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Chris Wassel's top NHL DFS lineup picks on FanDuel, DraftKings for 9/3/20. Expert daily fantasy hockey advice, sleepers & player recommendations.
Thursday features a two-game main slate which starts at 7:00 pm ET for DraftKings and FanDuel with the Philadelphia Flyers facing off versus the New York Islanders. The nightcap features the Vegas Golden Knights clashing against the Vancouver Canucks.
Remember, when looking around for plays, an over/under of 6 dictates offense, but an over/under of 5 or sometimes 5.5 tilts towards the goalies. There are several games at 6.5, as that has become the new norm in hockey now.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 9/3/20. 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 @ChrisWasselDFS. Let's get to it, shall we?
DFS Forwards to Consider
Brock Nelson - C, NYI vs PHI (FD - $6,500, DK - $5,900)
Injuries to Mathew Barzal and Sean Couturier make Nelson an easy choice on Thursday. His three goals in the last two games and penchant for 3+ shots on goal are what we are looking for here. Nelson becomes a more cost-effective alternative over Elias Pettersson. Why? Vancouver, if they get stifled again, will struggle to get shots which lowers Pettersson's floor. Can Vancouver sustain playing this way? That is a big problem.
Some other choices might include Kevin Hayes and Bo Horvat. Also, do watch the Vegas middle six. Something tells me, Vegas could light the lamp a bit more tonight.
Mark Stone - W, VGK vs VAN (FD - $7,800, DK - $6,800)
The forward rose in price but has been off the last three games -- despite a goal and four assists. He has several quality chances but just three shots on the net (despite double digit attempts). It has to be asked is Stone hiding some kind of injury? There is no way of knowing. However, as long as he keeps producing points, no one cares. Max Pacioretty is the other on the wing alternative from Vegas. At some point, Stone should hit the net more often. It may be tonight.
Also, Consider:
It is a prudent idea to go exploring for more secondary scoring on Thursday. With just two games, searching for differences is even more essential.
Exploring the second and third lines this time of year has to be done more than the top power-play units, etc. Typically, games feature less penalties on average as the playoffs move along. Even strength play develops more and more importance. Finally, look at players like Tyler Motte even. Then, there exists the Tanner Pearson's and Tyler Toffoli's of the world too. That Philadelphia line two stack is not too far fetched along with a side order of value defensemen.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Shea Theodore - D, VGK vs VAN (FD - $6,700, DK - $6,700)
This is the chalk choice and should garner most or all of the ownership on Thursday as he is the only blue-chip defenseman on this slate. Every other one has obvious flaws. Theodore has 3+ shots on net in each of his last four games and points in consecutive contests.
His floor is a bit low normally when it comes to blocks but that is partially because the opponent does not generate a ton of shots and chances on net. Theodore's power play value against a bottom-third penalty kill also cannot be overlooked in this scenario either.
Alex Edler - D, VAN vs VGK (FD - $4,400, DK - $5,800)
Easily, this boils down to the floor potential of Edler versus the offensive upside of Quinn Hughes. With Vegas expected to compile 30-35+ shots again tonight, taking advantage of Edler again is a good idea (especially with the DraftKings' bonuses). His floor is higher and can even create some offense too. Edler had three scoring chances in Game 5 despite Vancouver firing less than 20 shots on net.
With value and punt defensemen, one may have to dig slightly deeper than usual. Yes, taking a shot at players like Adam Pelech and Nick Leddy are not bad choices. Philippe Myers is still out there as well if one is desperate enough on Thursday evening.
DFS Goalie to Consider
Robin Lehner - G, VGK vs VAN (FD - $8,600, DK - $8,100)
This is all about taking a goalie most likely to win and that would be Lehner, as he is expected to start on Thursday night. Lehner only faced 17 shots and gave up two goals in the Game 5 loss on Tuesday night.
For DraftKings, choosing a goalie like Thatcher Demko introduces the idea of a 35+ save bonus. That is risky but has a pretty good chance of occurring tonight.
For FanDuel, if one feels a little squeamish on Demko, then maybe risk Carter Hart. Remember Philadelphia and New York have played a bit of a wild series but was that Game 5 overtime a momentum changer for Hart and the Flyers? That is an excellent question.
We will be in the RotoBaller Premium Slack Chat throughout the afternoon and evening.
Also, if there are any other questions, the expert chat will be open once again on Thursday. Good luck today.
