3 NHL FanDuel Values to Target on 4/20/21
Spending lower in any daily fantasy lineup is a way to incorporate some diversity into your roster. In NHL DFS, there is typically more value in this strategy but also a good deal more risk. This is especially true on tonight's slate, where there are lots of lower-salaried plays. Plugging in these options will afford you more chances to play some studs, as well.
Tuesday night's seven-game NHL slate begins at 7:00 pm EDT. Let's look at some value picks.
Michael McLeod, Center, New Jersey Devils
FanDuel Salary: $3,100
When does FanDuel figure out the New Jersey Devils' lineup? Honestly, most cannot understand some of the utilization either. Michael McLeod has been playing top-six minutes for most of the past eight games. Though he only has six shots on goal in the last four, he does have six scoring chances, and a hit crossbar plus post.
The Pittsburgh Penguins do occasionally have some matchup issues defensively, and weirdly, against New Jersey. With Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt injured, McLeod has inserted himself nicely as a net-front presence in all situations. Also, the center blocked four shots in his last matchup versus these very same Penguins.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau ($3,600) is our moderate-risk choice from the New York Islanders against a New York Rangers team that plays a bit loose defensively at times.
Anthony Duclair, Wing, Florida Panthers
FanDuel Salary: $3,700
Anthony Duclair is a top-six gift that keeps on giving from the Florida Panthers. He can produce moderate to high shot totals and chance outputs and he has the speed to burn on the wing. His ability to get by defenders makes him an asset. This is especially true against a Columbus Blue Jackets team that routinely allows 35 shots a game currently.
Duclair has been hot of late with a six-game real-world point streak. He has 15 shots in that span and even survived a brief injury scare as well. The winger has a dozen high-scoring chances and three goals in that span. Columbus gave up four goals to Florida on Monday night and expectations are high that Duclair and Florida could meet that total again.
The values are a little bit buyer-beware tonight but Danton Heinen ($3,500) may be worth a look from the Anaheim Ducks. Just do not fall for the Luke Glendening ($3,600) trap. Glendening can be rostered but do not expect two goals again.
Brian Dumoulin, Defenseman, Pittsburgh Penguins
FanDuel Salary: $3,700
As the final weeks approach, some unexpected names should be on the radar against particular teams. Brian Dumoulin fits that criteria from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The defenseman is excellent at moving the puck, and though he is mostly a secondary option when it comes to offense, Dumoulin matches up well against New Jersey. He had three assists, three shots, and seven blocks in their last two-game miniseries. He plays 21-22 minutes a night and in all situations which can boost his floor.
Looking around the value bin, Esa Lindell ($3,600) is a reasonable floor option for blocked shots on Tuesday against Detroit. He may even chip in a real-world point.
Chris Wassel is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Chris Wassel also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username chriswassel. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.
