NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Wednesday 5/11/22
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
Jake Oettinger ($7,400): The Dallas Stars are +188 road underdogs, but you can still look to Oettinger as an option in net. We're dealing with a small three-game slate, and each of the three home teams are favorites, which should make their goalies chalky. Pivoting to Oettinger is a way to make your lineups different while bringing a bit of salary relief.
Plus, Oettinger has been super solid in the first four games of this series versus the Calgary Flames. He's allowed a total of six goals in the four games, including one shutout. Oettinger is a solid option home or away, and if he isn't going to be popular, he is a great addition to some tournament lineups.
High-Salaried Skaters
Chris Kreider ($8,100): The New York Rangers are down 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, and it's do-or-die time to keep their season alive. As -137 home favorites, the Rangers are sporting a 3.16 implied goal total, which is the third-highest on the slate. Despite the Penguins having their third-string goalie, Louis Domingue, in net this series, the Rangers' offense has been a bit inconsistent.
Kreider has four NHL points in the four games so far this series, but three of those points came in the first two games. The scoring has taken a step back for him, and that needs to change if they are going to keep their season alive. His role on the first forward line and the first power-play unit should help him achieve that.
Elias Lindholm ($7,500): Lindholm and the Flames are tied 2-2 with the Stars and looking to pick up an important Game 5 win at home. As mentioned above, I like Oettinger as a goalie option tonight because he makes a lot of sense from a game-theory perspective in terms of being different. I also like Lindholm, who is going against Oettinger.
Lindholm has 3 goals and 10 shots on goal in the first four games of this series, providing a decent level of consistency, which can be tougher to find in the playoffs. The Flames have a 3.22 implied goal total, which is the second-highest on the slate, and that puts Lindholm in a good spot. He skates on the first forward line and the first power-play unit -- roles you don't want to be passing up in the playoffs.
Value Skaters
Jeff Carter ($5,200): Consistent production from depth players in the playoffs is one of the toughest things to find, but the Penguins might have it with Carter. A total of 3 goals and 14 shots on goal from a third-line center is a lot -- I repeat: a lot -- for a player who is just above $5,000. A role on the second power-play unit adds even more upside for Carter and the Penguins, who have scored 20 goals over the first four games of the series.
Carter Verhaeghe ($4,700): Verhaeghe is another value option who is posting solid production in the first round of the playoffs. He's on the first forward line and the second power-play unit right now, which has helped him put up 5 NHL points and 10 shots on goal in the first four games versus the Washington Capitals. This is the only matchup on the slate with an over/under sitting at 6.5 goals, making it a good spot to target.
