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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).
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Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Seattle Kraken L1 - Jared McCann ($6.1K/$7.1K) - Matty Beniers ($4.2K/$4.7K) - Andre Burakovsky ($2.6K/$4.2K)
Opponent - San Jose Sharks
Even without top right wing Jordan Eberle (pelvis), this line could be for a productive evening against a weak San Jose defense. According to MoneyPuck, the Sharks have allowed the fourth-highest Expected Goals Against Per 60 in 5-on-5 play this season.
With Andre Burakovsky slotting in on the right wing, this line has generated a solid 51% xGoals with 2.43 xGoals Per 60 Minutes.
Seattle goal!
Scored by Andre Burakovsky with 19:14 remaining in the 3rd period.
Assisted by Jared McCann and Ryker Evans.
Anaheim: 2
Seattle: 2#SEAvsANA #FlyTogether #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/CC6p8uB96k— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) November 26, 2024
After scoring four goals in five games from November 5 through November 16, Jared McCann has cooled to just one point (a helper) in his past five. Burakovsky recently snapped his scoring slump on November 25.
While their production has not been consistent, a favorable matchup like this is a great way to target players with upside at typically lower salaries.
Utah Hockey Club L1 - Nick Schmaltz ($4.6K/$5.4K) - Barrett Hayton ($3.8K/$4.6K) - Clayton Keller ($6.9K/$6.1K)
Opponent- Vegas Golden Knights
The Utah Hockey Club will face the Vegas Golden Knights, who have allowed the fifth-highest Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck. This top unit has been very productive, generating a strong 55.8% xGoals and an excellent 3.56 xGoals Per 60.
Over his past seven contests, Clayton Keller has tallied seven points, while Nick Schmaltz has tacked on five points in his past five.
Edmonton Oilers L1 - Ryan Nugent-Hopkins ($4.4K/$4.9K) - Connor McDavid ($9.8K/$9K) - Kasperi Kapanen ($2.6K/$3.3K)
Opponent - Colorado Avalanche
Kasperi Kapanen was recently claimed off waivers and inserted onto the top line. He has tallied one point through his two-game stint while this new line has generated a solid 2.89 xGoals Per 60.
While the sample size is very small, playing alongside Connor McDavid will always put you in elite scoring chances.
Over his past eight games, McDavid has tallied eight goals and 10 helpers, with 37 total shots on goal. Even though Nugent-Hopkins has scored only one goal in his past four contests, he has registered at least four shots on goal in two of these games.
They will face the Colorado Avalanche, who have played great in the defensive zone (sixth-fewest Expected Goals Per 60) but have struggled to find stable goaltending, allowing 14 goals in their past four games.
New York Islanders L2 - Kyle Palmieri ($4.7K/$6.1K) - Brock Nelson ($5.1K/$6.3K) - Maxim Tsyplakov ($3.1K/$4.6K)
Opponent - Buffalo Sabres
My final line to target on Saturday is the Islanders' top unit. This evening, they will face the Buffalo Sabres, who, according to MoneyPuck, have posted the 14th-highest Expected Goals Against Per 60 through the quarter mark of the season.
While the matchup is great on paper, this line has been even more impressive lately. Brock Nelson has tallied three goals and four assists over his past three games, and Kyle Palmieri has also found the back of the net three times in his past three contests.
Brock Nelson buries the 9th & 10th 🚀 Goal of the @NYIslanders season tonight, and also adds an assist. pic.twitter.com/0ALIgLaY4n
— Ben Hankinson (@BenHankinson) November 28, 2024
This line has generated a strong 58.7% xGoals and an impressive 3.35 xGoals Per 60 through the season. Facing a modest Buffalo defense, this line has a great opportunity to continue lighting up the scoresheet.
Other Top Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):
- CGY L1
- PIT L1
- COL L1
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Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Cale Makar - Colorado Avalanche ($8.5K/$7.3K)
Opponent - Edmonton Oilers
Despite the hefty salary, Cale Makar should always be viewed as a top option, quarterbacking one of the league’s top power-play units. The Colorado power play has generated a stellar 9.86 Expected Goals For Per 60, which is the second-highest total in the sport.
Over his past seven games, Makar has tallied six points, with one of them coming on the man-advantage. During this span, he has tallied at least three shots on goal in all but two contests.
In addition, on even strength, he and linemate Devon Toews boast a strong 55.6% xGoals and averaged 2.76 xGoals For Per 60.
John Carlson - Washington Capitals ($6K/$5.9K)
Opponent - New Jersey Devils
Another power-play QB to target on this slate is John Carlson of the Washington Capitals. Carlson and the Washington power play have generated an impressive 9.33 Expected Goals For Per 60, which is the fifth highest in hockey. This evening, they will face the Devils, who have allowed the highest expected goals against while short-handed, according to MoneyPuck.
Washington goal!
Scored by John Carlson with 09:30 remaining in the 3rd period.
Tampa Bay: 4
Washington: 4#WSHvsTBL #GoBolts #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/BeqESHyEJP— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) November 28, 2024
Over his past seven games, Carlson has tallied four points (two on the power play) and should have ample opportunities in a favorable matchup.
Rasmus Andersson - Calgary Flames ($6.5K/$5.7K)
Opponent - Pittsburgh Penguins
Another defenseman to consider this evening is Rasmus Andersson, who will be facing the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have allowed the third-highest Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck.
Over his past five games, Andersson has tallied at least three blocks in each game. Even though Andersson has only tallied two points across his previous five games, quarterbacking the top power-play units and seeing top minutes against a weak defensive team should present him with several scoring opportunities all evening.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Shea Theodore - Vegas Golden Knights ($5.7K/$6.1K)
- Rasmus Dahlin - Buffalo Sabres ($7.2K/$6.6K)
- Evan Bouchard - Edmonton Oilers ($6.9K/$6.4K)
Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Ilya Sorokin - New York Islanders ($7.9K/$7.8K)
Opponent - Buffalo Sabres
The Islanders will be taking on the Buffalo Sabres, who have posted the 10th-lowest Expected Goals For Per 60 this season. The Sabres have only scored more than three goals on one occasion over their past six games.
Before allowing five goals on November 27 to the Boston Bruins, Sorokin posted a stellar .928% SV and a 2.02 GAA across his previous three outings. Expect Sorokin to enjoy a strong bounce-back outing against the Sabres.
Jordan Binnington - St. Louis Blues ($7.6K/$7.8K)
Opponent - Philadelphia Flyers
Jordan Binnington is coming off an impressive 31-save shutout and has another great opportunity to keep rolling against the Philadelphia Flyers. This shutout also made him the franchise leader in wins.
The moment Jordan Binnington made #stlblues history ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZgRy9WNBau
— FanDuel Sports Network Midwest (@FanDuelSN_MW) November 28, 2024
The Flyer have generated the eighth-lowest Expected Goals For Per 60 this season and have also taken the eighth-fewest high-danger shots.
Over his last three starts, Binnington has held a 1.31 GAA and a stellar .953% SV. While he will likely be one of the popular plays, he carries an elite upside.
NHL DFS Value Line Stacks of the Day
- SEA L3
- NYI L3
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