The NHL rolls out a huge 13-game slate today, which means there are a ton of different ways to get in on the action. I’m heading the DFS route, where I’ve crafted this nine-man roster over at DraftKings. This lineup fits the classic $50,000 salary format for games starting at 7:00 p.m. ET or later. I’ve also listed each player’s price at FanDuel. 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) ($6,700 DK, $7,700 FD)
I have a pair of Maple Leafs on my roster tonight, with the first being veteran centerman John Tavares. It was a relatively slow start for Tavares this season, but he has turned it on recently, racking up six points (3G, 3A) in his last five games. He’s up 40 points (15G, 25A) on the season, which is good enough for fifth on Toronto’s roster. Tavares also hasn’t been shy about shooting the puck, considering he has amassed 188 shots on goal (SOG), which is third on the team. Toronto should light up Anaheim’s defense tonight in Ontario, and I expect Tavares to get in on the action.
C2: Mikael Granlund (SJ) ($5,400 DK, $6,000 FD)
The Sharks host the Blue Jackets tonight, and I have a trio of players from this game in my lineup tonight. For starters, it’s mainly due to the fact that these are two of the worst defenses in the league. So, why not take a flier on San Jose’s new top scorer, Mikael Granlund? With Tomas Hertl (15G, 19A) sidelined for a few weeks, it should offer the chance for Granlund to step up and contribute even more. He’s already at 30 points (6G, 24A) through 40 games played. The centerman added a goal last time out in a 6-3 win against the Flames.
W1: Frank Vatrano (ANA) ($6,000 DK, $7,000 FD)
I’m going to take a chance on Frank Vatrano as my top winger tonight. While the Ducks aren’t having a great season, Vatrano is. He leads the team in scoring (23G, 18A), power-play points (9G, 6A), and SOG (166). Vatrano’s fresh off of his first All-Star appearance, and that event took place in the same building where he’ll be playing tonight. The Leafs are always a threat offensively, but they’re still searching for answers on the defensive end of the ice. They’re just 18th in overall defense (2.98 GAA) and 22nd on the penalty kill (78.23%). The potential is there for Vatrano to have a big night in Ontario.
W2: Johnny Gaudreau(CBJ) ($4,500 DK, $4,900 FD)
Johnny Hockey still leads Columbus in scoring this season with 35 points (7G, 28A). He’s also fifth on the roster in SOG (103). This will be a great matchup for the Jackets as they square off against a Sharks side that’s dead last defensively (3.57 GAA). Gaudreau is also getting time on the power play, where 13 (1G, 12A) of his points have come. I think we’re in for a higher-scoring matchup in the NHL nightcap, and the skilled Gaudreau should be able to make his way onto the scoresheet.
W3: Tyler Bertuzzi (TOR) ($3,700 DK, $4,400 FD)
I’ll add Tavares’ linemate, Tyler Bertuzzi, to my roster tonight. The winger has been a bit of a disappointment since coming over from Boston in the off-season. He has just 21 points (6G, 15A) through 51 games played. However, this is a great matchup at home for Bertuzzi and his Leafs. They host an Anaheim squad that’s 27th defensively, surrendering 3.21 goals per game.
D1: Zach Werenski (CBJ) ($6,100 DK, $6,700 FD)
The other Blue Jacket that I have in my lineup is Zach Werenski. He’s leading Columbus’ defensive core in scoring, and he’s also second overall on the team with 30 points (1G, 29A). Like Gaudreau, he’s getting power play time on the top unit, where he has added six points this year (6A). San Jose enters tonight’s game ranked 30th on the penalty kill (74.12%). They’re also dead last in high-danger shots against (148) during 5-on-5 play, so look for Columbus to find success offensively.
D2: Luke Hughes (NJ) ($3,800 DK, $4,600 FD)
The Devils square off against the Flyers at MetLife Stadium this evening, marking the first of two Stadium Series games this weekend. Typically, outdoor games are low-scoring, but I feel like it’s worth a shot since we’re getting Luke Hughes at just $3,800. He’s the team’s top-scoring defenseman, racking up 27 points (8G, 19A) in his rookie season. Hughes is currently third in the Calder Trophy race, sitting at +750 at DraftKings Sportsbook. He’s the team’s leader in TOI/G (21:04), so I think it’s a valuable play on Hughes in this matchup against the Flyers.
G: Adin Hill (VGK) ($7,400 DK, $8,100 FD)
Similar to Hughes, this is a huge value opportunity to lock in Adin Hill. Vegas hosts the 10th-ranked Carolina offense (3.3 GPG) tonight. However, the Hurricanes are a veteran squad coming in on the second night of a back-to-back. At $7,400, I can’t pass up on arguably the league’s best goaltender. Hill is 14-3-2 this season with a 2.00 GAA (2nd) and .933 SV% (1st). Let’s take a shot on Hill in net tonight.
UTIL: Alex Ovechkin (WAS) ($6,400 DK, $6,600 FD)
I’ll round out my roster with Alex Ovechkin as my util-man. The future Hall of Famer has been on fire recently, scoring goals in six straight games. That brings his point streak to seven straight games (6G, 3A) while also scoring in 14 of his last 16 (8G, 9A). This insane heater has seen the Great Eight climb back into the lead among his teammates as the leading point-man (14G, 23A). The Caps square off against a Habs side that’s 29th in both overall defense (3.35 GAA) and on the penalty kill (74.35%).
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