In daily fantasy hockey, stacking is a key strategy in tournaments. We want to correlate our lineups with up to four players to maximize our upside -- if one player on a line is scoring goals, it's likely that his linemates are getting assists, as well.
Ideally, we want players who will get a lot of ice time together on an even-strength line and a power-play line. Two good resources for line combinations are LeftWingLock.com and DailyFaceoff.com, so be sure to check those sites for updated line information.
After a light schedule on Wednesday, we are back with a big slate on Thursday. Let's take a look at some stacks we can use tonight.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins have been filling the net aplenty since the new season began. They've scored at least five goals in every game they've played so far this season. Now, they'll face an opponent that has struggled to keep pucks out of their net.
The Bruins have had some injuries carried over from last season, which has affected their lines. Taylor Hall ($5,800) has slid up to the first line to play with Patrice Bergeron ($7,200) and Jake DeBrusk ($5,200). Bergeron and Debrusk have been on a good run; Bergeron has six points in four games and Debrusk has five in three. Hall has just one point in three games, but playing on this line and the first power play should lead to success for him.
The second line is an all-Czech line, with David Krejci ($5,800) centering David Pastrnak ($9,700) and Pavel Zacha ($4,900). Pastrnak has been on fire to start the season with three goals and five assists in four games. He's also posted at least five shots on goal in every game. Krejci hasn't missed a beat after not playing in the NHL last season, recording five points in four games. Pastrnak and Krejci will join Bergeron and Hall on Boston's top power play.
The Bruins will host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. The Ducks have been letting in a ton of goals. It's been at least 4 in each game and 21 overall. Boston will be able to dominate possession against them and could rack up the goals against a team floundering defensively.
Boston's implied team total is 3.74, so we should get some production from these top two lines.
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild are one of three teams in the league that have yet to get a win. They have only played three games, and one of them was against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Some of their players have been able to contribute in fantasy despite their poor start, and that should continue tonight.
We saw Kirill Kaprizov ($9,400) set all kinds of franchise records last year. This year, he has three goals and five assists in just three games. His partner-in-crime Mats Zuccarello ($6,800) has points in all three games this season. Ryan Hartman ($5,400) had a career-high 34 goals playing between these playmaking wizards, and he is now back playing with these guys.
He's not on the top power play, but if you want more correlation to them, you can play Calen Addison ($4,200), who had three assists from a defenseman spot last game.
The Wild will take on the Vancouver Canucks, who are another winless team. They've blown a multiple-goal lead in every game this season and allowed 18 goals in their four losses. They have the second-worst penalty kill in the league, and the Wild sport the second-best power play.
With the distinct advantage on special teams, the Wild have a chance to erupt tonight. Their team total is 3.65 goals, and they could easily exceed that in this matchup.
Montreal Canadiens
If you want to stack a line with full correlation that has a few value pieces, the Montreal Canadiens are the team for you tonight.
No one expects Montreal to compete this season, but they have a few nice players and a great matchup on Thursday.
Two exciting young players on the Canadiens are Cole Caufield ($7,100) and Nick Suzuki ($6,300). Caufield leads the team with three goals, and Suzuki has the most points with five. They are joined on the top line by Sean Monahan ($4,700), who is trying to revive his career on his new team.
All three will play on the first power-play unit together and have already shown the ability to score together this season. You can even throw Chris Wideman ($3,800) for another value piece.
The Canadiens take on a fellow cellar dweller in the Arizona Coyotes. The Coyotes pulled out a shocking win on Monday against the Toronto Maple Leafs but still rate as the worst five-on-five team in the NHL. They've also allowed 14 goals in three games this season.
Montreal has an implied team total of 3.56, and their top line is a nice value. You are able to fit in many other star players if you use this stack, making it especially appealing tonight.
Other Stacks to Consider
Nicholas Vazquez is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Nicholas Vazquez also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username hbyanksman. 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.