RADIO
We are finally here. The NHL Playoffs are here and the quest for Lord Stanley's Cup is upon us and we have three games on the second day to keep things going. Smaller slates mean fewer options at each position, but a chance to take a stand on your favorite plays.
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 are average, so targets game 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 4/11/19. 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?
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DFS Forwards to Consider
David Pastrnak - W, BOS vs TOR (FD - $8,400, DK - $7,300)
When it comes to the playoffs and smaller slates in general, you might want to stick with the "sure thing", and Pastrnak is the definition of that. This season, he has played the Maple Leafs four times, posting nine points and 22 shots in those games. Averaging two points per game and over five shots per game is amazing production, but that why he comes in as one of the most expensive wingers on the slate. The Maple Leafs were flat out garbage on defense to end the season and in the last month, they had a 60.36 Corsi Against, which is the worst of any team in the playoffs. The shots will be there for the Bruins and Pasta will have a large hand in that on the first forward line and the first power-play unit.
Lars Eller - C, WAS vs CAR (FD - $ 4,400, DK - $3,300)
Let me say this, the Capitals third line is one to take note of throughout the playoffs because they are legit good. Are we expecting multi-point games from each of them? No, and that is worked into their prices, but from a point per dollar view, they might be the best option on this three-game slate. Eller had one point, seven shots, and three shots in his last five games of the season, which is strong production for a player under $4K on DraftKings. Take the savings and use him in GPPs, since you can stack up nearly anyone you want on this smaller slate.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Mark Giordano - D, CGY vs COL (FD - $7,200, DK - $6,000)
For a three-game slate, Giordano is as close to a must-play as you can possibly get. The future Norris Trophy winner holds down the blue line for Calgary and is on the first power-play unit, which is where his real value comes from. Yes, he is as expensive as they get at defense, but he is cheaper compared to Monahan and Gaudreau, the forwards on the first power-play unit. The floor is always there for Giordano with his three shots and two blocked shots per game, but the ability to rack up assists on the power-play is where his ceiling comes from.
Jaccob Slavin - D, CAR @ WAS (FD - $3,900, DK - $4,300)
The price and the floor of points for Slavin are very solid tonight and you should be looking at him in all formats. With limited options available tonight, looking for and taking savings anywhere you can possibly get them is a must at some point, making Slavin a top option. In his last five games of the regular season, he piled up three points, 12 shots, and seven blocked shots. You would think he was over $5K with that production, but we have him under $4K on FanDuel tonight.
DFS Goalies to Consider
David Rittich - G, CGY vs COL (FD - $8,300, DK - $8,300)
Rittich is the cheapest home favorite goalie on FanDuel tonight and comes in at -185 against the Avalanche. We know that the Flames are one of the better defensive teams in the league and don't allow a ton of shots, which is why he has under 30 saves in six of his last seven games. Limited upside for Rittich in terms of raw points, but we should see him come away with the win to start the Flames first-round matchup.
