The NHL rolls out an eight-game slate tonight, and there’s no shortage of ways to get in on the action.
For me, I’m heading the DFS route, where I’ve locked in the roster below. This nine-man unit can be played in the Classic $50,000 Salary Format over at DraftKings. I’ve also listed the prices for each player at FanDuel.
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: Nico Hischier (NJ) | $5,000 DK, $5,000 FD
One of the marquee matchups on the NHL slate tonight features a cross-conference battle between the Devils and Canucks. The oddsmakers are expecting a ton of goals, setting the total at 7.0 goals. I’m with them, I think we’ll see plenty of scoring.
I’ll ride with Nico Hischier tonight as my top center. The forward has four games under his belt since returning from injury, and he has racked up five points (2G, 3A) in that span. That brings him to seven points (4G, 3A) in just 11 games this season. Let’s play Hischier in what should be a high-flying game out west.
C2: Ryan Johansen (COL) | $3,400 DK, $4,700 FD
The Avalanche return home tonight, and they’re looking to break a three-game losing streak. They’ll have a favorable matchup to accomplish that mission as they host the lowly Ducks. Anaheim enters this game at 24th in goals against per game (3.29).
Ryan Johansen is finding his footing with the Avs, and he’s up to 10 points (9G, 1A) on the year. He hasn’t scored during the three-game slide, but the centerman had three goals in the previous two games. I think the Avs and Johansen get back on track tonight.
W1: Valeri Nichushkin (COL) | $6,800 DK, $7,000 FD
Keeping it in the same game, I’ll go with one of the higher-profile skaters for the Avalanche, Valeri Nichushkin. The winger is off to a solid start this season, amassing 21 points (10G, 11A) through 24 games. He’s also third on the team in SOG with 65. Look for this top power play unit to feast tonight against an Anaheim PK that’s just 15th in the league (79.44%).
W2: Gustav Nyquist (NSH) | $4,200 DK, $5,100 FD
The Preds have an easy two points on the horizon as they take on the Blackhawks tonight. Chicago has been one of the worst defenses in the NHL, posting an expected goals-against per 60-minute rate of 3.55. That’s 31st, beating out only the Sharks (4.01).
I’ll slide Gustav Nyquist into my lineup tonight. The winger is putting together a solid season, ranking third on the team in scoring (3G, 14A). He has seen some production on the power play, where he has collected seven points (3G, 4A). Nyquist is also fifth on the team in SOG with 55. Look for Nyquist to make his way onto the scoresheet tonight against a subpar Hawks squad.
W3: David Perron (DET) | $4,000 DK, $5,000 FD
The Red Wings are hot right now, racking up five wins in their last six games. They’ll make the trip to New York tonight to take on the disappointing Sabres. I think David Perron makes a great depth option for us tonight at the wing position. The veteran skater has 12 points this season courtesy of seven goals and five helpers. Look for him to get in on the scoring action tonight against a Sabres side that’s 25th in goals against per game (3.32).
D1: Cale Makar (COL) | $8,200 DK, $9,000 FD
The final player from the Ducks vs. Avs game I’d like to play is Cale Makar. The former Norris Trophy Winner looks like he may add another one to his mantle this season. He already has 34 points (7G, 27A) through 23 games, and he leads the team in TOI/G at 24:27. Makar has 57 SOG (fourth-most in the NHL) to go along with 13 power-play points (3G, 10A). Look for the Avalanche, who are -310 moneyline favorites, to demolish the Ducks tonight in Denver.
D2: Drew Doughty (LA) | $4,600 DK, $5,200 FD
The Kings have been a wagon to start the season, ranking first in goals per game (3.9) and second in goals against per game (2.24). Veteran Drew Doughty has been putting together another respectable season, adding 11 points (5G, 6A) out of the gate. He’s still logging 25:39 TOI/G, which is impressive for a guy who has been around as long as he has. Los Angeles has a favorable matchup tonight against a Columbus side that’s allowing 3.08 goals per game (19th).
G: Juuse Saros (NSH) | $8,200 DK, $7,400 FD
As for our goaltender tonight, I’ll ride with Juuse Saros. Saros and the Preds make the short trip up to Chicago to take on the floundering Blackhawks. Chicago is currently ranked 30th in goals per game (2.4), and they’re 29th on the power play (10.96%). This should be a good matchup for Saros to get back on track. He enters this game at 9-10-0 with a 3.05 GAA and .900 SV%. Saros is also coming off of a performance where he allowed just 1.0 goals to the Sabres on Sunday.
UTIL: Moritz Seider (DET) | $5,300 DK, $6,000 FD
For my utility spot, I’m rolling with Moritz Seider of the Detroit Red Wings. Seider’s putting together an excellent campaign for a D-man, racking up 16 points on three goals and 13 helpers. The 22-year-old has picked up four points (1G, 3A) in his last three games, so it appears he’s heating up. Seider should continue to get more time as the season continues, and he’s also occupying a spot on the second power play.
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