We have a huge 15-game slate on the ice today, and there are some exciting matchups on the docket. As I do on Tuesdays and Saturdays, I’m putting together a DFS lineup in the NHL.
Below I’ve listed the lineup that I’m playing at DraftKings, which is the classic $50,000 format. This lineup will be for the final 13 games, which get underway at 7:00 p.m. ET tonight. I’ve also listed FanDuel prices for each player. Let’s dive into the roster and analysis!
View daily consensus odds from all major sportsbooks for the NHL at BettingPros
Saturday’s NHL DFS Picks & Analysis
Lineup below is based on DraftKings, but FanDuel prices are also listed.
C1: Dylan Strome ($5,000 DK, $5,800 FD)
The Capitals haven’t been great offensively this season, averaging just 1.9 goals per game (31st). However, the top line is finding its footing as the season moves along. It has been Dylan Strome powering the offense, leading the way with six goals. This is a great matchup for the Caps tonight, who take on a Columbus team that owns the ninth-highest expected goals per 60 minutes rate (3.35).
C2: Casey Mittelstadt ($3,700 DK, $4,900 FD)
One of the higher totals on tonight’s betting board comes in a game between the Sabres and Maple Leafs. It sits at 6.5 and is juiced heavily to the over. The oddsmakers are expecting a barnburner in Ontario, and I cannot disagree.
When it comes to Buffalo skaters, it’s tough to find an inexpensive option. However, look no further than the team’s leader in points, Casey Mittelstadt. The centerman has racked up 10 points, which have come courtesy of three goals and seven assists. He’s an excellent value option tonight in a game where we should see plenty of scoring.
W1: Bryan Rust ($5,800 DK, $6,400 FD)
I don’t know how I’d live with myself if I didn’t take an opportunity to fade the Sharks in some capacity. They are easily the worst team in the league, still sitting winless at 0-9-1. They’ve been bad on both ends, but for our sake, let’s point out the defensive woes. San Jose is dead last in expected goals allowed per 60 minutes at 4.26. Their penalty kill is the second-worst, killing just 69.23% of opposing opportunities.
Enter Bryan Rust, who has a share of the lead on this Pittsburgh roster with five goals (Crosby, Malkin). He’s also fourth overall on the team in points (7). I expect the Penguins’ top line to be humming tonight. Look for Sid to set up his winger with a goal.
W2: Evan Rodrigues ($5,400 DK, $5,800 FD)
One of the matchups that I’m narrowing in on tonight is the Panthers vs. the Blackhawks. Chicago, despite the media attention of Connor Bedard, is shaping up to be one of the worst teams in the NHL. They’re allowing 3.44 goals per contest, which is the fourth-most in the NHL.
Rodrigues is going to be a key player if the Cats want to make another deep run in the postseason. The winger has been solid out of the gate, racking up eight points (2G, 6A) through nine games. He’s also ripped 26 SOG, which is fourth on the team. Rodrigues plays alongside the crafty Aleksander Barkov and owns a spot on the top power play.
W3: Oliver Bjorkstrand ($4,000 DK, $4,600 FD)
To round out our wingers, I’ll look to Bjorkstrand of the Kraken. The 28-year-old has been on a heater recently, notching at least one point in four of the last five games. Overall, he’s now ninth on the Kraken in terms of points (3G, 6A).
Seattle will have a somewhat favorable matchup tonight against Calgary. The Flames enter tonight’s contest with the fifth-highest goals against rate (3.30). I like the red-hot Bjorkstrand to pick up at least one point tonight.
D1: Rasmus Dahlin ($6,800 DK, $6,300 FD)
The other Sabre that I’ll play tonight is defenseman Dahlin. I was eyeing John Carlson of the Capitals, but I figured with only an extra $100 bump, it was worth the player who’s on the better offense. Dahlin is the best offensive defenseman on Buffalo, running point on this respectable power play. Toronto is killing off just 75.76% of their penalties (21st), so look for this Buffalo man advantage to get back on track tonight. I’ll take Dahlin (2G, 7A) to have his hand in a goal.
D2: Oliver Ekman-Larsson ($4,500 DK, $4,900 FD)
I’ll also ride with Oliver Ekman-Larsson tonight in the Cats vs. Hawks game. The defenseman leads Florida’s top power play and is second in TOI/G (24:09). Good things happen when you’re on the ice, and OEL should turn in a great outing tonight. He has just three points (1G, 2A) this year, but at $4,500, I think it’s worth a shot on him.
G: Sam Montembeault ($7,300 DK, $_ FD)
Playing Sam Montembeault tonight is the ultimate value play. While the Canadiens are far from the top defensive team in the league, they’ll have a favorable matchup tonight against a lousy Blues offense. St. Louis is averaging just 2.0 goals per game, which is the third-lowest mark in the league. They’re also dead last in shots per game at just 25.1. Meanwhile, Montembeault has been solid out of the gate, posting a 2.91 GAA and .905 SV%.
UTIL: Evgeni Malkin ($7,400 DK, $7,600 FD)
As I mentioned above, Rust has a share of the lead for goals on the Penguins. Malkin and Sidney Crosby are the other two Pens with five goals this year. When it comes to Malkin, we’re getting Crosby production with a slight deal in terms of pricing. Actually, the Russian has more points this year and leads the club with 11 (5G, 6A). He’ll slot in on the top power play, which should find success against this abysmal Sharks bunch.
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