October 19, 2017

Tom Vecchio's top daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for 10/19/17. Expert NHL DFS advice, sleepers & player recommendations for FanDuel and DraftKings.

We have a nine game slate tonight, which is a great size for DFS. There are plenty of options at each position, and with so many options, you can really get creative with your stacking options and combinations. There is no sure fire cash game lock at goalie tonight, so you have to be OK with some risk.

Vegas lines are big when it comes to picking games to target, and that's a good place to start for goalies. When it comes to skaters, goal totals is another main place to start. Usually 5.5 goals is average, so targets games at six, and can look for goalies in games with a total at five.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 10/19/17. 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 @DFS_Tom. Let's get to it, shall we?

DFS Forwards to Consider

Nikita Kucherov - W, TB @ CLS (DK - $7,500, FD - $8,800)

Kucherov has a goal in every single game this season. Yes, you read that correctly. Goals in seven straight games, this man simply cannot be stopped, he is on a heater, and you never walk away from a heater. He is also averaging almost four shots a game, so the point potential for him is super high right now. Now, it's obvious that this rate and this goal streak won't continue forever, but he is worth the roster spot and the price. He sees time on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, so plenty of ice time, which is key for scoring multiple points.

Josh Bailey - W, NYI @ NYR (DK - $4,000, FD - $4,100)

Bailey is on the second forward line and the first power-play unit for the Islanders and makes a good GPP play tonight. The Isles vs Rangers games always seem to be high scoring, so you want to look at really any option on either team. With the ice time Bailey gets, he will have plenty of chances to get points, just hasn't fully capitalized on it this season. He only has three points in six games so far with seven shots over that span. Not a cash game play by any means, but with these rivalry games usually getting out of hand, getting cheap exposure is always good.

Sean Monahan - C, CGY vs CAR (DK - $6,400, FD - $7,400)

Monahan has been real strong to start the season, and has three goals in his last four games. He is averaging a bit under 20 minutes a game, which is great, as he sees time on the first forward line and the first power-play unit. Plenty of shots coming from him, 17 in six games, and for his price, he is a great cash game play tonight. Also not bad as a one off in GPPs, because he is on a goal streak, and his ownership shouldn't be too high.

DFS Defenders to Consider 

Zach Werenski - D, CLS vs TB (DK - $5,600, FD - $5,500)

Werenski continues to be an elite option when it comes to defense, as he has five points in six games. He sees time on the first defensive pairing, and the first power-play unit, so plenty of ice time for him to rack up the points. Werenski has 19 shots in six games, so an average of over three per game, which is great from a fantasy perspective. You can use him in cash or GPP, and also go with him solo or in a stack. Plenty of flexibility with him and is a bit cheaper than the top defensive options.

Charlie McAvoy - D, BOS vs VAN (DK - $3,900, FD - $4,100)

McAvoy offers a bit of salary relief, and he sees playing time on the first defensive pair and the second power-play unit. For his price, you really can't pass those kind of savings, in relation to how much playing time he is getting. He has four points in five games this season, and only five shots. Not really an offensive defensmen, but he still can move the puck and help create plenty offense.

DFS Goalies to Consider

Mike Smith - G, CGY vs CAR (DK - $7,900, FD - $8,200)

As mentioned in prior articles, I like to target goalies who are at home, and favorites according to Vegas. Very similar to pitchers in baseball. Smith is at home and a -140 favorite against Carolina. Smith hasn't been the most consistent, but Carolina has scored the third fewest goals in the league so far. Smith has seen 40 or more shots three times this season, which is good as a goalie, since saves equals points, and if he does let in one goal, he can balance it out with extra saves.

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