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
Pyotr Kochetkov ($7,500): The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves as solid -156 road favorites and in a spot to come away with the win over the Detroit Red Wings. This season, the Canes have been one of the stronger defensive teams in the league, allowing 1.92 Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fourth-best mark.
This puts the Canes in a great spot since the Red Wings are struggling on offense right now, scoring the 11th-fewest (2.33) Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. Kochetkov has been super solid in recent games, allowing two goals or fewer in four of his last five outings. That is a level he should be able to replicate tonight versus a weak offense.
High-Salaried Skaters
Auston Matthews ($10,400): The Toronto Maple Leafs are rolling right now and come in with a slate-high 4.33 implied goal total versus the Anaheim Ducks. Matthews is piling up the stats with 14 NHL points, 47 shots on goal, and 20 blocked shots in his last 10 games. He is a threat to post a multi-point or multi-goal performance every time out, especially in this type of matchup.
The Ducks are allowing the second-most (3.29) Goals per 60 minutes and have the third-worst (63.71) Corsi Against (Total Shot Attempts Allowed), both per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. They are, arguably, the worst defensive team in the league, and with Matthews on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, he will have plenty of chances to rack up fantasy points.
Matthew Tkachuk ($9,700): The Florida Panthers need to get back on track, and a matchup against the Columbus Blue Jackets is just what the doctor ordered. The Blue Jackets are even worse than the Ducks on defense. Columbus is dead last in the league in Goals allowed (3.67) and Corsi Against (65.23) -- per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations.
Considering the Panthers are scoring the second-most (3.10) Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, this is an unbelievably favorable matchup for their offense. Speaking of their offense, Tkachuk plays a large part in that and comes in with 12 NHL points, 27 shots on goal, and 4 blocked shots in his last 10 games.
However, he has only one goal and six shots on goal in his last four games. The inconsistency isn't great, but this matchup should help him get back on track.
Value Skaters
J.T. Compher ($5,100): The Colorado Avalanche are decimated by injuries right now, and that has pushed Compher to a new and expanded offensive role. Compher is now skating on the second forward line and the first power-play unit, a significant role for a player at only $5,100.
This new role is paying dividends for Compher, who has put up 8 NHL points, 20 shots on goal, and 12 blocked shots in his last 10 games. The matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers is a great one since they have the fourth-worst (61.46) Corsi Against, providing a safe floor of points for opposing offenses.
Kevin Labanc ($4,600): The San Jose Sharks are starting to turn a corner on offense and find themselves scoring 2.64 Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 11th-best in the league. This is a bit of a surprise for one of the weaker teams, and it's a spot where we can find plenty of fantasy value.
They are up against the Arizona Coyotes, who are allowing the seventh-most (2.94) Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. With LaBanc seeing time on the first forward line and the second power-play unit, he should be able to build on the 8 NHL points and 18 shots on goal he has over his last 10 games.