Today's NHL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (2/7/25)

4 weeks ago by Andy Smith

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Hello, RotoBallers! The NHL season is in full swing, and we have another action-packed Friday slate.

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).

Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks

New York Rangers L1 - Artemi Panarin ($7.6K/$8.2K) - J.T. Miller ($6.5K/$7.3K) - Mika Zibanejad ($6.7K/$6.8K)

Opponent - Pittsburgh Penguins

My first line to target is the top unit in the New York offense. It will face the Penguins, who have allowed the ninth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 during five-on-five play. The Rangers have generated the seventh-most Expected Goals during even strength.

This top line that recently welcomed back J.T. Miller has generated an impressive 64.7 percent xGoals with a stellar 3.67 xGoals Per 60.

Over his past five contests, Artemi Panarin has tallied seven points (three goals), while J.T. Miller has tallied four helpers over his past three. Mika Zibanejad is coming off a two-point outing as well.

In addition, Panarin always plays well against the Penguins, as he has tallied 44 points (19 goals) against them in just 25 games.

**Pittsburgh Penguins L1 - Rickard Rakell ($6.7K/$7.3K) - Sidney Crosby * ($7.6K/$8K) - Bryan Rust ($6.6K/$7K)**

Opponent- New York Rangers

The top unit in Pittsburgh should also have a productive evening facing the Rangers. The Rangers have allowed the fourth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck, during five-on-five play. The Penguins have generated the 10th-most Expected Goals For Per 60.

This unit, led by Sidney Crosby, has generated a strong 56.3 percent xGoals with 3.55 xGoals Per 60 across a hefty 402 minutes of shared ice time.

Rickard Rakell has tallied six points over his last six games, while Crosby has tallied seven points over his last five.

* Note: Crosby did not participate in line rushes during Wednesday's practice and could be in danger of sitting out during Friday's contest. If he is unable to play, this line carries much less upside.

Los Angeles Kings L3 - Kevin Fiala ($5.7K/$6.8K) - Quinton Byfield ($5K/$5.6K) - Alex Laferriere ($3.6K/$5.7K)

Opponent - Dallas Stars

The third line in Los Angeles has been one of the hottest lines in the sport. Left wing Kevin Fiala has found the back of the net twice in each of his previous two games. During this stretch, center Quinton Byfield has tallied five helpers. Alex Laferriere has tallied just one point over this stretch but logged five shots on goal in each game.

Under the hood, this unit has generated an eye-catching 70.5 percent xGoals while tallying 3.08 xGoals Per 60.

Even though they have a tougher matchup against Dallas (allows the 14th-most Expected Goals Against Per 60), ride the hot hand on this smaller slate.

Edmonton Oilers L2 - Jeff Skinner ($4K/$4.8K) - Leon Draisaitl ($8.5K/$9.2K) - Vasily Podkolzin ($2.6K/$4.6K)

Opponent - Colorado Avalanche

My final top line to target is led by Hart Memorial Trophy candidate Leon Draisaitl. Draisaitl has tallied at least one point in each of his past five. Over his previous 14 games, he has only been held off the scoresheet once and tallied an incredible 22 points (nine goals, 13 helpers).

Jeff Skinner tallied a goal and an assist in his previous game, while Vasily Podkolzin added a helper. This line has generated an impressive 4.12 xGoals Per 60 in its limited shared ice time. It will face the Avalanche, who are traveling to Edmonton in the second half of a back-to-back.

Other Top Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):

COL L1
EDM L2
NSH L1

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Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Adam Fox - New York Rangers ($5.9K/$6.2K)

Opponent - Pittsburgh Penguins

Adam Fox is riding a two-game point streak into Friday's Metropolitan Division clash. Over his last eight games, Fox has tallied eight points (one goal, seven helpers).

Fox should find success on the power play, as the Penguins have allowed the ninth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 while short-handed. The Rangers have generated the fourth-most Expected Goals For Per 60 while on the power play, which sets up Fox well for a productive evening.

Seth Jones - Chicago Blackhawks ($5.4K/$6.3K)

Opponent - Nashville Predators

Even though Seth Jones is riding a two-game scoreless streak, he was quite productive before this minor slump. Over his previous seven games, the 30-year-old tallied 10 points (two goals, eight helpers). He tallied at least one point in each game and earned five of them while on the power play.

The Nashville Predators have allowed the 13th-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 while short-handed, which should help get Jones back on track in the scoring department.

In addition to his scoring, Jones has averaged a strong three blocks and 2.8 hits per game over his last seven contests.

Erik Karlsson - Pittsburgh Penguins ($5.7K/$6.1K)

Opponent - New York Rangers

My final defenseman to target is Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Karlsson is riding a three-game point streak into Friday's contest. During this stretch, he has tallied one goal and four helpers while averaging 3.3 shots on goal per game.

Facing the Rangers, who have allowed the fourth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 during even strength, should provide Karlsson with ample scoring opportunities. The Pittsburgh power play has also generated the ninth-most Expected Goals For Per 60, according to MoneyPuck.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):

Cale Makar - Colorado Avalanche ($7.1K/$7.4K)
Evan Bouchard - Edmonton Oilers ($6.8K/$7.1K)

Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Juuse Saros - Nashville Predators ($8.4K/$8K)

Opponent - Chicago Blackhawks

Even though Juuse Saros enters Friday riding a four-game losing streak, he has an excellent opportunity to bounce back, facing the Chicago Blackhawks. According to MoneyPuck, the Blackhawks have generated the fewest Expected Goals For Per 60 during five-on-five play and the fifth-fewest Expected Goals while on the power play.

Before his recent skid, Saros held a strong .913 percent SV with a 2.18 GAA over his previous five games. Expect Saros to return to form in a favorable matchup.

Ilya Sorokin - New York Islanders ($7.3K/$7.1K)

Opponent - Winnipeg Jets

There may not be a player who has enjoyed as much recent success as Ilya Sorokin. Sorokin is carrying an incredible seven-game winning streak into Friday. During this stretch, he has posted two shutouts and held a near-perfect .960 percent SV with a 1.16 GAA.

Even though he is facing a formidable Winnipeg team, he just held the Golden Knights to one goal on 34 shots in his last start. Ride the hot hand who has 30+ save upside in this contest.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):