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Chris Wassel's top DraftKings and FanDuel NHL DFS value plays and research for December 18th, 2021 including DFS analysis for goalies, power plays and stacks.
Welcome back RotoBallers! For those first-time readers, my name is Chris and I write a ton on RotoBaller. The sports universe of writing here spans from NASCAR to football to college sports to of course, hockey. If you have not checked some of those articles out then make sure you do! It is the return of the NHL which means it's time to sharpen our skills and partake in NHL DFS! As always, I'll give you the best tools to succeed and the info you need to build the best lineups possible for your GPP and cash game NHL contests on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
Today I'll be bringing you my NHL lineup picks, analysis, and advice for NHL DFS contests on DraftKings and FanDuel for Saturday, December 18th, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Be sure to also check out our awesome NHL tools including our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, Projections, and DFS Cheat Sheets!
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else don’t hesitate to email me at stevens8204@gmail.com or via Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS or in our premium slack chat. Good luck, RotoBallers!
NHL DFS Analysis and Picks for 12/18/21
As I am writing this, the six-game slate is taking shape. Hopefully, there were not too many more injuries on Thursday or Friday night that could have a Saturday night impact.
Please be aware that COVID has ravaged a lot of rosters and trimmed this slate from nine to six games. The suggestion is to check back on social media often to see who else may have been placed on protocol. Finally, if any postponement news breaks, we will try to get it posted ASAP.
NHL DFS Goalies
Carter Hart- DK $8.3K || FD $8.1K
Opponent - Ottawa Senators
There has been some debate as to whether Carter Hart is truly back. That answer is still left unwritten. However, he has looked better and he did save 40 shots in a loss to Montreal. He has yielded just eight goals in his previous four starts. That 2-1-1 record is reasonable in that span. Philadelphia is in a winnable position which does not seem like it means much lately. Point potential and shot bonuses for a goalie who faces over 35 shots a game is a solid idea.
Thatcher Demko- DK $7.5K || FD $7.3K
Opponent - Toronto Maple Leafs
This could be a bumpy one but Demko and his winning streak go up against the Toronto Maple Leafs. That is where it gets fun. No one should expect anything more than chaos here. Also, do watch this game in case for a postponement. Toronto is getting close to that threshold. That is partly why it is worth to at least take a shot at Demko. Then, simply hope for some more shots on goal.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Nedeljkovic (DK $8.0K || FD $7.0K), Skinner (DK $7.8K || FD $8.5K), Blackwood (DK $7.4K || FD $6.9K). Look at Ottawa for a contrarian pick and again watch for more COVID announcements.
NHL DFS Centers
Roope Hintz-DK $7.0K || FD $6.8K
Opponent - Chicago Blackhawks
After starting the season in a funk, Hintz has woken up since. He has six points and four goals in his last five games. Again, checking the matchup reveals that offense should rule things a bit in this tilt. Dallas should be able to muster some more offense in this one as both team could be tired due to this pre-Christmas schedule. Expect the Stars 0ffense to get a bit of a boost at home.
Josh Norris- DK $5.8K || FD $7.1K
Opponent - Philadelphia Flyers
So, Norris has six goals and four assists in his last ten games while averaging three shots a game. Philadelphia currently allows more than 34 shots a night and Ottawa has been scoring goals with much more frequency. Norris has 14 goals and 22 points on the season while approaching 80 shots on goal so far. Philadelphia gave up three goals against Montreal on Thursday and could easily do that again on Saturday. Norris expects to figure prominently in the offense for the Senators.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Matthews(DK $9.4K || FD 10.4K), McDavid(DK $9.7K || FD $10.0K), Hughes (DK $4.8K || FD $6.5K), Dach (DK $3.0K || FD $4.5K)
NHL DFS Wings
Wings
Alex Iafallo- DK $3.8K || FD $5.5K
Opponent - Carolina Hurricanes
The two teams combined for nine goals the last time they met on a Saturday. Now, Iafallo has just five points in his last ten games but that shot average of three shots per game is attractive. Carolina will give up some goals and every so often those come in bunches. During his Florida trip, Iafallo had an assist in each of the two games (both wins). It is at the least worth a shot to look at the cheaper wings on DraftKings.
Brandon Hagel- DK $3.1K || FD $4.4K
Opponent - Dallas Stars
No, this is a pure pivot play in case those are a little leery of going with Patrick Kane or Alex DeBrincast. Hagel represents a way to get back in the mix without it costing nearly that much. Hagel has seven points in his last nine games and is figuring into the offense more and more. The key on Saturday is saving some salary to spend elsewhere. Hagel gives the chance to do just that.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Boeser(DK $4.6K || FD $6.3K), Puljujarvi(DK $4.4K || FD $5.4K), Bertuzzi(DK $6.1K || FD $5.3K), Nylander(DK $7.3K || FD $7.6K), Atkinson(DK $5.1K || FD $6.1K), Tatar(DK $2.5K || FD $4.2K)
NHL DFS Defensemen
Defense
Matt Roy- DK $3.6K || FD $4.6K
Opponent - Los Angeles Kings
There may be other players on this slate that have more pop but Roy is a value play plain and simple. Our spotlight here is more on those guys as the Christmas Week approaches. Roy has five assists in his last nine games. This is all while averaging around 2.5 shots and 2,5 blocked shots a game. That floor is elite level stuff.
Seth Jones- DK $7.6K || FD $6.6K
Opponent - Dallas Stars
Since we can take a risk and go with the offensive brand on Saturday, it was a good idea to take a look at some risky opportunities. At the very least, Jones is going to block a good number of shots and get some chances too. Will any points come? That may be a tough sell but it is possible. Moritz Seider is a cheaper but similar ceiling kind of player on Saturday night. Again, watch out for the traps even on a six-game slate.
We will have a few more picks and ideas on social media as things come into focus later on Saturday afternoon and evening.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Rielly(DK $6.6K || FD $6.8K), Chabot (DK $5.9K || FD $6.3K), Murphy (DK $3.5K || FD $3.8K).
NHL DFS Top Power Plays and Stacks
- EDM1
- DET1
- DAL 1
- NSH 1
- CHI 1
- TOR 1
Chris’s Stack of the Day
NJD: Bratt-Johnsson-Mercer (Hamilton possible)
Chalk Stack:
EDM: McDavid-Puljujarvi-Bouchard
Sneaky Stack:
SEA: Tanev-Geekie-Jarnkrok (Watch for Donato)
NHL Player News and Updates
More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis
