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Chris Wassel's top NHL DFS lineup picks on FanDuel, DraftKings for 8/29/20. Expert daily fantasy hockey advice, sleepers & player recommendations.
Saturday features a two-game main slate which starts at 7:00 pm ET for DraftKings and FanDuel with the Philadelphia Flyers facing off versus the New York Islanders. The nightcap features the Vegas Golden Knights clashing against the Vancouver Canucks. Please note that these teams have had two extra days of rest due to the NHL players canceling the games Thursday and Friday night.
Remember, when looking around for plays, an over/under of 6 dictates offense, but an over/under of 5 or sometimes 5.5 tilts towards the goalies. There are several games at 6.5, as that has become the new norm in hockey now.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 8/29/20. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS. Let's get to it, shall we?
DFS Forwards to Consider
Elias Pettersson - C, VGK vs VAN (FD - $7,300, DK - $6,600)
Pettersson's speed makes up for the fact that his line just cannot hold up against the Vegas top line but for several moments of time. Those moments often produce results though. Game 2 was no exception. Pettersson only had three scoring chances and all they led to points for the center. He had three shots on goal as well. It is just one of those things where the forward makes the most of his opportunities. That is a huge part of why Vancouver's PDO is so high currently.
Some other choices might include Sean Couturier and even Kevin Hayes. Also, do watch the Vegas middle six. Something tells me, Vegas bounces back a bit tonight.
Mark Stone - W, VGK vs VAN (FD - $7,300, DK - $6,400)
The forward remains vital and on the Vegas top power play unit which could be lethal against a penalty kill ranked in the bottom third. Stone scored a few goals in the opening round and enjoyed some nice efforts against the Chicago Blackhawks. Stone and Vegas need to get off to a fast start. That start begins with Stone and Max Pacioretty. While Pacioretty has scored in three straight games, Stone has sputtered a bit. This doesn't expect to continue.
Also, Consider:
It is a prudent idea to go exploring for more secondary scoring on Thursday. With just two games, searching for differences is paramount.
Exploring the second and third lines this time of year has to be done more than the top power-play units, etc. Typically, games feature less penalties on average as the playoffs move along. Even strength play develops more and more importance. Finally, look at players like Tyler Motte even. Then, there exists the Tanner Pearson's and Tyler Toffoli's of the world too. That Philadelphia line two stack is not too far fetched along with a side order of value defensemen.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Shea Theodore - D, VGK vs VAN (FD - $6,400, DK - $6,200)
This is a solid option with Theodore up against a yes, porous defense. Vancouver, behind Jacob Markstrom did keep things mostly under control even when the ice tilted. Theodore is one of those players that is a sustained threat for years to come. Theodore is going up against one of the worst penalty kills in hockey.
His floor is a bit low normally but lately that has not been the case. In his last game, he had several shots and a couple blocks. Theodore is a bit of a floor risk but that is okay when you have four assists in the last couple contests and several posts hit too.
Alex Edler - D, VAN vs VGK (FD - $4,500, DK - $5,300)
Easily, this boils down to the floor potential of Edler versus the offensive upside of Quinn Hughes. With Vegas expected to compile 35-40+ shots again tonight, taking advantage of Edler one more time is prudent. His floor is higher and has even contributed offensively the past couple games too. That is a huge bonus. Even his DraftKings price is still a hair below market average.
With value and punt defensemen, one may have to dig slightly deeper than usual. Yes, taking a shot at players like Adam Pelech and Nick Leddy are not bad choices.
DFS Goalie to Consider
Jacob Markstrom - G, VAN vs VGK (FD - $7,400, DK - $7,300)
This is all about taking a goalie most likely to start and that will be Markstrom. It appears likely Semyon Varlamov will face Carter Hart but Markstrom has some intriguing qualities.
For DraftKings, choosing Markstrom leads itself to the possibility of the 35-save bonus. He nearly hit it in Game 1 and smashed through it in Game 2. That bonus is like getting a goalie win. So even if Markstrom does not win on Saturday, the points may just be enough.
For FanDuel, if one feels a little squeamish on Markstrom, then wait to see who starts for Vegas or maybe risk Carter Hart one more time. Hart is due for one of those gems if short-term history is accurate.
We will be in the RotoBaller Premium Slack Chat throughout the afternoon and evening.
Also, if there are any other questions, the expert chat will be open throughout the weekend. Good luck today. There will be some advice on the afternoon game on social media as well.
