Today's NHL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (10/26/24)

3 mins ago by Andy Smith

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Hello Rotoballers! The NHL season is in full swing, and we have another action-packed Saturday slate.

In this piece, I will discuss my favorite forward lines to target, defensemen, and goalies in tonight's action. Be sure to keep updated with any injury notes on our newsfeed before setting your lineup.

If you have any questions about further strategy and managing the slate, feel free to chat with me on X @ASmith_FS. All player salaries will be listed as ($DK/FD)

Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks

New York Rangers L2 - Alexis Lafreniere ($4,900/6,600) - Vincent Trochek ($6,900/8,300) - Artemi Panarin ($9,200/9,000)

Opponent - Anaheim Ducks

The Rangers currently hold the second-highest 3.74 Expected Goals For Per 60 in the league, which is credited to their incredible second line.

This line has generated an impressive 2.97 xGoals For Per 60 and is led by superstar Artemi Panarin, who has tallied 13 points in his first seven games. Alexis Lafreniere has found the back of the net four times in this span, and Vincent Trocheck has seven total points.

Adam Fox finds Alexis Lafreniere for Lafreniere's 4th goal of the year 🚨#NYR pic.twitter.com/LUIC0yqK60

— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights & News (@HockeyDaily365) October 24, 2024

These forwards also see ample power-play opportunities, where the Rangers have been extremely dominant, with an incredible 98.43% xGoals, the third-best in the league per MoneyPuck.

They will face a tough challenge in Lukas Dostal, who holds a .936 SV% and has saved 6.7 Goals Above Expected per MoneyPuck. However, given how dangerous the New York offense has been, they should be able to break through.

Vancouver Canucks L1 - Jake Debrusk ($3,700/6,000) - Elias Pettersson ($5,600/6,900) - Brock Boeser ($6,100/7,300)

Opponent- Pittsburgh Penguins

The Canucks will have a favorable matchup this evening against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be playing on the final game of their Western Canada trip and the second half of a back-to-back.

The Pittsburgh defense has struggled mightily during the first month as they hold the third-worst 3.03 Expected Goals Against Per 60.

While this line has not been overly impressive under the hood (56.3% xGoals), they have one of the best matchups on paper and should be able to generate high-quality opportunities all evening.

Vegas Golden Knights L1 - Ivan Barbashev ($5,700/6,700) - Jack Eichel ($9,200/8,800) - Mark Stone ($7,800/8,500)

Opponent - San Jose Sharks

One of the most productive top lines in the league will face off against the San Jose Sharks, who hold the fifth-highest Expected Goals Per 60, according to MoneyPuck. In addition, the Sharks have also allowed the eighth-most shots on goal.

Ivan Barbashev joins the scoring party! pic.twitter.com/qjohj5xexC

— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) October 23, 2024

Ivan Barbashev scored five times, while Jack Eichel and Mark Stone tallied 11 and 12 points respectively. Vegas has also generated the most expected goals on the man advantage as the team, with these three forwards playing a vital role in that. Eichel and Stone have combined for an impressive nine total power-play points.

San Jose expected starter Mackenzie Blackwood has been unable to counteract the poor defensive play with his hefty 4.10 GAA and .896 SV%.

St. Louis Blues L2 - Alexandre Texier ($3,100/4,400) - Pavel Buchnevich ($5,100/6,200) - Jordan Kyrou ($6,800/6,800)

Opponent - Montreal Canadiens

The final line to target this evening is in St. Louis. The Blues will take on the Montreal Canadiens, who, according to MoneyPuck, have the worst 3.78 Expected Goals Against per 60 in 5-on-5 play in the league.

The top line in St. Louis has generated an impressive 2.85 xGoals per 60 pace, with Jordan Kyrou leading the way with nine points through eight games.

After starting the season strong, Montreal goalie Sam Montembeault has taken a step back. He has allowed 12 goals in his last three outings.

This line should have ample opportunities to get on the board.

Other Top Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):

NYR L1
CAR L1
DAL L1

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Back to back @DraftKings Fantasy Hockey World Championship trips! Let’s get the main prize this year! Thank you to @banksterdfs for the amazing daily fantasy content! @NHL pic.twitter.com/dONSvJMtIR

— 🇺🇦Shockmain (@Shockmain) January 6, 2023

Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Adam Fox - New York Rangers ($6,100/7,100)

Opponent - Anaheim Ducks

Adam Fox is one of the safest bets for points you can make on the blue line. The 26-year-old has tallied eight points (all assists) through seven games, with four coming on the power-play.

In even-strength play, he and K’Andre Miller boast a 70.8% xGoals, which is one of the highest marks among top pairings.

Given how dominant the Rangers have been in all situations, Fox should be in a good position all evening to get on the scoresheet.

Philip Broberg - St. Louis Blues ($2,900/5,000)

Opponent - Montreal Canadines

Broberg opened the campaign by tallying with an impressive six-game point streak. During this span, he tallied at least one shot in every game and earned a +6 rating of six hits and three blocks. He found the back of the net for the first time on Thursday evening.

Even though Broberg plays on the second pairing and second power-play unit, he has generated elite offensive in 5-on-5 play (4.2 x Goals For), and the team holds the seventh-highest Expected Goals per 60 on the man advantage.

Shayne Gostisbehere - Carolina Hurricanes ($5,200/6,600)

Opponent - Seattle Kraken

Gostisbehere was in my column last Saturday (he scored a PPG), and I am willing to take him again this week.

On the power play, the 31-year-old has tallied three goals and seen 70.0% of the possible ice time. In addition, he has not been afraid to shoot the puck, which is evident in his impressive goal total, 6.23 Expected Goals per 60, and 17.54 Shots on Goal Per 60.

Stuart Skinner did all he could but Shayne Gostisbehere scores in his fourth straight game anyway! pic.twitter.com/9rc8kJ6tS1

— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) October 23, 2024

In even strength, he may not have gotten on the score sheet yet, but he has been just as dominant with a 77.9% xGoals and 5.3 xGoals For with his linemate Sean Walker.

The Hurricanes have been the best team in the league in generating offensive opportunities in even strength and fourth-best on the man advantage. Gostisbehere has been leading the attack from the blue line and should continue his impressive start to the campaign in Seattle this evening.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):

Shea Theodore - Vegas Golden Knights ($6,600/7,000)
Erik Karlsson - Pittsburgh Penguins ($5,400/6,300)
Quinn Hughes - Vancouver Canucks ($6,200/7,200)

Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Jake Oettinger - Dallas Stars ($8,500/8,400)

Opponent - Chicago Blackhawks

Jake Oettinger has been one of the best netminders through the opening month, with a strong 4-1-1 record, .941 SV%, and a 1.81 GAA. Under the hood, he boasts the third-highest 6.1 Goals Saved Above Expected per MoneyPuck.

On Saturday, he faces the Chicago Blackhawks, who have generated the second-lowest Expected Goals during even-strength play this season.

He will be the “chalk” option but presents the safest floor with a very high upside.

Juuse Saros - Nashville Predators ($8,200/8,100)

Opponent - Columbus Blue Jackets

My other goalie to target has had an underwhelming start to the season. Saros has a 1-4 record with a 2.89 GAA and a .903 SV% through his first five starts.

His underlying metrics have also been underwhelming. He has a -1.3 Goals Saved Above Expected and a -0.22 WAR.

However, facing the Columbus Blue Jackets is a great make-right opportunity for the Finnish goaltender. The Blue Jackets have been one of the worst teams in 5-on-5 play this season, with a mere 2.11 Expected Goals For Per 60.

Given his play this season, there is some inherent risk, but you should feel comfortable trusting his excellent track record.

Note: Saros was given the starting nod on Friday evening and will more than likely be given the night off on Saturday. Even if No.2 goalie, Scott Wedgewood gets the starting nod, he is still worth a look in a very favorable matchup.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):