4 NHL FanDuel Values to Target on 2/9/21
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 slate, where there are lots of lower-salaried plays. Plugging in these options will afford you more chances to play some studs, as well.
Tuesday night has seven contests on the main slate. Let's take a look at what values we can find.
Adam Lowry, Center, Winnipeg Jets
FanDuel Salary: $4,200
Adam Lowry is little more than a safe, floor option on Tuesday night versus a Calgary Flames team that gives up chances in bunches. One could trip into a value night for Lowry because of that alone. In his last three games versus the Flames, Lowry generated eight shots on net, six blocked shots, an assist, and six scoring chances.
Playing this many times in a row against an opponent tends to create advantages in the adjustments. Do not be surprised if Lowry is moved up every so often tonight into more advantageous scoring roles.
If one wants to delve into a higher-risk realm, then maybe playing Chandler Stephenson one more time at just $3,800 is an answer. He will get top-line minutes for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Joel Kiviranta, Wing, Columbus Blue Jackets
FanDuel Salary: $3,500
This may appear crazy, but Joel Kiviranta played just over 11 minutes in his season debut and racked up a goal and assist before getting hurt. He is a game-time decision tonight against the Chicago Blackhawks.
That being said, why not try to roster him if there are few options available. Draft percentage and salary will be very low, as most will not look too far down lists, etc. He carries versatility on the man advantage and has speed on the wings that will cause the Chicago defense problems. The dilemma is when does he get activated off the injured reserve. That will be important.
If for some reason Kiviranta cannot play again tonight, then look at Austin Wagner at just $3,000. Wagner may see top-six ice time at even strength for the Los Angeles Kings.
Mario Ferraro, Defenseman, San Jose Sharks
FanDuel Salary: $3,800
Value plays are more plentiful on Tuesday night, but the San Jose Sharks' young defenseman has been a surprise in the early going. He hits, blocks a good number of shots, and now is hitting the net with his above-average shot. He has averaged 2.5 blocks a game over the past four contests and has two games of three-plus shots in that span.
Ferraro has not hit the back of the net but has four assists on the season. The Los Angeles Kings are third-worst in the league at home when it comes to unblocked shot attempts yielded. As the youthful defender's ice time increases, so should his opportunities -- especially tonight.
Alec Martinez ($4,100) is available once again tonight for a safe floor and still benefits from no Alex Pietrangelo in the lineup for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Jacob Markstrom, Goalie, Calgary Flames
FanDuel Salary: $7,600
This is an extreme risk play, but if the Calgary Flames play like expected, Markstrom should see a lot of shots faced from the Winnipeg Jets. The chances he sees 30-plus shots is more than 50-50 at this juncture. However, anything in the North Division can be deemed an elevated danger. Goals are up by nearly one over the other divisions still.
The ability to stop high-danger chances may be the only question -- as in how many can Markstrom keep out of the net? That may be part of why his salary is lower than usual for a home matchup. Calgary has lapses where they do allow shots in bunches. The hope is that this happens tonight.
Looking down the list and seeing Mikko Koskinen ($7,400) on the board for the Edmonton Oilers is worth a look. He did have 25 saves, two goals allowed, and a win in his last start versus the Ottawa Senators.
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.
