It’s a massive 13-game slate in the NHL today, which leaves us a myriad of ways to get some skin in the game. As I do on Tuesdays and Sundays, I’m heading the DFS route on the ice. Below is the lineup that I’ve crafted today in the Classic DraftKings $50,000 Salary format. I’ve also listed the prices for each player at FanDuel. The final thing to note is that this competition features only the final nine games of tonight’s schedule, which get underway at 7:00 p.m. ET at the earliest. Let’s dive into who I believe will have a big night on the ice!
Today’s NHL DFS Picks & Analysis
Lineup below is based on DraftKings, but FanDuel prices are also listed.
C1: Jack Eichel ($8,000 DK, $8,700 FD)
Let’s start with one of our heavy hitters tonight – it’s Jack Eichel. The centerman has obviously found his home in Vegas, as he helped lead the Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup last season. He’s off to an impressive start in the new campaign, racking up 24 points on nine goals and 15 helpers. Seven of his points (4G, 3A) have come on the man advantage, which will have a solid chance tonight against a Washington team that’s 14th on the PK (80.95%).
It’s a massive 13-game slate in the NHL today, which leaves us a myriad of ways to get some skin in the game. As I do on Tuesdays and Sundays, I’m heading the DFS route on the ice. Below is the lineup that I’ve crafted today in the Classic DraftKings $50,000 Salary format. I’ve also listed the prices for each player at FanDuel. The final thing to note is that this competition features only the final nine games of tonight’s schedule, which get underway at 7:00 p.m. ET at the earliest. Let’s dive into who I believe will have a big night on the ice!
Today’s NHL DFS Picks & Analysis
Lineup below is based on DraftKings, but FanDuel prices are also listed.
C1: Jack Eichel ($8,000 DK, $8,700 FD)
Let’s start with one of our heavy hitters tonight – it’s Jack Eichel. The centerman has obviously found his home in Vegas, as he helped lead the Golden Knights to their first Stanley Cup last season. He’s off to an impressive start in the new campaign, racking up 24 points on nine goals and 15 helpers. Seven of his points (4G, 3A) have come on the man advantage, which will have a solid chance tonight against a Washington team that’s 14th on the PK (80.95%).
C2: Ryan Johansen ($3,600 DK, $4,700 FD)
The Ducks are in a free fall right now, having lost their last eight games. Over the stretch, they’ve allowed 38 goals, which translates to an insane 4.75 goals against per game. On the year, Anaheim has dropped to 25th in goals against per game (3.30). That’s not a great recipe against an Avalanche team that’s finding its footing offensively. That includes Ryan Johansen, who has scored three of his nine goals in the last three games. This should be a rout tonight, and I think the second-line center will find some success.
W1: Lucas Raymond ($5,000 DK, $6,400 FD)
I have three players from the Red Wings on my roster tonight, and that’s because they’re taking on a subpar Montreal squad. The Habs are just 30th in expected goals against per 60 minutes at 3.49. They’re also second in high-danger shots against (97). I’ll lock in Lucas Raymond, who has quietly racked up the second-most goals (8) on Detroit this season. He’s also finding power play success as five (1G, 4A) of his 18 points have come on man-advantage opportunities.
W2: David Perron ($4,000 DK, $5,000 FD)
I’ll reiterate: the Canadiens haven’t been sharp defensively this season. I mentioned their expected goals against in the paragraph above, which has translated over to actual goals allowed, where they’re surrendering 3.30 goals per game (26th). I’ll throw David Perron in the lineup as a relatively cheap option for a winger. The veteran has 12 points this season on seven goals and five apples.
W3: Mike Amadio ($3,200 DK, $3,900 FD)
The other Golden Knight forward that I want to play is Mike Amadio. Since November 17th (about 15 days), the winger trails only the aforementioned Eichel amongst Vegas forwards in scoring. Eichel has six points over the stretch, while Amadio has five (2G, 3A). Overall, the recent hot streak brings him up to 14 points (4G, 10A) on the year. He slots in next to the crafty Chandler Stephenson while also getting time on the second power play. I think Amadio’s an excellent depth option to round out our wingers.
D1: Cale Makar ($8,300 DK, $8,500 FD)
I’m going to splurge and play Cale Makar tonight. The 2022 Norris Trophy Winner is out to another fantastic start, amassing 34 points (7G, 27A) through 22 games. That leads all defensemen. As I mentioned above, they should massacre the Ducks tonight in Anaheim. I expect Makar to make his way onto the scoresheet.
One of the main issues for Montreal this season has been its penalty kill, which is just 26th overall (73.86%). So, it makes sense in my mind to ride with the man who runs point on Detroit’s power play: Shayne Gostisbehere. The d-man has amassed 18 total points (5G, 13A), and 10 of those have come on the PP (2G, 8A). This is a great matchup for Detroit’s emerging offense. I think some of the mid-tier guys step up and collect some points.
I’m going to fade the Capitals’ underwhelming offense tonight when it comes to my goaltending option. I’m riding with whoever gets the nod in net tonight for the Golden Knights. The bottom line analysis here is that the Caps have simply been atrocious offensively this season. They’re ranked 31st in goals per game (2.5), and they’re still dead last on the power play (8.47%). I don’t see them getting back on track against the sixth-ranked penalty kill in the league (86.30%). I’ll ride with Logan Thompson or Adin Hill, who leads the league’s best team in terms of goals against per game (2.17).
UTIL: Nick Schmaltz ($4,700 DK, $6,000 FD)
I’ll round out my lineup with the Coyotes’ Nick Schmaltz. Arizona’s hot right now as they’ve rattled off three straight wins against Vegas, Tampa, and Colorado, most recently. Schmaltz has added a goal and an assist over the three-game stretch, bringing him up to 17 total points (6G, 11A). That’s second on the team behind Clayton Keller.
Arizona’s task tonight is taking on the Blues at the Mullet Arena. The two sides just played in a 6-5 barnburner a couple of weeks ago, where St. Louis eventually came victorious. The Blues have had defensive struggles this season, considering they’re 25th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (3.02). Schmaltz is an affordable option that could do some damage tonight on his home ice.
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