Hockey is 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 and 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 and take a look at today's slate and some players to consider for your lineups.
Goalie to Target
Sergei Bobrovsky/Spencer Knight ($7,800): As heavy -260 favorites, the Florida Panthers should be in a spot to come away with a win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Grabbing the win equity for a goalie in NHL DFS may not be the most exciting thing, but it's always a smart option for a bit of consistency. We don't know if it will be Bobrovsky or Knight in net for the Panthers, but both are fine options.
Ultimately, the overall strength of the Panthers' offense should put them in a spot to win this game rather than the individual skill of either netminder. That's what this really comes down to since both goalies are only $7,800. That means they are the ninth-highest-salaried goalie options on the slate, yet they are the largest moneyline favorite tonight.
This is a massive discrepancy and brings some nice value to your lineups. The Panthers are allowing the 11th fewest (2.22) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations this season, while the Blackhawks are scoring the second-fewest goals (1.51) in the same situation. It's a clear mismatch -- and a great salary for the Panthers' netminder.
High-Salaried Skaters
Kirill Kaprizov ($9,600): The Minnesota Wild have a large 4.07 implied goal total tonight against the Montreal Canadiens and are primed for plenty of scoring. There's no doubt the Wild have gotten off to a slow start this season, and they need their best player to step up and bring a boost to their offense. Kaprizov is on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, which has led him to rack up 8 NHL points and 21 shots on goal through the first five games.
The Wild are a bit of a mess on defense right now, allowing a league-worst 5.14 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. If their defense fails again, this should Kaprizov in a spot to turn up the offensive pressure, which can lead to plenty of fantasy points. Kaprizov is one of the few players in the league who legitimately has hat-trick potential every night.
Matthew Tkachuk ($8,800): Trading for Tkachuk during the off-season has proven to be a solid move thus far. He has racked up 8 NHL points and 29 shots on goal in six games. The high volume of shots is, in part, what makes Tkachuk such a great fantasy option on any slate. He will be constantly shooting the puck, giving him a high floor of fantasy points. If he can convert one or two of those for a goal, he will reach his fantasy ceiling.
A very strong role on the second forward line and the first power-play unit makes him viable in all formats tonight. The Panthers carry a slate-high 4.14 implied goal total against Chicago.
Value Skaters
Boone Jenner ($5,200): Jenner is shaping up to be one of my favorite value options in the early part of the season for a few reasons. First off, he is shooting a solid amount with 23 shots on goal in seven games. Next, he plays an immensely favorable role on the first forward line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine.
That will continuously put him in a spot to rack up fantasy points -- something he should be doing tonight against the Arizona Coyotes. The Columbus Blue Jackets have a 4.07 implied goal total tonight, and it wouldn't be a shock to see them surpass that since the Coyotes are allowing 4.80 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations (second-worst in the league).
Reilly Smith ($4,900): A matchup against the San Jose Sharks will put any opposing team in a spot for strong fantasy production. That's because the Sharks are in the bottom half of the league in Corsi Against (Total Shot Attempts Allowed) and goals allowed (both per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations).
Smith skates on the second forward line and the second power-play unit for the Vegas Golden Knights, who are rocking a 3.66 implied goal total tonight. Don't overthink it; take the value with Smith if you need it.