Today's NHL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (11/13/24)

1 day ago by Andy Smith

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Hello, RotoBallers! The NHL season is in full swing, and we have another action-packed Wednesday 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

Vegas Golden Knights L1 - Ivan Barbashev ($5,300/7,200) - Jack Eichel ($8,600/8,100) - Nicolas Roy ($3,400/4,800)

Opponent - Anaheim Ducks

The Golden Knights have one of the best matchups on the slate, facing the Anaheim Ducks, who carry the highest Expected Goals Per 60 total (3.37), according to MoneyPuck. In addition, they have allowed the second-most medium-danger shots and fourth-most high-danger shots against.

Even though the top Vegas unit may be undermanned without right wing Mark Stone (lower body), it is still a top target on this small slate.

Jack Eichel has scored three goals and has 10 assists in his past eight games, three of them coming on the power play. He has also tallied at least three shots on goal in six of the eight games.

Although Ivan Barbashev has gotten a bit cold from a scoring perspective (one goal in his last seven games), he has still tallied six points during this stretch and has a +3 rating.

According to MoneyPuck, the Vegas power play is also within the top 10 in Expected Goals Per 60, which suggests that these forwards should have ample scoring opportunities.

Detroit Red Wings L1 - Alex DeBrincat ($6,300/6,900) - Dylan Larkin ($6,500/6,800) - Lucas Raymond ($4,300/6,200)

Opponent- Pittsburgh Penguins

The top line in Detroit has generated a solid 52.4% xGoals with 4.3 xGoals For across the opening month and has a favorable matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins this evening.

The Penguins have struggled in the defensive zone. According to MoneyPuck, they currently hold the fourth-worst 2.97 Expected Goals Against Per 60 in five-on-five play. In addition, they have surrendered the most medium-danger scoring chances and the second-most high-danger scoring chances.

Dylan Larkin RIPS IT top shelf in the power play 😮‍💨🔥 pic.twitter.com/YTVopJTg6o

— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) November 9, 2024

Over his past five games, Larkin has scored five goals, while DeBrincat has tallied eight points in his past eight games. With how poor the Penguins have been in their zone, this top unit should be poised for a productive evening.

Pittsburgh Penguins L1 - Drew O'Connor ($3,400/4,100) - Sidney Crosby ($7,800/7,000) - Rickard Rakell ($5,400/6,100)

Opponent - Detroit Red Wings

I also want to target the other top unit in this matchup. The Penguins have been shuffling their lines a lot over the past week and recently reverted to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin centering the top two lines instead of playing alongside the top unit.

While there is not much of a sample size for this specific combination, Crosby has been among the most productive forwards over the past two weeks. Over his past seven games, Crosby has scored five goals and tallied four assists and has been the driving force behind the entire Pittsburgh offense.

Crosby is one of the safest anchors in your lineup, but his wingers come with some inherent risks.

Colorado Avalanche L1 - Artturi Lehkonen ($5,500/6,700) - Nathan MacKinnon ($10,000/9,000) - Mikko Rantanen ($9,000/7,800)

Opponent - Los Angeles Kings

My final top line to target has a tougher matchup on paper but is one of the safest stacks you could have. This top unit in Colorado lost one of its wingers, Ross Colton (foot), but it has continued to produce elite offensive production.

With newly inserted left wing Artturi Lehkonen, this line has generated a solid 50% xGoals with a 3.2 xGoals For count. While this is a drop compared to the stellar 70.3% xGoals this line generated when fully healthy, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen have remained elite fantasy assets.

Mikko Rantanen nails his 9th of the season with the help of fellow Finn Joel Kiviranta and Nathan MacKinnon. Avs take the lead 2-1 #Avs #GoAvsGo       @MileHighHockey pic.twitter.com/J0FMJ7qttj

— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) November 12, 2024

In his past eight games, MacKinnon has tallied an incredible 17 points (six on the power play) with 29 total shots and a +2 rating. Rantanen has scored five times and added three helpers during this stretch with 24 total shots. MacKinnon and Rantanen have been extremely impressive on the power play, as they have generated the highest Expected Goals per 60, according to MoneyPuck.

According to MoneyPuck, the Kings have allowed the lowest Expected Goals Against Per 60 (1.96) in the league. However, this top line led by two superstars should be considered matchup-proof.

Other Top Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):

CAR L1
TOR L2

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Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Shea Theodore - Vegas Golden Knights ($5,500/6,000)

Opponent - Anaheim Ducks

Quarterbacking one of the slate's top power plays makes Shea Theodore a safe choice with a lot of upside. Over his past seven games, the defenseman has tallied four helpers, with two coming on the man advantage. In addition, during this span, he has registered at least 2+ shots in five of the seven games.

Theodore has also created scoring opportunities in even-strength play with a 53.1% xGoals and should have ample opportunities in the offensive zone facing a weak Anaheim defense.

John Carlson - Washington Capitals ($6,500/6,400)

Opponent - Toronto Maple Leafs

John Carlson has been one of the driving forces behind Washington’s impressive start to the season. Carlson has generated an impressive 5.2 xGoals for and a 52.5% xGoals playing alongside Jakob Chychrun on the top pairing in even-strength play.

On the power play, the 34-year-old has served as the QB on the top unit that has posted the sixth-highest Expected Goals Per 60, according to MoneyPuck. Given his hefty share of ice time, Carlson is one of the safest defensemen you could pick on this slate.

Erik Karlsson - Pittsburgh Penguins ($5,300/5,900)

Opponent - Detroit Red Wings

Erik Karlsson recently broke out of his goal slump on November 8 and has now tallied four points across his past six contests. His underlying metrics have been extremely impressive from an offensive standpoint, despite the disappointing box scores. Playing with Marcus Pettersson, they currently boast a stellar 59.3% xGoals and have generated 16.2 xGoals For.

Erik Karlsson snipes one from the slot for his first goal in 14 games 🎯 pic.twitter.com/XiNjZ4vL9a

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 9, 2024

Their xGoal count is the highest among defensive pairs who have played 150+ minutes together, and their xGoals% is the eighth highest. In addition, playing primarily on the top power-play unit will also set up Karlsson for several scoring opportunities.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):

Shayne Gostisbehere - Carolina Hurricanes ($4,900/5,400)
Cale Makar - Colorado Avalanche ($8,500/7,700)
Moritz Seider - Detroit Red Wings ($5,700/6,200)

Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Lukas Dostal - Anaheim Ducks ($7,300/7,300)

Opponent - Vegas Golden Knights

Despite his team allowing the highest Expected Goals Against Per 60 (3.37), Lukas Dostal has performed very well through the opening month. Across 11 games, the 24-year-old has posted a .922 SV% with a 273 GAA. Under the hood, he has saved 10.2 Goals Above Expected, which is the highest mark in the sport, according to MoneyPuck.

The risk is there in facing a tough Vegas offense, but on a small slate, Dostal could have the highest upside given the hefty shot total he will likely see.

Pyotr Kochetkov - Carolina Hurricanes ($8,200/8,400)

Opponent - Utah Hockey Club

My other goalie to target is Pyotr Kochetkov. Kochetkov has won each of his past seven starts and is carrying a solid .902 SV% and a 2.45 GAA.

The Carolina defense has put him in great positions to win, as it has allowed the eighth-fewest Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck. Facing a Utah team that has struggled to generate offense as of late (four goals in its past three games) should set up Kochetkov well to continue his impressive run.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):