options will afford you more chances to play some studs, as well.
Thursday night has six games on the slate. Let's hunt for values!
Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Center, Montreal Canadiens
FanDuel Salary: $3,900
The values are not quite as plentiful on Thursday as they would appear. Like we mentioned above, Josh Norris for the Ottawa Senators will likely see lots of action in lineups. The idea is to draw away from that and go to other options. Jesperi Kotkaniemi showed some chemistry with Tyler Toffoli on Wednesday night as they are both on the third forward line. Going up against a Vancouver Canucks team that has issues defensively is perfect for one who can create in space and has a better shot than most realize.
He had a goal and assist on Wednesday and the elevated point potential on Thursday was noticeable. His ice time may be limited to around 13-14 minutes but that will set him up to be a bit more rested and create more scoring chances. One could spend up to Boone Jenner at $4,300 against a Tampa Bay Lightning team that may be rusty after not playing for six nights.
Drake Batherson, Wing, Ottawa Senators
FanDuel Salary: $3,400
There is the sense that Drake Batherson will keep shooting the puck. Let's hope so as 13 shots and 9 scoring chances through three games was a pleasant surprise. The Winnipeg Jets are a team that can go into the tank defensively as evidenced by their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs recently where at one stretch they gave up 20 shots almost in a row. Ottawa is a faster squad than most realize and the Winnipeg defense allows 35 shots per game and their penalty kill is below 60%, so Batherson will have opportunities on the man advantage also.
With the Senators, there is value still. It is about employing the right value at the right time. Batherson may be a safer play than even Norris for the floor he provides. The lower salary also provides a few more dollars to spend around. For alternatives, taking a look at Miles Wood ($4,000) versus the New York Islanders or even Alex Galchenyuk ($3,600) for a power-play boost.
Joonas Korpisalo, Goalie, Columbus Blue Jackets
FanDuel Salary: $7,000
Joonas Korpisalo faces a possibly rusty Tampa Bay team who can still pile on shots at will even without Nikita Kucherov. There are several potential value plays at goaltender but trying to find the right combination of most likely to win while facing a good volume of shots is a challenge. The Columbus Blue Jackets has given up 2 goals in each of his outings while facing 71 shots combined. Tampa Bay should be able to come close to that 35 shot output tonight.
With these lower salaries, it is important to note players like Mackenzie Blackwood ($7,000) and Matt Murray ($6,900) of New Jersey and Ottawa respectively. Blackwood may face a good number of shots but New York's shot volatility is a concern. The Islanders are a team that can shoot a ton sometimes and then nearly nothing others. One can argue that Winnipeg's shot volume can go in the tank at times as well. This early in the season, it can still be a feeling out process.
Chris Wassel is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Chris Wassel also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username chriswassel. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.