NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Friday 1/22/21
Hockey is officially back! 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 or 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 to take a look at today's slate and some players to consider for your lineups.
Goalie to Target
Cam Talbot ($8,200): The Minnesota Wild come in as -172 home favorites against the San Jose Sharks, which puts Talbot in a good spot for cash games. He is expected to get the start and has a very favorable matchup to pick up his third win of the season. The Sharks come in producing 1.97 Goals Per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 11th worst in the league. The Wild are also allowing only 4.54 High Danger Scoring Chances Against per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fewest in the league. With Talbot facing a weak offense and his defense playing well in front of him, he should have good win equity and is a safer option to consider.
High-Priced Skaters
Artemi Panarin ($8,200): Panarin skates on the second forward line and the first power-play for the New York Rangers, who are on the road to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins in a game in which the over/under is set at 6.5. The Penguins are struggling mightily on defense to start the season and come in allowing 4.05 Goals Against per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, tied for the worst in the league. On top of that, the Rangers are producing a 61.73 Corsi For (Shot Attempts Created) per 60 minutes in five-on-five, which is the second-best in the league. The Rangers are firing the puck all game long, while the Penguins are looking rough on defense. This is truly a great matchup for Panarin and the Rangers, which should make them a solid option in all formats tonight.
Patrick Kane ($8,000): Although the Chicago Blackhawks aren't a good team this year, they are going up against the Detroit Red Wings, who are also bad. That is indicated by the 6.5 over/under and both teams having implied goal totals over 3.00. This should set up a strong fantasy environment where the scoring can go back and forth. Kane is skating on the top forward line and the top power-play for Chicago and is having a strong start to the season. He comes in with 3 points and 18 shots on goal through four games. You can look to Kane in either cash or tournaments tonight.
Value Skaters
Zach Hyman ($4,700): With Joe Thornton and Auston Matthews out for the Toronto Maple Leafs, their forward lines are changing a bit. Hyman is now skating on the first forward line and the second power-play unit -- a clear boost from his normal role. He comes in with a surprising 13 shots through five games along with 3 total points. He should be chalky tonight as he is skating alongside John Tavares and William Nylander.
Danny DeKeyser ($3,500): As noted above, the Red Wings-Blackhawks game carries an over/under of 6.5 goals and should be a solid matchup to target on both sides. DeKeyser is worth using since the Blackhawks are allowing 4.05 Goals Against Per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is tied for worst in the league. DeKeyser is the minimum salary for a defender and sees time on the second power-play unit for the Red Wings.
