It’s a massive weekend of sports, and the action gets started on the ice as the NHL rolls out a massive 13-game slate.
I’m heading the DFS route tonight, where I’ve locked in this lineup over at DraftKings. This roster can be used in the classic $50,000 salary format, and I’ve also listed each player’s price at FanDuel. It’s worth noting this lineup is for the seven late games, which get underway at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Let’s check out who I anticipate having a big night on the ice!
Today’s NHL DFS Picks & Analysis
The lineup below is based on DraftKings, but FanDuel prices are also listed.
C1: John Tavares (TOR) | $6,600 DK, $7,000 FD
The Maple Leafs make the short trip to Ottawa, Canada, to take on the Senators tonight. This is a favorable matchup for Toronto’s offense, which is coming off a 5-4 victory over Dallas earlier in the week. I’ll play the upward-trending John Tavares, who has notched six points (3G, 3A) in his last three games! The Leafs take on an Ottowa defense that’s 31st in the league, surrendering 3.47 goals per game.
C2: Anthony Cirelli (TB) | $4,200 DK, $5,100 FD
I have a trio of Lightning players in my lineup tonight, with two coming from the second line. First, it’s Anthony Cirelli, who comes into tonight’s game against the Blue Jackets with a modest 26 points (10G, 16A) this season. Mainly, I like the matchup against this underwhelming Columbus defense. They’re 30th in the league defensively, conceding 3.42 goals per game. I’ll take Cirelli to build on an effort where he picked up an assist last time out, giving him five points (5A) over his last five games.
W1: Filip Forsberg (NSH) | $7,900 DK, $8,900 FD
My most expensive skater tonight is Filip Forsberg. The star winger leads Nashville in scoring this season, amassing 51 points (24G, 27A) over 51 games. He also leads the team in shots on goal (SOG) with 203. The Preds will host a scrappy Coyotes team tonight, but they’ve struggled on the road, going just 8-13-3. Look for Nashville to lean on Forsberg (like usual) to try and secure two points at home tonight.
W2: Tyler Toffoli (NJ) | $5,200 DK, $5,700 FD
The Canes host the Devils tonight in Raleigh, N.C., and I expect quite a few goals in this Eastern Conference tilt. With all of the injury issues for New Jersey, we’ve seen Tyler Toffoli emerge as a viable scoring option. He’s third on the team in both points (21G, 13A) and SOG (140). While the Canes have been better defensively, this game could get a little loose with how dominant these offenses are. Also, with Jack Hughes back in the mix, he lifts up the rest of this roster. Look for Toffoli to get in on the scoring action tonight.
W3: Teuvo Teravainen (CAR) | $4,500 DK, $5,000 FD
I love Teuvo Teravainen at this price. He’s third on Carolina in scoring (16G, 18A), and 12 of those points (7G, 5A) have come on the power play. This is a great matchup for the Hurricanes, as the Devils are just 18th on the PK (79.22%). Look for Teravainen to light the lamp at home tonight.
D1: Brent Burns (CAR) | $5,300 DK, $5,800 FD
I’ll ride with Brent Burns as my top defenseman, and he currently leads Carolina’s defensive core in scoring (8G, 22A). He’s leading the team in TOI/G, racking up 21:40 of playing time each night. He’s also third on the team in SOG (121). Burns should make his way onto the scoresheet against this Devils squad, giving up 3.27 goals per game (27th).
D2: Darren Raddysh (TB) | $3,100 DK, $4,000 FD
I will take a shot with Darren Raddysh of the Lightning as a value play tonight. The Bolts lost Mikhail Sergachev (leg) last time out, and he’s currently listed as “out indefinitely.” Someone has to step up in his absence, and we should see Raddysh get even more ice time. The D-man is actually tied with Sergachev in scoring (4G, 15A), so look for his production to increase with more ice time.
G: Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) | $8,000 DK, $8,600 FD
There are a few viable options in-net tonight, but I will splurge on my goaltender and lock in Connor Hellebuyck. The Jets host the Penguins tonight, who are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Wild last night. They had a 6-on-4 chance to tie it at the end of the game, but their abysmal power play let them down once again. They’re 30th on the PP (14.20%) while bringing in the 25th-best overall offense (2.9 GPG). Meanwhile, Hellebuyck is quietly putting together a Vezina-worthy season, sitting at 23-10-3 (fourth-most wins) with a 2.22 GAA (third) and .923 SV% (second).
UTIL: Brandon Hagel (TB) | $5,100 DK, $6,500 FD
I’ll round out my lineup with Cirelli’s linemate, Brandon Hagel. The winger is compiling an excellent campaign, amassing 45 points (18G, 27A) over 52 games. That’s fifth on the Tampa roster. He’s also fourth on the team in SOG (124). This Bolts offense should cruise tonight against a Columbus side, allowing 3.2 goals per game over their last six games.
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