X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

NHL DFS Lineup Picks for FanDuel, DraftKings (2/17): Value Plays, Goalies, Stacks

Welcome, RotoBallers. Hockey season is back and I am thrilled to be covering this sport over at RotoBaller! As always, I will do my best to give you the stats and info you need to build the best lineups possible for your GPP and cash game NHL contests on DraftKings, FanDuel, and SuperDraft.

If you are new to playing NHL DFS, there are several things to know that will help you get caught up to speed. The first thing to know is that stacking lines is important and correlating your plays can pay off. In hockey, if someone scores a goal, there's a good chance that some on his team will receive an assist on that goal, so you want to build lineups around players skating together. The second thing is to make sure you look at the two sites and see the different ways to obtain points. On DraftKings, you get bonus points for 5+ shots or 3+ blocked shots so someone like Alex Ovechkin who is a volume shooter tends to be a better play there just because he can rack up additional points based on his style of play.

Today I'll be bringing you my NHL lineup picks, analysis, and advice for NHL DFS contests on DraftKings, Fanduel, and SuperDraft for Wednesday, February 17th, 2020 at 7:00 PM. Be sure to also check out our awesome NHL tools including our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, Projections, and DFS Cheat Sheets! Feel free to follow me on Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS as I am happy to engage with readers and try to answer your questions. Good luck RotoBallers!

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code NEW! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

NHL DFS Analysis and Picks for 2/17

    • Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
    • Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings
    • Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames
    • Winnipeg Jets vs. Edmonton Oilers

 

NHL DFS Goalie Analysis 

With the short four-game slate, picking the right goalie is essential. Out of the eight goaltenders, which goalie gives the player the best chance at the most DFS points? Does one even touch the three North Division clashes? It's a great question. Picking between these goaltenders may just be too rough of a proposition for most to stomach.

The matchup that generates some intrigue is the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings. From a hockey standpoint, this would not move the needle. However, from a DFS perspective, this might be a bit more interesting. Also, Detroit goaltenders are exceedingly cheap at just below $7,000 on FanDuel. Kevin Lankinen is only $7,500 as well. That is something to keep in mind. Even in DraftKings pricing, the Detroit goaltenders are only $7,300. Does one spend up or does one save a little salary?


NHL DFS Power Play Analysis

The Toronto Maple Leafs top tonight's slate and then there is the Ottawa Senators. After that, it gets a little crazy. Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat are Chicago's most versatile duo (Chicago's power play is one of the best). Back to Toronto...

It will be the top power-play units that draw the focus but Toronto's second unit may be something to look at also. John Tavares and William Nylander are flanked by Jason Spezza, T.J. Brodie, and Ilya Mikheyev. That gives one cheaper options to look at. Now, watch for the lack of correlation aside from Nylander and Tavares. Ottawa came back from down 5-1 to defeat Toronto 6-5 in overtime on Monday night. Evgeni Dadonov was a big part of that scoring twice. Dadonov shares will still be low so take a shot here anyway.

The later North Division games feature Connor McDavid, Mark Scheifele, and Johnny Gaudreau among others. Tonight's slate will be kept simple. Expect Vancouver and Calgary to feature a lot of scoring chances. These are two of the more porous defenses in the league. It is up to the goaltending.

 

Did you know RotoBaller has a Premium NHL DFS subscriptionLike what you read today? You can show your support for Jorge by using promo code JORGEPUCKS when purchasing an NHL DFS Premium Pass. You get 10% off, and exclusive access to all of our Premium NHL cheat sheets, DFS research tools, Premium Slack Chatrooms, Stack Builder, Correlation Matrix and Lineup Optimizer!

 

NHL DFS Core Plays

The Core plays below are the players that you should focus on incorporating into your cash game builds and tournament builds. When it comes to cash games, you want guys that offer high floors that rack up peripheral stats (shots, blocks, etc).

When it comes to tournaments, it is best to take a core play and see who their linemates are and build line stacks based on that. I will give 2-3 plays (varies on slate size) at each position at different pricing ranges so that you can have a variety of plays to choose from when building your cash builds.

 

NHL DFS Center Picks

  • Auston Matthews, TOR ($8,900 DK / $8,800 FD) - Matthews is our top pick because of the goal potential. He keeps scoring goals and as long as he does that, Matthews is valuable anytime. He generates scoring chances and shots at an Alex Ovechkin like level and that expects to continue tonight. It is hard to stray too far away from players on Toronto's top line. He had two goals, an assist, and at least five scoring chances versus Ottawa. It is hard to go with anyone else given that Matthews has 11 goals and 15 points in his last ten games on 38 shots! Connor McDavid will be too obvious of a play but going up against Connor Hellebuyck is a bit riskier.
  • Mark Scheifele, WPG ($6,800 DK / $7,500 FD) - Scheifele figures into the scoring at a slightly lower-priced tier on Wednesday. Again, Edmonton is likely to give up goals but how many is the question. Edmonton had no defensive pairing which could truly slow the Winnipeg top line. There is an attack and be attacked type of look to this game and the Vancouver-Calgary game as well.
  • Vladimir Namestnikov, DET ($3,700 DK/ $3,600 FD) - Namestnikov lists as a center only in DraftKings and a winger on FanDuel. There are not as many value plays that span both sites but Pius Suter is still in the low 4,000's on FanDuel for now. Even Adam Lowry may be worth the risk as a middle-six center on this slate. However, Namestnikov offers the most potential but also the most room to bust.

This is again a shorter slate, so the idea is to keep this simple. As we mentioned above, it is okay to look at a player like Jason Spezza (wing on DraftKings) as well because of his power-play value and price. Short slates give the player the ability to change things up and be a bit different. This may not work out but could pay off handsomely. Call it a risk-reward of the highest kind.

 

NHL DFS Wing Picks

  • Alex DeBrincat, CHI ($7,500 DK / $6,900 FD) - It is too hard to not place DeBrincat somewhere in one's lineup especially if multiple or MME (mass multi-entry) is your specialty. Chicago's power-play unit is one of the best in the league and Detroit's penalty kill is one of the worst. DeBrincat tanked on Monday night throwing up a rare bagel on the board. This gets people exposure to Patrick Kane typically and delivers savings as well. Second-tiered players like Dominik Kubalik are going to be worth a look because of their savings (in the 4000's) and versatility.
  • Evgenii Dadonov, NYR ($3,300 DK / $5,200 FD) - Some funky DraftKings pricing leads us to Dadonov once more. It was the same for us on Monday night as the price discrepancy was too much to pass up. Getting Dadonov for what amounts to be a punt play is crazy. On shorter slates, hunting for value on the two main DFS sites is much easier than it appears.
  • Zach Hyman, TOR ($5,700 DK / $5,100 FD) - Hyman fires shots on the net at just about three per contest. His points are lower but against teams like Ottawa, Hyman may be more of an asset offensively than usual. He hit the shot bonus against Ottawa on Monday and still played over 16 minutes. Again, this is a way to be a bit different while still getting exposure to the best Toronto has to offer.

Please understand that there will be some inevitable in-game shifts particularly if there are any goalie changes in the later games. These are situations to keep an eye on. Look at how much Blake Wheeler has dropped on DraftKings ($5,200) for example. On social media and Slack, we will try to spot some of these possible buy-low candidates.

 

NHL DFS Defenseman Picks

  • Tyson Barrie, EDM ($5,800 DK / $5,700 FD) - Barrie should be the highest-priced defenseman on this slate, and for good reason. His price raise finally happened as many had been wondering when it would. His floor has been excellent in this latest stretch and the chances created are high and garners enough ice time to at least sustain production within reason. He finds a way to get shot attempts on the net and Winnipeg's penalty kill has been awful. What is Barrie's specialty? The power play. Furthermore, he is on a man advantage with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Enough said.
  • Thomas Chabot, OTT ($5,700 DK / $4,900 FD) - Let's keep this simple. Chabot on the power play for better or for worse is solid tonight versus Toronto and even at 5 on 5. Why? One never knows with the Battle Of Ontario. The only certainty is that Chabot will get several opportunities to hit value as Toronto will give up their share of medium and high-danger scoring chances.

Look to Filip Hronek from Detroit against an iffy Chicago team defensively. Also, Quinn Hughes is just below the top guys listed but his production has been more consistent the past several contests. Sneaking in Evan Bouchard might be worth it from Edmonton as well. His price is at a value tier and he does have an above average shot. Expect a few more picks as we get some line matchups later in the day.

 

NHL DFS Goalie Picks

  • Jacob Markstrom, CGY ($8,100 DK / $8,000 FD) - With the higher volume expected, Markstrom again goes up against his old team. He is the projected starter and has faced 113 shots in the first three games of the mini-series versus Vancouver while allowing only six goals. That volume may mean a bonus on DraftKings for saving 35+ shots. That almost negates needing a win at that juncture. Keep this in mind on Wednesday with the shorter slate.

Other goalies to consider: Hellebuyck, Lankinen 

Note: If you do roster a goalie listed above, it is sometimes best to make different ineups in tournaments and take the opposing offense against them incase he gives up a few goals while that opposing team carries lower ownership.

 

Favorite NHL DFS Line Stacks

  • TOR 1
    • Matthews/ Hyman or Thornton/ Marner (Reilly, D-men add on)
  • WPG 1
    • Scheifele/ Connor/ Wheeler (Morrison, D-men add on)
  • OTT PP 1
    • Dadonov/ Tkachuk/ Stulzie (Chabot, D-men add on)

Other Stacks to consider: EDM 1, EDM 2, TOR 2, TOR PP 1, WPG 2, OTT 2, VAN 2

 

Key Abbreviations:

xGF/60= expected goal for per 60 minutes of ice time

GF/60= goals for per 60 minutes of ice time

SC/60= Scoring Chances per 60 minutes of ice time

 

If you have any additional questions, make sure to reach out to me on Twitter or in our NHL room at the RotoBaller slack chat!

NHL Player News and Updates

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Moises Ballesteros

Riding An 11-Game Hit Streak
Victor Mesa Jr.

Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF