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NHL DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (4/5/25)

Matvei Michkov - Fantasy Hockey Rankings NHL DFS Picks, DFS Hockey

Free daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use Andy's NHL DFS expert picks to build winning DFS lineups on April 5, 2025.

Hello, RotoBallers! The NHL regular season is in the final stretch, and we have an action-packed eight-game slate on Saturday, April 5.

In this piece, I will discuss my favorite forward lines to target, defensemen, and goalies in tonight's action. Keep updated with any injury notes on our newsfeed before setting your lineup.

If you have questions about further strategy and managing the slate, please chat with me on X @A_Smith_FS. All player salaries will be listed as ($DK/FD).

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Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Seattle Kraken L3 - Jared McCann ($6K/$5.9K) - Shane Wright ($6.1K/$5.1K) - Andre Burakovsky ($4K/$4.5K)

Opponent - San Jose Sharks

The Seattle Kraken will face the San Jose Sharks this evening. According to MoneyPuck, the Sharks have allowed the second-most Expected Goals Against Per 60. The Seattle offense has struggled to generate consistent opportunities, but its third line boasts solid metrics that should play well against the weak San Jose defense.

According to MoneyPuck, the Seattle third line has generated a strong 59 percent xGoals with 2.84 xGoals Per 60. Over his last six contests, Jared McCann has tallied nine points (eight helpers) while Andre Burakovsky has found the back of the net three times over this stretch.

Philadelphia Flyers L2 - Matvei Michkov ($6.3K/$6.2K) - Sean Couturier ($5.6K/$5.8K) - Travis Konecny ($6.4K/$6.3K)

Opponent - Montreal Canadiens

One of my favorite lines is headlined by rookie Matvei Michkov. Over his last six contests entering Friday, Michkov has scored four goals and added seven helpers. Sean Couturier was riding an eight-point five-game point streak prior to his recent two-game slump, and Travis Konecny has tallied eight points over his last six.

They have generated an elite 3.82 xGoals Per 60 according to MoneyPuck, which should play against the Montreal Canadiens, who have allowed the third-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 during 5-on-5 play.

Toronto Maple Leafs L2 - Bobby McMann ($5K/$5.3K) - John Tavares ($7.3K/$8.2K) - William Nylander ($7.5K/$8.2K)

Opponent - Columbus Blue Jackets

You can't go wrong with either of the top two forward lines in Toronto in this matchup, but I will lean in favor of the second unit as they boast slightly higher underlying metrics. Across 131 minutes of shared ice time, this line has generated a strong 3.57 xGoals Per 60 with a 59.5 percent xGoals.

William Nylander has found the back of the net four times and added five helpers over his last seven games, while John Tavares has enjoyed an impressive surge, falling 13 points (nine goals) over this same stretch. They will face the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have allowed the sixth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 during even-strength play, according to MoneyPuck.

Tampa Bay Lightning L1 - Jake Guentzel ($7.7K/$7.9K) - Braden Point ($7.1K/$8.1K) - Nikita Kucherov ($9.2K/$9K)

Opponent - Buffalo Sabres

My final line to target comes with a hefty price tag. The Tampa Bay Lightning will travel to Buffalo to face the Sabres, who have allowed the eighth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 during 5-on-5 play and the 11th-most while shorthanded.

This will provide elite scoring opportunities for a loaded top Tampa Bay line. This line has generated a strong 3.01 xGoals For Per 60. Jake Guentzel has found the back of the net five times over the previous seven contests, while Nikita Kucherov has tallied an incredible 19 points over his last 10 games.

Other Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):  

  • TOR L1
  • MTL L1
  • COL L1

Want more NHL DFS tools and content? Our NHL Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Lineup Optimizer, and access to our VIP Discord Chatrooms. Doug Shain (@BanksterDFS) joins the NHL team in 2023 with his proven track record - join in on the winning!

 

Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Zach Werenski - Columbus Blue Jackets ($7.8K/$6.8K)

Opponent - Toronto Maple Leafs

Zach Werenski carries a high salary but is worth considering this evening. He will face the Toronto Maple Leafs, who, according to MoneyPuck, have allowed the fourth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 while shorthanded. Over his last four games, Werenski has tallied five helpers, two of them coming on the power play.

Through 73 games this season, Werenski has averaged just under three minutes of power-play time in each game and totaled 23 of his 74 points on the man advantage.

Vince Dunn - Seattle Kraken ($4.8K/$5.9K)

Opponent - San Jose Sharks

Vince Dunn is the No. 1 power-play QB in Seattle and should have several scoring opportunities facing the Sharks, who have allowed the second-most Expected Goals Against Per 6 during 5-on-5 play and the third-most while shorthanded. Dunn has dished out six helpers over his last eight games.

Through 56 total games this season, Dunn has scored 11 goals and added 26 helpers. Dunn has tallied 10 of his points on the power play and added 66 blocked shots.

Lane Hutson - Montreal Canadiens ($5.1K/$6K)

Opponent - Philadelphia Flyers

Lane Hutson has been one of the most productive defenders over the past week. In his last six games, the rookie has tallied nine points (all helpers). Hutson tallied two of these points on the power play and added an impressive 13 blocked shots.

This evening, he will face the Philadelphia Flyers, who have allowed the 14th-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 while shorthanded. Given his recent surge and ability to block shots, Hutson carries a high floor with elite upside.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): 

  • Cale Makar - Colorado Avalanche ($8K/$7.2K)
  • Victor Hedman - Tampa Bay Lightning ($6.5K/$6.3K)

 

Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Frederik Andersen - Carolina Hurricanes ($8.4K/$8K)

Opponent - Boston Bruins

Frederik Andersen carries an impressive seven-game winning streak into Saturday's contest. During this stretch, Andersen has posted a stellar 1.43 GAA with a .942 save percentage. During this stretch, he has only allowed two goals in three contests.

This evening, he will face the Boston Bruins, who have only scored more than two goals once over their past nine games. Andersen is an elite option on this slate.

Adin Hill  - Vegas Golden Knights ($8K/$7.5K)

Opponent - Calgary Flames

Adin Hill has taken a loss in each of his previous two games but should be poised to bounce back facing a modest Calgary offense. According to MoneyPuck, the Flames have generated the eighth-fewest Expected Goals For Per 60 during 5-on-5 play this season.

Before this two-game skid, Hill was riding a five-game winning streak where he posted a 1.80 GAA and a .924 save percentage.

Other Options To Consider:

  • Joey Daccord - Seattle Kraken ($7.9K/$7.9K)

NHL DFS News and Injury Alerts

More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
George Pickens

Steelers Receiving Calls About George Pickens
Moises Ballesteros

Riding An 11-Game Hit Streak
Victor Mesa Jr.

Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Ryan Weathers

To Begin Rehab Assignment On Sunday
Colby Thomas

Heating Up At Triple-A
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Cowboys Don't Feel Forced To Draft A Running Back
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Has Quiet Start To 2025
Jeff McNeil

Hitting Eighth In Season Debut
Brandon Sproat

Coughs Up Six Earned Runs In Latest Start
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez To Start Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Bailey Falter

Good To Go To Start On Sunday Against Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw

Has Successful Second Rehab Outing
Tyler Glasnow

Will Start On Sunday Against Pirates
Francisco Alvarez

Reinstated From Injured List, Starting On Friday
Merrill Kelly

To Make His Next Start On Saturday
Jeffrey Springs

Cleared To Start On Saturday Against White Sox
Ryan Jeffers

To See More Work Behind The Plate
Pablo López

Pablo Lopez Reinstated From Injured List And Starting On Friday
Taijuan Walker

Starting On Friday Against Cubs
Javier Assad

Dealing With Grade 2 Oblique Strain
Ryan Pressly

Status TBD For Friday's Game
Seiya Suzuki

Returns For Series Opener Against Phillies
Will Levis

Could Be Traded Soon
Bryce Young

Wanted Panthers To Take Tetairoa McMillan
Travis Hunter

Jaguars Plan To Start Travis Hunter In The Receiver Room
Detroit Lions

Lions Pick Up Aidan Hutchinson's Fifth-Year Option
Jameson Williams

Lions Exercise Jameson Williams' Fifth-Year Option
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

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David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
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An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

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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
Jameson Williams

Lions Didn't Entertain Trade Offers For Jameson Williams
Qadir Ismail

Raiders Sign Qadir Ismail
New York Giants

Giants Plan To Exercise Kayvon Thibodeaux's Fifth-Year Option
Russell Wilson

Will Be Giants Starting Quarterback
Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs Close Out The First Round With Josh Simmons
Philadelphia Eagles

Eagles Trade Up One Spot In First Round To Select Jihaad Campbell
Buffalo Bills

Bills Address Secondary And Take Maxwell Hairston With 30th Overall Pick
NFL

Eagles, Chiefs Swap First-Round Picks
Washington Commanders

Josh Conerly Jr. Goes At No. 29 Overall To Commanders
Jaxson Dart

Giants Trade Up For Jaxson Dart At No. 25
Detroit Lions

Tyleik Williams Taken By Lions At No. 28 Overall
Baltimore Ravens

Ravens Go With Malaki Starks At No. 27 Overall In NFL Draft
Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota Takes Donovan Jackson No. 24 Overall
NFL

Rams Trade The 26th Pick In The 2025 NFL Draft To The Falcons
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Isaiah Stewart

Remains Out For Game 3
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
Linus Ullmark

Attempts To Overcome Playoff Struggles Thursday
Anthony Cirelli

A Game-Time Call Thursday
Logan Thompson

Comes Up Big In Game 2
Connor McMichael

Strikes Twice In Wednesday's Win
Anze Kopitar

Tallies Four Points In Game 2 Victory
Adrian Kempe

Notches Two Goals, Two Assists In Wednesday's Win
Tyler Seguin

Gives Stars Series Lead With Overtime Winner
Tyler Herro

Scores Game-High 33 Points In Wednesday's Loss
Donovan Mitchell

Fires In 30 Points In Game 2 Win
Paolo Banchero

Notches 32 Points In Game 2 Loss
Jaylen Brown

Posts 36-Point Double-Double Wednesday
Jalen Green

Erupts For 38 Points In Game 2 Victory
Brandin Podziemski

Limited To 14 Minutes Wednesday
Jimmy Butler III

Set For MRI Thursday
Brandin Podziemski

Upgraded To Available
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Michael Porter Jr.

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Davion Mitchell

Moves Into Starting Lineup Wednesday
Brandin Podziemski

Picks Up Questionable Tag
Al Horford

Starts Game 2
Michael Porter Jr.

Practices On Wednesday
Jayson Tatum

Out On Wednesday
Isaiah Stewart

May Miss Another Game Thursday
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
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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
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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
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SS
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