NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/21
*Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Three Skaters My top three skaters on the slate. Johnny Gaudreau (CGY) Gaudreau has five goals, three assists, and 28 shots in his last five games and should have his way in this matchup with Ottawa. Johnny Hockey has been a monster on home ice this season with 52 points (18 goals) in 36 home games and has given the Eastern Conference fits with 44 points (18 goals) in 31 games. Ottawa playing in their second road game in as many nights will watch Gaudreau skate circles around them all night. Patrice Bergeron (BOS) Over his last five games, Bergeron has three goals and two assists. Boston is playing extremely well with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games while the Devils are going the other way with a 2-7-1 record over their last 10. PB34 has five goals and four assists in his last eight games against the Devils and he’ll produce tonight as the Bruins have their sights set on the playoffs. Ryan O’Reilly (STL) The Red Wings have allowed the most fantasy points per game to centers over the past month and O’Reilly has three points in his last five games. ROR ha a career-high 69 points with 35 of those coming on home ice. The Wings have allowed a ton of scoring chances of late and the Blues should be able to put up a crooked number on them tonight. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Three highlighted above. Center Sean Monahan (CGY) – Skated yesterday so he should be back tonight after being sick. Great matchup ahead for him. Sean Couturier (PHI) – Couts has points in eight of his last nine games and Chicago has struggled to defend the center position all season long. Tyler Seguin (DAL) – Has two goals, three assists, and 13 shots in three games against Colorado this season. Matt Duchene (CBJ) – Edmonton has allowed 13 goals in their last two games and Columbus comes in with a ton of motivation trying to slide into the playoffs. William Karlsson (VGK) – Way to cheap against the Jets who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last four weeks and who are playing their second game in as many nights. Jonathan Toews (CHI) – Four points in his last three home games. Should have a good battle with Couturier for the majority of the night. Mikael Backlund (CGY) – Great numbers at home and a good pivot for salary purposes off of Monahan. Ryan Johansen (NSH) – Has points in five straight games and a good value for the Preds skating on the top line and top power-play unit. Wing Vladimir Tarasenko (STL) – Detroit has allowed the most fantasy points per game to right-wingers over the last four weeks. Vlad returned the other night and promptly fired off five shots. Expect a heavy volume of shots from him tonight as well as Detroit has allowed 43, 42, 39, and 36 shots in its last four games. Brad Marchand (BOS) – Should be a popular play along with Bergeron in a great matchup against New Jersey. Jonathan Marchessault (VGK) – March has two goals in each of his last two games and scored against the Jets the last time these two teams met and had four goals in five playoff games against them last season. Patrick Kane (CHI) – The Flyers have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to right-wingers over the last four weeks. Viktor Arvidsson (NSH) – Points in three straight games, good correlation play with Johansen at even strength and on the power-play. Patrik Laine (WPG) – Vegas has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game over the last four weeks to left-wingers. Matthew Tkachuk (CGY) – He’s getting expensive but his play speaks for itself with seven goals over his last five games. Josh Anderson (CBJ) – Continues to skate well and generate scoring chances with Duchene. James van Riemsdyk (PHI) – Points in five of his last six games and the Blackhawks have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to left-wingers over the past month. Defense Alex Pietrangelo (STL) – The Red Wings have allowed the second-most fantasy points to defensemen over the last four weeks and AP has six points in his last seven games against Detroit. Zach Weresnski (CBJ) – At $4,700, Werenski remains underpriced in a very good matchup with two goals and four assists in his last four games. Shea Theodore (VGK) – Three or more shots in six of his last eight games with eight points over that span. Mark Giordano (CGY) – Points in five straight games and a matchup against the Sens who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to defensemen over the past month. Duncan Keith (CHI) – The Flyers have allowed the third-most fantasy points to defensemen over the past four weeks. Value ($4,500 or less) T.J. Brodie (CGY) Jaccob Slavin (CAR) Charlie McAvoy (BOS) Marc-Edouard Vlasic (SJ) Esa Lindell (DAL) Vince Dunn (STL) Center – Wing Combo’s My favorite Center-Wing combos, listed in order to consider starting your cash/single entry contests with. Calgary Flames: Sean Monahan – Johnny Gaudreau St. Louis Blues: Ryan O’Reilly – Vladimir Tarasenko Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron – Brad Marchand Value / Secondary Center – Wing Combo’s Vegas Golden Knights: William Karlsson – Jonathan Marchessault Nashville Predators: Ryan Johansen – Viktor Arvidsson Columbus Blue Jackets: Matt Duchene – Josh Anderson Calgary Flames: Mikael Backlund – Matthew Tkachuk Top Goalies Pekka Rinne (NSH) Tuukka Rask (BOS) Sergei Bobrovsky (CBJ) Mike Smith (CGY) Carey Price (MTL) GOOD LUCK!!
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/20
*Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Three Skaters My top three skaters on the slate. Jack Eichel (BUF) Jack and the Sabres host the Leafs who come in skating in their second road game in as many nights. Eichel has nine goals, three assists, and 32 shots in his last seven games against the Leafs and Toronto has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to centers over the past four weeks. With no points in his last four games look for Jack to make his way onto the scoresheet in a matchup that he’s had success with in the past. Brock Boeser (VAN) Boeser has points in each of his last seven games and matches up with the Senators who have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to right-wingers over the past four weeks. The Sens have allowed 3.64 goals per game on the season and right around four goals per game on the road. Boeser and most of the Canucks are in great spots tonight. Auston Matthews (TOR) Much like Eichel, Matthews has had very good success against his opponent, in this case, the Buffalo Sabres. Matthews has seven goals, four assists, and 37 shots in his last seven games against the Sabres who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to centers over the past month. I expect scoring from both sides in this game and for Matthews to lead the Toronto side. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Three highlighted above. Center Mark Scheifele (WPG) – Two goals and two assists in his last three games and four points in his last three games against the Ducks. Elias Pettersson (VAN) – Points in five of his last six games and a matchup he’ll be able to exploit against Ottawa. Brayden Point (TB) – Tampa just went through a hard-fought game against Washington, one where the score is deceiving as Tampa put in two empty net goals to ice it. Still, I expect a productive effort from Point against Washington who just played last night. Wing Jeff Skinner (BUF) – Snapped a crazy scoring drought the other night and should be able to continue scoring against the Leafs who have allowed the most fantasy points per game to left-wingers over the past four weeks. Patrik Laine (WPG) – Still great value for a scorer that can put in multiple goals on any given night without even blinking. Blake Wheeler (WPG) – Points in 12 of his last 13 games and four points in his last three games against the Ducks. Nikita Kucherov (TB) – He didn’t have a point in his last game. That alone is shocking. He’ll have a better effort tonight against a tired Caps team. Tyler Johnson (TB) – Often the winger left alone on the second line, Johnson has four goals in his last five games. Willie Nylander (TOR) – Continues to click since being paired up on Matthews’ line. Defense Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF) – No points in his last six games but he’s still blocking shots, getting shots to the net, and the Leafs have allowed the most fantasy points to defensemen per game over the past four weeks. Alex Edler (VAN) – If he’s not scoring goals or getting assists he’s getting shots and blocked shots, and in most cases, he’s doing all of the above. Edler is a machine and his ice time has been creeping up around 30 minutes now that he’s back healthy. Morgan Rielly (TOR) – Four goals in his last six games and points in three straight against Buffalo. Victor Hedman (TB) – Hedman has points in six of his last seven games with four or more shots in four of those games. Value ($4,500 or less) Rasmus Dahlin (BUF) Tyler Myers (WPG) Troy Stecher (VAN) Cam Fowler (ANA) Mikhail Sergachev (TB) Center – Wing Combo’s My favorite Center-Wing combos, listed in order to consider starting your cash/single entry contests with. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel – Jeff Skinner Vancouver Canucks: Elias Pettersson – Brock Boeser Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews – Willie Nylander Top Goalies Connor Hellebuyck (WPG) Jacob Markstrom (VAN) Andrei Vasilevskiy (TB) GOOD LUCK!!
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/19
*Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Three Skaters My top three skaters on the slate. Nathan MacKinnon (COL) Mack has turned it up in the month of March with 10 points in eight games after a horrid February which saw him generate just 10 points in 14 contests. He has five goals and six assists in his last seven games against the Wild, a team that is one spot ahead of Colorado as they push for the last spot in the playoffs. MacKinnon has three goals and four assists in his last five games and I expect him to continue to carry the Avs down the stretch. Brendan Gallagher (MTL) Gally has no goals in his last five games, however, prior to this stretch, the right-winger had a goal in four consecutive outings. The Canadiens are another team looking to sneak into the playoffs as they sit three points out of the final spot in the Eastern Conference as of today. Gally has had success of late against the Flyers with four goals and two assists in his last five games against them. Look for a productive night from the Canadiens leading goal scorer as the Flyers have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to right-wingers over the past four weeks. Filip Forsberg (NSH) The Leafs have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to left-wingers over the past four weeks and have surrendered a whopping 23 goals in their last four games, most recently allowing six goals on the road to the Senators. Forsberg has four goals and 21 shots in his last five games and stands to be in a great spot against the porous Toronto defense. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Three highlighted above. Center Nicklas Backstrom (WSH) – Centers have killed the Devils over the past month and Backstrom has killed the Devils, especially over the last two seasons with 10 goals and seven assists in seven games against them. Ryan O’Reilly (STL) – O’Reilly has 37 points in 45 games against the Western Conference this season and Edmonton, who have allowed six goals in two of their last three games (Devils, Golden Knights) have allowed a lot of production to centers over the past four weeks. Patrice Bergeron (BOS) – Seven points in his last four games against the Islanders with six of those being goals. Dylan Larkin (DET) – Back, healthy, and no one on the Rangers can keep up with him. Matt Duchene (CBJ) – The Jackets are fighting for their playoff lives and Duchene is starting to turn his game up. He has two goals in his last three games, has eight shots over that span, and can make for a defensive nightmare for Calgary with how he pushes the pace, especially if Sean Monahan is out again. Ryan Johansen (NSH) – The Leafs haven’t shown any resistance defensively of late, especially to centers allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position over the past four weeks. RyJo is a good value play and has points in four consecutive games. Sebastian Aho (CAR) – Three goals in his last five games along with two assists against the Penguins. Carolina is trying to hold onto a playoff spot and Aho has been the go-to guy for them all season long. Mika Zibanajad (NYR) – The Red Wings have really struggled with centers over the past four weeks. Wing Alex Ovechkin (WSH) – He’s good and he also has four goals and six assists in his last four games against the Devils. Johnny Gaudreau (CGY) – He’s been a terror at home with 51 points in 37 games. Johnny has also dominated the Eastern Conference with 43 points (17 goals, 26 assists) in 30 games. Brad Marchand (BOS) – He’s a pest and has nine points in his last five games against the Islanders. Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA) – Second among forwards in points per 60 at 5 v 5 over the past month. Anders Lee (NYI) – Goal in four straight games, fourth amongst forwards in high-danger chances per 60 at 5 v 5 over the past month, and has four goals in his last eight games against the Bruins. Brayden Schenn (STL) – Opportunities keep coming skating on the top line and top power-play unit and Schenn has six goals and eight assists in his last six games against the Oilers. T.J. Oshie (WSH) – Correlates well with Backstrom at full strength and on the power play. James van Riemsdyk (PHI) – Six goals in his last five games and has three goals in his last six games against Montreal. Josh Anderson (CBJ) – Anderson has goals in two of his last three games and has really clicked with Duchene. He’s been a heavy volume shooter at a great value for some time now, specifically over his last seven games averaging four shots per game while never seeing his salary higher than $5,000. Justin Williams (CAR) – Correlation play with Aho on the top line and top power-play unit. Derrick Brassard (COL) – Remains a great value to pair up with MacKinnon on the top line and top power-play unit. Jimmy Vesey (NYR) – Vesey has been moved back up to the first line and is a great value correlation with Zibanajad against a bad Red Wings defense. Defense Roman Josi (NSH) – Toronto has allowed the most fantasy points per game to defensemen over the past four weeks. Shea Weber (MTL) – Weber has five points in eight games in March and should be in line for another productive night against the Flyers who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to defensemen over the past month. John Carlson (WSH) – Carlson has points in five consecutive games and has six points in his last seven games against New Jersey who is in the tank. Shayne Gostisbehere (PHI) – Ghost has points in each of his last
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/16
This will cover the main slate for tonight (Saturday) *Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Three Skaters My top three skaters on the slate. Auston Matthews (TOR) Matthews comes in on a roll with four goals in his last three games and takes on the Senators who he’s destroyed over his career. In 10 games against Ottawa, Matthews has 10 goals, six assists, and 36 shots. I would expect more production from AM34 and his linemates tonight. Sebastian Aho (CAR) The ‘Canes were shut down by Sergei Bobrovsky last night despite putting their best foot forward with 46 shots in the game. Aho comes in with four goals and five assists in his last five games against Buffalo and the Sabres have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers over the past month. Carolina is desperate to make their way into the playoffs and I expect them to come out with the same fire as they did last night, but with perhaps more success. Brendan Gallagher (MTL) When the Canadiens host the Blackhawks at the Bell tonight they’ll be taking on the team that has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to right-wingers over the last four weeks. Gallagher has more shots per 60 and high-danger chances per 60 at 5 v 5 than any other forward over the past month. Gally has gone four games without a goal, he gets at least one tonight. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Three highlighted above. Center Mark Scheifele (WPG) – Facing Calgary on a back to back and Scheifele woke up last game with three points. His salary, as a result, dropped to $6,400. Eric Staal (MIN) – Since leaving the Rangers, Staal has dominated the blue shirts with points in five straight against them including four goals, six assists, and 18 shots. Matt Duchene (CBJ) – Duchene and his line bring really good value into Boston and they’ve skated very well of late. Tomas Hertl (SJ) – The Preds have allowed 3.25 points per game to centers over the last four weeks and these teams’ two matchups this season have each totaled nine goals. Ryan Johansen (NSH) – Points in three straight games and points in six of his last eight games against the Sharks. Steven Stamkos (TB) – First meeting this season between these two teams but in their playoff series last year, Stammer has four goals in seven games. Mikael Backlund (CGY) – His splits aren’t great on the road, but the Jets have allowed a ton of production to centers of late. Jordan Staal (CAR) – At $4,100 he’s a great value and has good success against Buffalo with five points in his last four games against them. Phillip Danault (MTL) – Danault remains a great value on the top line with a good matchup against Chicago who has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last four weeks. Wing Blake Wheeler (WPG) – Points in six of his last seven games with eight goals and five assists over that span. Also has 10 points in his last 11 games against the Flames. Filip Forsberg (NSH) – Has had a ton of success against the Sharks of late with three goals and six assists in his last four games against them. Zach Parise (MIN) – The Rangers have looked piss poor defensively in their last two games. Parise is running a bit cold of late but this is a great spot at home for him to bounce back against New York playing their second game in as many nights. Evander Kane (SJ) – Expect Kane to be back tonight after the horrible tragedy that he and his family suffered this past week. Nikita Kucherov (TB) – It’s really hard not to mention Kuch right now. He has seven points in his last three games and leads the league in scoring. He’s going to score, the only question is whether or not he exceeds his hefty salary. Josh Anderson (CBJ) – Had four points against the Bruins the other night and has a goal with four shots last night. Good value and correlation play with Duchene. Willie Nylander (TOR) – Back on Matthews’ line FINALLY and they’re starting to click again, Matthews said it himself after last nights game. The value here offsets Matthews’ salary dramatically. Justin Williams (CAR) – Correlates well with Aho at even strength and on the power play. Matthew Tkachuk (CGY) – On fire with six goals and four assists in his last three games. Alex DeBrincat (CHI) – Two goals and two assists in his last three games as Chicago have scored 12 goals in their last two games. J.T. Miller (TB) – Great value again skating with Stamkos on the top line and top power-play unit. Defense Morgan Rielly (TOR) – Rielly has goals in both games against Ottawa this season and the Sens have allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to defensemen over the last four weeks. Charlie McAvoy (BOS) – If Krug remains out, McAvoy sees a nice boost here relative to his salary. He quarterbacked the power play and saw over 27 minutes of ice-time resulting in a goal and three shots in Krug’s absence Thursday. Shea Weber (MTL) – The Blackhawks have been susceptible to defensemen all season and Weber comes in with points in three of his last five games. Oliver Ekman-Larsson (ARI) – Skating extremely well and has goals in back to back games. The Oilers have shown some leaky spots in their defense of late. Zach Werenski (CBJ) – Had a goal and three assists against Boston the other night. I wouldn’t expect that production, but his salary is still very favorable in a game in which I think Columbus scores. Ryan Suter (MIN) – No points in his last three games but he’s still out there on the top pairing and top power-play unit. The Rangers have
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/14
I’m taking more of a cash game/single entry approach to my articles from here on out so there could be a better understanding of how to construct lineups with the information provided. *Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Three Skaters My top three skaters on the slate. Steven Stamkos (TB) The Red Wings allowed close to 40 shots against the Canadiens in their last game and allowed just three goals. They won’t have the same result if that happens against Tampa, especially considering that they’re without Dylan Larkin and have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last four weeks. Stamkos has produced against Detroit with six goals and three assists in his last eight games against them. I expect more production tonight. Ryan O’Reilly (STL) Over the past four weeks, Ottawa has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers. O’Reilly has delivered points in three of his last four games and has had success against Ottawa over the years. In his last eight games against the Sens, ROR has five goals and five assists on 31 shots. His toughness down low and ability to produce in all situations will cause major problems for one of the worst defensive teams in the league tonight. Brad Marchand (BOS) Marchand has been on a tear over the last month registering nine goals and 11 assists in 14 games. The Jets have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to left-wingers over the last four weeks including 2.58 points per game and over eight shots per contest over that stretch. While he’s been better at home than on the road, the scrappy left-winger has produced at a high level against the Western Conference this season with 18 goals and 20 assists in 28 games. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Three highlighted above. Center Evgeni Malkin (PIT) – The Sabres have allowed the most fantasy points per game to centers over the last four weeks and Malkin has points in three of his last four games with points in each of his last five against Buffalo. Brayden Point (TB) – Skating with one of, if not the best winger in the league and has a soft matchup that he should exploit. Tomas Hertl (SJ) – Points in five straight games and a matchup at home against a goalie playing his third career game. Mathew Barzal (NYI) – Barzal who was moved back to the top line in the Isles last game has seen his salary drop under the 6k mark. Barzal should be able to push the pace and control the puck against the Canadiens who are not a fast team. Nicklas Backstrom (WSH) – Has always produced against the Flyers and has points in each of his last four games with three goals and three assists, including a goal and an assist against the Flyers on March 6th. Patrice Bergeron (BOS) – Four goals and two assists in his last five games and a good matchup against the Jets tonight. Wing Nikita Kucherov (TB) – Kuch has owned the Red Wings with seven goals and five assists in his last seven games against them and I would expect more of the same tonight. Filip Forsberg (NSH) – Three goals in his last three games and the Kings have really struggled against wingers. Brad Marchand (BOS) – The Jets have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to left-wingers over the last four weeks. Patrik Laine (WPG) – Laine keeps seeing more minutes and more scoring opportunities on the top line. With the Bruins goaltending situation shaky at best of late, Laine is in a great spot to light the lamp tonight. Anders Lee (NYI) – Good correlation play with Barzal on the top line and top power-play unit. Brayden Schenn (STL) – Schenn has stepped up with Tarasenko out and has two goals, two assists, and 11 shots over his last four games. Phil Kessel (PIT) – Two goals in his last three games against the Sabres and has points in five of his last six games. Gustav Nyquist (SJ) – Moved up to the second line with Hertl and has three goals in his last four games. J.T. Miller (TB) – Great value to pair up with Stamkos on the top line and top power-play unit. Defense Victor Hedman (TB) – Points in five of his last seven games and a matchup against Detroit who has allowed the most fantasy points per game to defensemen over the last four weeks. Alex Pietrangelo (STL) – Been more active offensively with Vlad Tarasenko out and a great matchup tonight against Ottawa who has been gashed by defensemen all season long. John Carlson (WSH) – Philly has allowed nine goals to defensemen in their last 12 games and Carlson comes in with points in each of his last four games. Ryan Ellis (NSH) – Four points in his last four games against the Kings and L.A. has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to defensemen over the last four weeks. Charlie McAvoy (BOS) – Torey Krug is OUT tonight, McAvoy is bumped up on the top power-play unit. At $4,600, he may see close to 30 minutes of ice time. Value ($4,500 or less) Marc-Edouard Vlasic (SJ) Nick Leddy (NYI) Miro Heiskanen (DAL) Mattias Ekholm (NSH) Matt Niskanen (WSH) Ryan Suter (MIN) Cam Fowler (ANA) Center – Wing Combo’s My favorite Center-Wing combos, listed in order to consider starting your cash/single entry contests with. Tampa Bay Lightning: Brayden Point – Nikita Kucherov Boston Bruins: Patrice Bergeron – Brad Marchand Pittsburgh Penguins: Evgeni Malkin – Phil Kessel San Jose Sharks: Tomas Hertl – Gustav Nyquist Value/Secondary Center – Wing Combo’s St. Louis Blues: Ryan O’Reilly – Brayden Schenn Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos – J.T. Miller New York Islanders: Mathew Barzal – Anders Lee Top Goalies Matt Murray (PIT) Murray is OUT tonight. I do not trust
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/13
I’m taking more of a cash game/single entry approach to my articles from here on out so there could be a better understanding of how to construct lineups with the information provided. *Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Two Skaters My top two skaters on the slate. Connor McDavid (EDM) It’s damn near impossible to avoid Connor McDavid tonight on a short slate taking on the Devils who were bull rushed just last night by Calgary. But, of course, you already knew it was hard to avoid Connor McDavid here because, well, he’s Connor McDavid. Auston Matthews (TOR) The Leafs were embarrassed on home ice the other night and off the ice with remarks made by star defenseman Morgan Rielly. This is a bounceback spot for them at home against Chicago who have been good defensively over their last two games but had allowed 15 goals in their previous three, 11 of which came on the road. Matthews has four goals and four assists in five career games against Chicago and I’ll look for him to lead the Leafs here against the team that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last four weeks. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Two highlighted above. Center Elias Pettersson (VAN) – Pettersson’s raw ability and speed is enough of a separation factor to consider against the slower Rangers’ group up the middle. Dylan Strome (CHI) – Strome centered a line last game that was rolling against Arizona even though he came away with just one assist. Tonight he comes in at a good value again in a game with a good pace to it with time on the top power-play unit. Wing Mitch Marner (TOR) – The Blackhawks have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to right wingers over the last four weeks. Brock Boeser (VAN) – Boeser has a goal, three assists, and 11 shots in his last three games and has 26 points in 30 home games this season. Alex DeBrincat (CHI) – As I’d prefer to pay up for centers tonight, I like the discount of the Cat from Patrick Kane. Value Andreas Johnsson (TOR) – Still skating with Matthews and still a viable value option paired up with him and Chicago has allowed the most fantasy points per game to left-wingers over the last month. Zack Kassian (EDM) – Value winger whose game has elevated skating with McDavid, imagine that. Vladislav Namestnikov (NYR) – Skating well and producing since being moved up to the top line with Zibanajad. Defense Duncan Keith (CHI) – Toronto has given up the most fantasy points per game to defensemen over the last four weeks. Oscar Klefbom (EDM) – Even strength and power play correlation with McDavid’s line. Alex Edler (VAN) – Goals in back to back games and is a shot and blocked shot machine. Value Troy Stecher (VAN) – Even with Edler back, Stecher has seen 26, 27, 26, and 24 minutes over his last four games. Kevin Shattenkirk (NYR) – Points in back to back games and seeing time on the top power-play unit. Adam Larsson (EDM) – Top pairing with good ice time and 13 shots with seven blocks over his last five games. Also, in five games against the team that originally drafted him, Larsson has two points, six shots, and 11 blocked shots. Center – Wing Combo’s My favorite Center-Wing combos, listed in order to consider starting your cash/single entry contests with. Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews – Andreas Johnsson Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid – Zack Kassian Chicago Blackhawks: Dylan Strome – Alex DeBrincat Vancouver Canucks: Elias Pettersson – Brock Boeser Top Goalies Mikko Koskinen (EDM) – Should be a in line for a win against the pathetic Devils tonight but may not see a ton of work. Jacob Markstrom (VAN) – There is some substantial upside here for Markstrom. Over the last month, the Canucks have allowed the third-most shots per 60 at 5 v 5. The Rangers are very thin offensively scoring just 12 goals in their last six games. Look for Markstrom to see a lot of work but, unlike Koskinen, the win is not as reliable. I expect a bounce-back effort after being the victim of a Vegas early onslaught on Saturday night. GOOD LUCK!!
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/12
I’m taking more of a cash game/single entry approach to my articles from here on out so there could be a better understanding of how to construct lineups with the information provided. *Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Three Skaters My top three skaters on the slate. Tyler Seguin (DAL) Seguin and the Stars were a major disappointment Saturday night losing to the defensively-soft Blackhawks 2-1 at home. Tonight, they face the Sabres in Buffalo who will be without their best player for the next two games because this league is going soft. In any event, the Sabres were already struggling against centers allowing the second-most fantasy points per game to the position over the last four weeks. Seguin has four or more shots in five of his last eight games and I would expect him to be hunting for the twine tonight. Johnny Gaudreau (CGY) The Flames come in puttering at 6-4 over their last 10 games and have shown that they can be exploited coming down the stretch here. As they’ve been the Pacific Division frontrunner for the majority of the season, they find themselves in second right now. They’re coming off a huge home victory on Sunday night against their division rival Vegas Golden Knights. There’s always a possibility of a letdown performance after a huge win against a bottom-feeding team, in tonight’s case the Devils who have lost each of their last six games and are a putrid 8-23-3 on the road. I’m not buying it though and I expect the Flames to continue rolling. Gaudreau hasn’t recorded a point in three games but has 44 points in 33 home games this season. Suggesting that he’s due if the Flames are going to close out the season strong heading into the playoff, they’ll need Gaudreau to be the ring leader. Look for a big night out of him tonight. Brendan Gallagher (MTL) For the crowd that is always looking for the low-owned stud/sneaky play of the night, Gallagher may be just that. Not because of a tough matchup, but simply because Gally’s salary has shot up due mostly to his dominant play over the last month. On a Canadiens team that is 14th in goals per game (2.99), Gallagher leads with 30 goals, eight more than anyone else on the team (Max Domi, Tomas Tatar). He’s also taken more shots than anyone on the team and it’s not close. In fact, over the last four weeks, Gally has averaged 15.43 shots per 60 minutes at 5 v 5, more than anyone in the league. He’s also averaged 9.33 high-danger scoring chances per 60 at 5 v 5 over that span, a category in which he also leads all skaters. Over the last four weeks, the Detroit Red Wings have allowed the 10th-most high-danger scoring chances per 60, the ninth-most high-danger goals per 60, and the third-most shots against per 60 at 5 v 5. With Gally priced at or higher than some other top options in more attractive games tonight (Johnny Gaudreau, Jake Guentzel, Viktor Arvidsson to name a few), it’s pretty likely that he goes low owned in a great spot at home where he’s scored 31 goals in 75 games over the last two season and lit the lamp 18 times in 34 games this season. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Two highlighted above. Center Sean Monahan (CGY) – The Devils have allowed an average of 3.43 points per game to centers over the last month and Monny has been money at home all season. Patrice Bergeron (BOS) – Has a goal and an assist in each of his last two games against Columbus. Sidney Crosby (PIT) – On fire over the last month averaging the most points per 60 at 5 v 5 of any center in the league. Ryan O’Reilly (STL) – After a very uninspiring effort last night against the Blackhawks, the Coyotes take on O’Reilly and the Blues who have been one of the stronger teams since the all-star break. Max Domi (MTL) – Detroit has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last month and are still without Dylan Larkin. Domi comes in with the second-most points per 60 among centers over the last four weeks at 5 v 5. David Krejci (BOS) – Columbus is playing their second game in as many nights and Krejci is on fire with goals in each of his last four games. Mikael Backlund (CGY) – Good pivot down off of Monahan and Backlund has been skating very well manning the second line. Phillip Danault (MTL) – Detroit has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last four weeks and Danault is priced very nicely centering the first line. Wing Alex Radulov (DAL) – Rad has four goals in his last two games and Buffalo has been soft against right-wingers over the last month. Brad Marchand (BOS) – Marchand has five goals and five assists in his last six games against the Blue Jackets and has points in each of his last seven games. Patrik Laine (WPG) – Laine has been much more decisive and confident with the puck and shooting it since being moved back up to Scheifele’s line. His ice time has also seen an uptick with at least 17 minutes in each of his last eight games. Brayden Schenn (STL) – Schenn is second among all forwards in points per 60 over the last four weeks. With Tarasenko out for at least another week, look for Schenn to continue to see more scoring opportunities. Jake Guentzel (PIT) – Five goals and four assists over his last five games and had two goals at home against Washington earlier this season. Matthew Tkachuk (CGY) – Came out and had a monster effort with three goals and an assist on Sunday. He sees power-play time on the top unit as well. Defense Shea Weber (MTL)
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/11
I’m taking more of a cash game/single entry approach to my articles from here on out so there could be a better understanding of how to construct lineups with the information provided. *Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Three Skaters My top three skaters on the slate. Claude Giroux (PHI) Giroux comes in with points in each of his last seven games ready for a home matchup against the lowly Senators. Ottawa has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to right-wingers over the last four weeks. Philly is 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and have totaled 15 goals in their last three games against the Senators. Artemi Panarin (CBJ) In a closely matched contest, the Jackets travel to take on the Islanders tonight. Panarin comes in at a great discount at $5,800 after going three straight games without recording a point. Over his last 10 games against the Islanders, Panarin has 14 points with 30 shots. I’m looking for Columbus to push to pace in this matchup with Panarin’s ability to handle the puck being a big factor. John Tavares (TOR) Tavares is heating up with points in eight of his last nine games with five goals and eight assists over that span. He has multiple points in three of his last five contests against the Lightning. Tampa is one of the hotter teams in the league and has been all season, but the Leafs have scored 16 goals in their last four games. Tonight there will be goals here and I would expect Tavares’ line to dictate most of the scoring. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Two highlighted above. Center Sean Couturier (PHI) – Points in four straight games and five goals in his last nine games against the Senators. Matt Duchene (CBJ) – Big discount and a good matchup for Duchene who has three goals and three assists in his last three games against the Islanders. Auston Matthews (TOR) – Matthews is third over the last month among centers in shots per 60 at 5 v 5. Logan Couture (SJ) – I don’t see anyone on Minnesota capable of Couture’s ability to move the puck with his speed and generate scoring opportunities. Jonathan Toews (CHI) – 12 points in his last nine games against the Coyotes and has points in eight of his last 10 games. Nathan MacKinnon (COL) – His high salary is relatively easy to afford with the value available on both of his wings. Pierre-Luc Dubois (CBJ) – Running a bit cold right now but does have four goals in his last six games against the Islanders. His salary is way down tonight and he’s skating on the top line. Wing Mitch Marner (TOR) – Marner has points in five of his last six games and has recorded multiple points three times over that stretch. Timo Meier (SJ) – Over the last four weeks, Meier is fourth among forwards in shots per 60 at 5 v 5. Nikita Kucherov (TB) – Always worth his salary but Kuch is specifically in a good spot tonight as he comes in red hot (more points per 60 than any other forward over the last four weeks at 5 v 5) and in a game that should see great pace. Cam Atkinson (CBJ) – 10th among forwards in shots per 60 and sixth in goals per 60 at 5 v 5 this season. James van Riemsdyk (PHI) – Great value in a good matchup with top power-play time. Clayton Keller (ARI) – Has three goals in his last four games against the leaky Chicago defense. J.T. Compher / Derick Brassard (COL) – Both are viable as plays with MacKinnon at supreme value and top power-play time. Patrick Kane (CHI) – Has 15 points in his last 10 games against Arizona. Andreas Johnsson (TOR) – After a recent cold-spell, Johnsson’s price has dropped significantly. He’s still worth a play correlating with Matthews at even strength in a game that should see a lot of scoring chances on both sides. Defense Victor Hedman (TB) – Toronto has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to defensemen over the last four weeks. Ivan Provorov (PHI) – Ottawa continues to be gashed by defensemen and Provorov has seen 23+ minutes per game over his last three. Oscar Klefbom (EDM) – The Rangers have been bad against defensemen and Klefbom should see more scoring opportunities correlating with McDavid’s line at even strength. Thomas Chabot (OTT) – The Flyers have allowed on average the third-most points per game to defensemen over the past month and Chabot is one of, if not the Sens best offensive weapon. Tyson Barrie (COL) – Three or more shots in each of his last five games and heavily involved on offense. Value ($4,500 or less) Erik Johnson (COL) Ryan Suter (MIN) Jaccob Slavin (CAR) Zach Werenski (CBJ) Marc-Edouard Vlasic (SJ) Mikhail Sergachev (TB) Center – Wing Combo’s My favorite Center-Wing combos, listed in order to consider starting your cash/single entry contests with. Philadelphia Flyers: Sean Couturier – Claude Giroux Toronto Maple Leafs: John Tavares – Mitch Marner San Jose Sharks: Logan Couture – Timo Meier Columbus Blue Jackets: Pierre-Luc Dubois – Artemi Panarin Top Goalies Martin Jones (SJ) Brian Elliot (PHI) Phillip Grubauer (COL) Mikko Koskinen (EDM) GOOD LUCK!!
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/8
I’m taking more of a cash game/single entry approach to my articles from here on out so there could be a better understanding of how to construct lineups with the information provided. *Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Two Skaters My top two skaters on the slate. Aleksander Barkov (FLA) Bark has four goals in his last six games and gets a chance on home ice tonight against the Wild who impressed last night beating the Lightning in their own building 3-0. Minnesota has been stingy against the center position of late but Barkov is a different animal when it comes to the position, especially on a short slate. He sees a ton of ice time, second among centers on a per-game basis and skates in all situations. He leads the position in takeaways/60 supporting the fact that he’s tremendous defensively often wearing down his counterpart, in this game likely Eric Staal, to the point of which he creates a mismatch through the second half and late stages of games, especially at home. Barkov has been a machine on home ice this season accumulating 20 goals and 45 points in 34 games and I expect a big night from him tonight. Sebastian Aho (CAR) Aho comes in red hot with points in six straight games including five goals and three assists over that span. The Hurricanes, who are 18-10-4 at home this season host the Jets, 17-15 on the road, who have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to centers over that past month. Aho leads the team in goals and assists and should lead the red-hot ‘Canes, 8-1-1 over their last 10, tonight. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Two highlighted above. Center Mark Scheifele (WPG) – Seven points in his last four games. Evgeny Kuznetsov (WSH) – Expect high ownership here. I don’t love the Caps in this spot like I think most will, but Kuzy’s skill will be on display here. Vinnie Trocheck (FLA) – Florida exposure while stepping down from the high-priced Barkov. Centers a second line that generates a lot of shots and chaos. Jordan Staal (CAR) – Has six points in five games since returning after missing more than a month, dirt cheap as well at $3,600. Phillip Danault (MTL) – Value to correlate at even strength with… (see first “wing”) Wing Brendan Gallagher (MTL) – Over the past month, Gally leads all forwards with 15.86 shots per 60, 2.82 goals per 60, and high-danger scoring chances per 60 at 5 v 5. Patrik Laine (WPG) – Since being moved back to the top line with Scheifele and Wheeler, Laine has points in six of seven games including four goals and four assists averaging 3.28 shots per game. Jonathan Huberdeau (FLA) – Has really been clicking with Barkov of late and has generated the eighth-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 over that span of all forwards. Justin Williams (CAR) – Good correlation play with Aho at even strength and on the power play. The Jets have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to right-wingers over the last four weeks. Jason Zucker (MIN) – Now has six goals in his last six games after last nights hat trick and remains a great value. Jonathan Drouin (MTL) – Going through a tough stretch but is a value option as a one-off with top power-play exposure. Corey Perry (ANA) – Perry is a borderline dart throw these days but he’s still seeing first line and top power-play time and has a good matchup against Montreal who has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to right-wingers over the past month. Defense John Carlson (WSH) – No problem paying up for him for the Caps exposure considering how involved he is offensively. Ryan Suter (MIN) – Not even a question whether I roster him tonight or not. The value along with the matchup are both great. Damon Severson (NJ) – Possibly the best offensive player the Devils have right now (half joking) and the Caps are allowing a lot of production to defensemen. Jaccob Slavin (CAR) – Prefer him over Dougie Hamilton and Justin Faulk because of the value but all three are in play. Keith Yandle (FLA) – Points in four of his last seven games with multiple points in three of those contests. Jeff Petry (MTL) – I prefer the discount that comes with Petry over the high salary of Shea Weber. Petry is seeing minutes on the top power-play unit as well. Center – Wing Combo’s My favorite Center-Wing combos, listed in order to consider starting your cash/single entry contests with. Florida Panthers: Aleksander Barkov – Jonathan Huberdeau Carolina Hurricanes: Sebastian Aho – Justin Williams Montreal Canadiens: Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher Top Goalies Carey Price (MTL) Curtis McElhinney (CAR) GOOD LUCK!!
NHL DFS: The Point Shot – 3/7
I’m taking more of a cash game/single entry approach to my articles from here on out so there could be a better understanding of how to construct lineups with the information provided. *Note: All pricing references are based on DraftKings pricing. Key Three Skaters My top three skaters on the slate. Jack Eichel (BUF) The Blackhawks have allowed 14 goals in their last three games and are playing their first home game since February 24th. Eichel comes into play tonight with points in eight of his last nine games, including six goals and four assists over that span. Chicago has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points over the last four weeks including 22 goals and 24 assists. This game should see a good pace and some scoring and I would expect the charge for Buffalo to be led, as usual, by Eichel and his line. Anders Lee (NYI) Lee and the Islanders face the Senators again, this time in Ottawa after beating them 5-4 at home on Tuesday night. The Sens continue to funnel points to left-wingers allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to the position over the last four weeks. Lee, who kills the Senators has goals in each of his last six games against Ottawa totaling seven goals over that span. Cam Atkinson (CBJ) The Blue Jackets owe the Penguins one as they’ve lost each of their last two games against Pittsburgh, once at home and once in Pittsburgh. The Jackets have gone 5-5 in their last 10 games and need a road victory tonight, something that they’ve been accustomed to this season with a 20-10-1 record away from home. Atkinson has goals in both games against Pittsburgh this season and the Pens have been friendly to right-wingers of late allowing 10 goals to the position in their last 14 games. Top Positional Plays Outside of the Key Three highlighted above. Center High-Price Tier ($6,500 and above) Nathan MacKinnon (COL) – He’s had his way with the Stars in two games this season with a total of two goals, four assists, and 14 shots. Mika Zibanajad (NYR) – The Red Wings have allowed the second-most fantasy points to centers over the last four weeks including 23 goals and 38 assists over the 13-game stretch. Ryan O’Reilly (STL) – Even on the back end of a back to back, O’Reilly shouldn’t have any trouble with the Kings who have allowed 21 goals and 26 assists to centers over their last 14 games. Matt Duchene (CBJ) – Still looking to get himself going with just one point since being traded to Columbus. Duchene has enjoyed success against Pittsburgh with four goals and an assist in his last four games against them. Mid-Price Tier (Between $5,100 and $6,400) Brock Nelson (NYI) – Nelson has goals in two of his last three games against Ottawa and the Sens have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to centers over the last four weeks. Logan Couture (SJ) – The Canadiens have allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to centers over the last four week. Couture has generated 14 shots in his last four games. David Krejci (BOS) – Four points during the Bruins’ current four-game homestand. Continues to see a bump in upside skating on the top power-play unit as well. Mathew Barzal (NYI) – Was all over the ice the other night against Ottawa in 19:26 of ice time, including 4:51 of power-play time, but wasn’t able to generate anything offensively. Look for a bounce-back effort tonight. Value-Price Tier ($5,000 or Below) Vinnie Trocheck (FLA) – Too cheap assuming that he sees his usual 20 minutes, or close to that. Vinnie has at least four shots in each of his last five games totaling 23 shots over that span. Anze Kopitar (LA) – Two goals and two assists in his last three games and six points (three goals, three assists) in his last four against the Blues who are playing their second game in as many nights on the road. Wing High-Price Tier ($6,500 and above) Patrick Kane (CHI) – Buffalo has allowed the most fantasy points to the right-wing position over the last four weeks and Kane has totaled 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in his last seven games against his hometown team as if you needed any more reason to consider Patrick Kane as an option. Mikko Rantanen (COL) – Clicking once again with points in seven of his last eight games, including five goals and four assists over that span. Against the Stars, Ranto has multi-point efforts in two games this season compiling three goals and two assists. Brad Marchand (BOS) – Three goals and three assists on the Bruins’ current four-game homestand. Mike Hoffman (FLA) – Had two goals on nine shots against the Bruins earlier this season. As part of a second line that generates a ton of shots, Hoffman has 14 of them over his last four games. Brendan Gallagher (MTL) – Goals in each of his last four games on 16 shots. Gallagher is generally matchup proof considering the number of shots and high-danger scoring chances he generates. Leon Draisaitl (EDM) – Quietly second in the league with 41 goals. He’s scorching hot with 14 goals in his last 15 games and faces a Canucks team that just played into overtime winning in comeback fashion last night. Mid-Price Tier (Between $5,100 and $6,400) Jeff Skinner (BUF) – No goals in his last nine games, but he’s generated 15 shots in his last three games and is priced down a bit tonight in a great matchup. Chris Kreider (NYR) – Detroit has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to right-wingers over the past month and Kreids, who’s been very consistent all year, is due for a good effort. Phil Kessel (PIT) – Has points in each of his last three games against Columbus who have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to right-wingers over the past month. Sam Reinhart (BUF) – Chicago has
