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
Jonathan Quick ($8,200): The Los Angeles Kings have a soft matchup versus the Arizona Coyotes, making them -210 road favorites tonight. This puts Quick in a great spot to come away with the win, making him an ideal option for cash games tonight. The Kings are one of the best defensive teams in the league, allowing only 2.05 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the third-best.
On the other side, the Coyotes are one of the worst offensive teams in the league, scoring 2.12 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fifth-lowest. Quick is in a great spot but does lack upside due to his low save volume. He has fewer than 30 saves in four of his last five starts, a trend we've seen throughout the regular season for him, and it's no fault of his own. The defense in front of him is that good, and they simply don't allow a ton of shots to get through.
High-Priced Skaters
Gabriel Landeskog ($8,800): With a slate-high 4.03 implied goal total, the Colorado Avalanche are going to be a chalky team in all formats tonight. The Avs are one of the best offensive teams in the league, scoring the fourth-most (3.04) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. They'll be up against the Detroit Red Wings, who are in the bottom 10 of the league in both Corsi Against (Total Shot Attempts Allowed) and goals allowed, both per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations.
Landeskog is on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, which is one of the best top-tier stacks -- not only on tonight's slate but in the entire league. The multi-point potential for them is always high, and with 10 NHL points and 24 shots on goal in his last 10 games, we should see him add to that with this favorable matchup.
Steven Stamkos ($8,600): The Tampa Bay Lightning are hosting the Edmonton Oilers in what could be the fantasy game of the night. Both teams are in the top 10 for the most goals scored per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, making this a great spot for a potential game stack. The over/under sitting at 6.5 is a good indication we are going to see plenty of scoring, and that points us in the direction of Stamkos, who is on the second forward line and the first power-play unit for the Lightning.
The Oilers are allowing 2.67 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 10th worst in the league. This puts the Lightning in a great spot, and it should allow Stammer to continue his recent form with 10 NHL points and 29 shots on goal over his last 10 games.
Value Skaters
Mike Hoffman ($4,700): Are the Montreal Canadiens good now? Winners of three straight games, the Canadiens are looking like a viable fantasy team, especially with a soft matchup versus the Buffalo Sabres on tap for tonight. This gives the Habs a 3.28 implied goal total, which is the third-highest on the slate. Hoffman has a role on the second forward line and the first power-play unit, which is truly solid for a player under $5,000. He comes in with a modest 5 NHL points and 20 shots on goal in the last 10 games but on a team trending up with a plus matchup.
Adrian Kempe ($5,500): Kempe is scorching hot right now with five goals in his last four games and could keep that going tonight versus the Coyotes. He is still only $5,500 and is on the first forward line and the first power-play unit while facing the defense that allows the third-most (3.06) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. It's a clear plus matchup for a hot player at a very reasonable salary.