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Tom Vecchio's top NHL DFS lineup picks on FanDuel, DraftKings for 4/13/18. Expert daily fantasy hockey advice, sleepers & player recommendations.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, and we have a three-game slate to kick things off. With this smaller slate, you will likely have to eat a bit of chalk in some spots but should be looking to differentiate where you can.
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 of five.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/13/18. 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
Paul Stastny - C, WPG vs MIN (DK - $5,100, FD - $5,200)
Stastny and the Jets came away with a very solid Game 1, and are looking to extend their lead in this first-round series. The Jets offense is pretty concentrated on the top line, but with Stastny on the second first power-play unit, he should have some solid upside with that unit. He is also much cheaper compared to that top line, and can still be productive. Not going to be a massive ceiling game, this is also the playoffs, but well-rounded cash game play.
Jakub Voracek - W, PHI @ PIT (DK - $6,000, FD - $6,800)
The Flyers got punched in the mouth in Game 1 by giving up seven goals. Simply put, they have to respond with a big game, or this series could be over sooner than you think. Voracek is on the second forward line and the first power-play unit, so the ice time will be there for him, just will be a tough matchup for him, as he will draw the Penguins better defenders. I see him more as a GPP option, since its an unfavorable matchup, but the hunger factor is there for this team.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Shea Theodore - D, VGK vs LA (DK - $4,700, FD - $4,700)
Theodore is the most expensive Vegas defender but isn't priced among the top defenders on the slate. So he offers some savings, but know that his offensive upside will more than likely be limited. Yes, he did score the one goal in the last game for the Golden Knights but he isn't a true offensive defenseman, but rather contributes in other categories. He nearly two shots per game, and blocks over one shot per game. I like him for cash game tonight, and not the worst option as a one-off in GPPs.
Matt Dumba - D, MIN @ WPG (DK - $4,400, FD - $4,800)
Dumba really isn't that expensive, and can only go up from his last game. It was a rough outing for Dumba and really all of the Wild, so in need of a bounce-back spot, and can't get worse than only one shot on goal and no blocked shots, can he? It's a three-game slate, and if you want to load up on the top forwards, then you will need to find the savings where ever you can. He was very consistent throughout the regular season, and if he can return to that form, he will easily pay off salary.
DFS Goalies to Consider
Jonathan Quick - G, LA @ VGK (DK - $7,500, FD - $8,700)
The Kings are down 1-0 in their series, despite a very strong game from Quick in Game 1. He stopped 27 of 28 shots, but the Kings got shutout on offense, so nothing to show for the great performance. I was all over Quick in the first game, and time to go right back to well for this one. Can't be going down 0-2 in the first round, so I will bet on the experience the Kings have in the playoffs and the fact that they allowed the fewest goals in the regular season. They will be without one of their best defenders, Drew Doughty, but this is the time for them to step up.
