RADIO
Hello, RotoBallers! The NHL season is in full swing, and we have another action-packed Saturday slate.
In this piece, I will discuss my favorite forward lines to target, defensemen, and goalies in tonight's action. Be sure to keep updated with any injury notes on our newsfeed before setting your lineup.
If you have any questions about further strategy and managing the slate, feel free to chat with me on X @ASmith_FS. All player salaries will be listed as ($DK/FD).
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!
Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Vegas Golden Knights L1 - Ivan Barbashev ($4.6K/$6.2K) - Jack Eichel ($8.9K/$8.3K) - Pavel Dorofeyev ($5.5K/$6.5K)
Opponent - Montreal Canadiens
The top unit in Vegas has one of the best matchups on paper this evening. They face the Montreal Canadiens, who, according to MoneyPuck, have allowed the third-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 and the second-most high-danger shots against.
While this line has not played together as often as Mark Stone (lower body) is injured and typically on the wing, this line has still been productive, generating a solid 3.13 xGoals For Per 60.
Jack Eichel has tallied 13 points in his past eight games, with six coming on the man advantage. While both Barbashev and Dorofeyev have been on a bit of a cold streak, in a favorable matchup, and playing on a line with Eichel should put them in several scoring situations.
Buffalo Sabres L1 - John-Jason Peterka ($5.5K/$5.8K) - Tage Thompson* ($7.6K/$7.4K) - Alex Tuch ($6.8K/$6.6K)
Opponent- San Jose Sharks
The Buffalo Sabres also have a fantastic matchup against the San Jose Sharks, who have allowed the second-most Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck. San Jose has struggled to limit scoring chances all season as they have allowed the most high-danger shots against and the third-most medium-danger shots against.
Alex Tuch has scored six points in his past four contests, and Peterka has scored eight in his past seven contests.
Center Tage Thompson (lower body) has been sidelined since mid-November but is expected to return this evening. In the meantime, Ryan McLeod has filled in and scored three points in his past three games. However, when Thompson centers this line, they generate an excellent 61.3% xGoals and 6.8 xGoals.
Note: If Thompson returns to the starting lineup, this line could be in store for a big game. If not, both Tuch and Peterka remain solid picks, even with McLeod likely to remain as their center.
Carolina Hurricanes L1 - Jack Roslovic ($4.4K/$5.7K) - Sebastian Aho ($7.1K/$6.4K) - Andrei Svechnikov ($7.1K/$7.5K)
Opponent - Columbus Blue Jackets
A popular pick of mine throughout the early part of the season will be facing the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have surrendered the eighth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck.
Over 126 minutes of play, this line has posted a stellar 62.7% xGoals, totaling 8.4 xGoals. Aho has scored twice in his past four contests, while Roslovic scored in each of his past two games.
It’s fishing season as Sebastian Aho makes it a 2-1 Carolina lead. His first 5v5 goal of the season and 5th overall. #RaiseUp pic.twitter.com/1Lxqb0liNw
— Zachary Martin (@OneTrueZach) November 21, 2024
In addition, Carolina currently boasts the highest Expected Goals For Per 60 (3.53) on the man-advantage, according to MoneyPuck. Given their dominating play in all facets of the game, this unit should have an excellent opportunity to score this evening, especially in a favorable matchup.
Edmonton Oilers L1 - Vasily Podkolzin ($2.9K/$3.6K) - Connor McDavid ($9.8K/$9K) - Leon Draisaitl ($8.3K/$8K)
Opponent - New York Rangers
Lastly, my other top forward line to target is led by two superstars, Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. The Oilers will face the New York Rangers, who have allowed the ninth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60.
Even though they will likely face a tough goalie in Igor Shesterkin, given New York’s defensive struggles, this top unit should have several high-quality chances all evening.
Since returning from injury on November 6, McDavid has been on a tear, tallying 15 points (six goals, eight assists) in his past eight games while averaging 4.5 shots on goal per game. Draisaitl has scored six goals and tacked on six helpers in his past seven contests.
Sick goal by Leon Draisaitl pic.twitter.com/kA9jMlNiJF
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) January 12, 2023
Despite this line’s small sample size together, they have generated an incredible 66.7% xGoals. Even though they are facing a tough goaltender, they are among the safest anchors you can put in your lineup.
Other Top Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):
- NJD L1
- UTH L2
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!
Back to back @DraftKings Fantasy Hockey World Championship trips! Let’s get the main prize this year! Thank you to @banksterdfs for the amazing daily fantasy content! @NHL pic.twitter.com/dONSvJMtIR
— 🇺🇦Shockmain (@Shockmain) January 6, 2023
Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Shayne Gostisbehere - Carolina Hurricanes ($4.2K/$.8K)
Opponent - Columbus Blue Jackets
Shayne Gostisbehere has continued operating as the top point man on one of the league’s best power-play units, always making him a safe target with upside. Over his past five games, the 31-year-old has tallied five helpers, with all of them coming on the man advantage.
During this stretch, he tallied at least three shots on goal in all but two games and at least two hits in all but two. In even-strength play, Gostisbehere and his linemate Sean Walker have generated an impressive 64.6% xGoals with a solid 3.6 xGoals Per 60.
Mikhail Sergachev - Utah Hockey Club ($5.1K/$6K)
Opponent - Pittsburgh Penguins
The 26-year-old has tallied two goals (three points) in his past five games and has a great matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have allowed the fourth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60.
Mikhail Sergachev - Utah Hockey Club (4)
Power Play Goal pic.twitter.com/REPSGrR2lA— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) November 16, 2024
Sergachev quarterbacks the top unit of the Utah power play, which currently has 6.52 Expected Goals, which is just below the league average. However, in a favorable matchup, Utah should have plenty of opportunities to score.
In addition, at even-strength, he has generated a solid 49.1% xGoals For, which should also play much better against a Pittsburgh team that has struggled defensively.
Dougie Hamilton - New Jersey Devils ($6.2K/$6.7K)
Opponent - Washington Capitals
My final top defenseman to target is Dougie Hamilton. According to MoneyPuck, Hamilton quarterbacks the league’s sixth-best power-play unit in terms of Expected Goals For Per 60.
They will face the Washington Capitals this evening who have allowed the sixth-highest Expected Goals Against Per 60. Hamilton and Brenden Dillon have generated a solid 53% xGoals and 15.6 xGoals for in even-strength play.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Shea Theodore - Vegas Golden Knights ($5.4K/$6.1K)
- Adam Fox - New York Rangers ($5.8K/$6K)
- Evan Bouchard - Edmonton Oilers ($6.8K/$6.2K)
Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Ilya Sorokin - New York Islanders ($8.2K/$8.2K)
Opponent - St. Louis Blues
Ilya Sorokin has gone winless in his past four starts but could be in store for an excellent bounce-back on Saturday evening, facing the St. Louis Blues. The Blues have generated the fifth-lowest Expected Goals For Per 60 this season. Despite Sorokin’s recent struggles, he still has made 4.0 Goals Saved Above Expected and boasts a stellar .955 SV% on unblocked shots.
Pyotr Kochetkov - Carolina Hurricanes ($8.5K/$8.5K)
Opponent - Columbus Blue Jackets
Across his past five starts, Kochetkov has carried a stellar 1.67 GAA and a .941 SV% with a 4-1 record. Under the hood, he sports a 5.0 Goals Saved Above Expected. This evening, he will face the Columbus Blue Jackets, who have scored just one goal in two of their past three contests.
NHL DFS Value Line Stacks of the Day
- NYR L3
- NYI L3
NHL DFS News and Injury Alerts
More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis
