NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Wednesday 4/28/21
NHL DFS is similar to MLB in terms of how you build lineups, how you view stacking, and how to value players.
Two main points to always focus on in NHL DFS are what lines the players are on and making sure the goalies you are rostering are confirmed as the starters. Two of the best resources for that are LeftWingLock.com or DailyFaceOff.com. That is where you can find updated forward and power-play lines for each team, along with which goalies are confirmed as the starters.
Let's jump in to take a look at today's slate and some players to consider for your lineups.
Goalie to Target
Connor Hellebuyck ($7,700): Hellebuyck and the Winnipeg Jets are only +108 home underdogs against the Edmonton Oilers, so you can take a shot with him in tournaments tonight. Hellebuyck is confirmed as the starter tonight, and he offers a slight amount of salary relief, which can go a long way on a smaller slate with very clear top-tier skaters to pay up for. It's no secret that Hellebuyck has been struggling as of late, with losses in each of his last three starts, allowing a total of 12 goals in that time.
However, Hellebuyck generally sees a high save volume because the Jets allow the 10th-most (55.25) Corsi Against (total shots attempts allowed) per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. He also has some win equity, as the Oilers' defense on the other side isn't amazing, allowing the 13th-most (2.46) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. If the Jets' offense can take care of business and score on a weak defense, Hellebuyck can come away with the win even in a lackluster performance.
High-Priced Skaters
Connor McDavid ($9,300): Even though I just mentioned Hellebuyck as an option for a goalie I like tonight, there is no reason you should be shying away from McDavid, who is going against him. Of course, don't play them in the same lineup together, but to not mention McDavid tonight is downright silly. He is doing his usual thing with 19 NHL points in his last 10 games, along with 30 shots on goal. The high-floor and high-ceiling combination he brings on a nightly basis are borderline unmatched.
As noted above, the Jets are giving up a ton of shot attempts every game, which will play right into the hands of McDavid, who is averaging 3.6 shots on goal per game. With his time on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, he will continue to have plenty of chances to cash in against a weak Jets defense.
Evander Kane ($7,100): The San Jose Sharks and Arizona Coyotes matchup could be the most exciting one on the slate, and it won't get the limelight. By most interesting, I mean the most interesting from a fantasy perspective because that's what we care about. In the five games between these two teams this season, four games have hit the over, according to KillerSports. While this matchup doesn't feature a ton of star power, the scoring potential is high here.
This is where we turn to Kane, who has a solid 8 NHL points in his last 10 games and a surprisingly high 34 shots on goal in that time. The Coyotes are in the bottom 12 of the league in both Corsi Against (54.83) and goals allowed (2.57) per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. This should allow Kane to continue his recent string of strong performances, and if this matchup hits the over again, he can push towards his fantasy ceiling.
Value Skaters
Phil Kessel ($5,700): Since the Sharks and Coyotes' games this season have been hitting the over a ton, why not get more exposure to it? This is shaping up to be the perfect spot for a game stack, and looking to Kessel from Arizona should fit into any lineup. His role is very consistent on the second forward line and the second power-play unit, giving him ample chances to score. Speaking of scoring, he has posted 9 NHL points and 25 shots on goal in his last 10 games, both of which are the highest on the Coyotes among their forwards.
