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Ottawa visiting New Jersey and Washington visiting Philadelphia have the highest totals on the slate, coming in at 6.5. It seems like Vegas expects some defensive hockey tonight, as three of the five games come in at a total below six. However, I see some value to be had in the predicted, low-scoring games.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 11/13/19. The 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 @Roto_Nate.
DFS Forwards to Consider
Jack Hughes - C, NJ vs OTT (FD - $5,100, DK - $4,400)
Hughes has cooled off after a run of points in six of eight games, going scoreless and being essentially a non-factor in the Devils' last two contests. A matchup with the lowly Ottawa Senators could be exactly what the rookie needs to get back on track, as Ottawa ranks toward the bottom of the league in GAA and penalty kill effectiveness. It's a tough situation where Hughes plays PP1 but on the second forward line, making him a hard stacking option, but he could be considered as a two-man stack with his PP1 defenseman Sami Vatanen. It's not often that the top expected goals on a slate will have me selecting a value play, but none of the Devils top-scorers have been performing out of this world lately, and the Senators defense and goaltending could have some added motivation after giving up eight against Carolina on Monday.
Max Pacioretty - W, VGK vs CHI (FD - $7,100, DK - $7,000)
The expected goals total won't show it, but I think Vegas has the highest offensive capabilities on this slate. The Blackhawks defense is starting to show glimpses of regressing to their mediocrity from last season, allowing three or more goals in five of their last seven games. A big red flag for their last game was giving up 57 shots, but getting bailed out by some stellar goaltending by Robin Lehner. If the Blackhawks defense continues to struggle against another good offense in Vegas, they will be primed to put up a high number of goals and shots like Toronto did on Saturday night. Despite no help from his linemates over the past five games, Pacioretty has managed goals in three straight games, and I feel his line is due for a breakout game if looking for a solid stacking option.
Also, Consider:
- Evgeny Kuznetsov has been on fire as of late, racking up nine points over his last four games. Philadelphia doesn't have the weakest team defense totals, only allowing 2.82 goals per game, but that doesn't seem to matter for the red-hot Washington Capitals as of late.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Michal Kempny - D, WSH vs PHI (FD - $4,100, DK - $5,200)
While John Carlson gets all the love on the Washington blue line, Kempny has quietly become one of the better defensive options in daily fantasy. With six assists over his last five games, and an ability to rack up shots and blocked shots, Kempny is one of the top value options on the slate and will be for as long as they keep his salary at such a low price.
Philippe Myers - D, PHI vs WSH (FD - $3,800, DK - $3,300)
The Capitals may win their games with an explosive offense, but their team defense and goaltending are something that the team needs to work on, allowing 3.00 goals per game to sit in the bottom third of the league. While Myers' offensive outburst may not last much longer, it's hard to ignore that he has points in four of his six games this season, and goals in three straight. Not playing on the powerplay hurts his value, but at his price, it's worth taking a shot.
DFS Goalie to Consider
Thomas Greiss - G, NYI vs TOR (FD - $8,100, DK - $7,700)
It's a tough goaltending night, as teams in good positions to win against bad teams look to be starting their backups who I don't trust. I hate to go against the Leafs offense, but Greiss seems like he could be a sneaky play as most people like me will hate to bet against the Leafs. The fact is with Mitch Marner out of the lineup, the Leafs forward depth looks a bit less scary, and the Islanders defensive scheme gave the team fits last season with a healthy lineup. Last season, the Leafs were 1-2 against the Islanders, and only managed to score three goals in those three games. Greiss has been having a quietly stellar start to the season, allowing more than two goals only once in nine starts to boast a 1.77 GAA and .942 save percentage.
