NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Wednesday 1/19/22
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
Pavel Francouz ($8,200): As the largest (-275) favorites on the slate, the Colorado Avalanche are going to be a popular option in all formats. The Avs are one of the hottest teams in the league and have one of the best offenses, that can help win them any game. That's what it ultimately comes down to for Francouz in net. We are banking on their offense doing their part to help them pick up the win rather than specifically looking to Francouz as a goalie option.
However, the matchup against the Anaheim Ducks is actually an easier one. They come scoring only 2.17 Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 11th lowest in the league. A lackluster offense on the other side should make things a bit easier for Francouz and his ability to pick up the win tonight.
High-Priced Skaters
Mikko Rantanen ($9,400): Shots, shots, shots, shots, and more shots. That's what we have been seeing from Rantanen as of late, coming in with 41 shots on goal over his last 10 games. Add in 18 NHL points in that same span, and we are looking at one of the best offensive options not only on this three-game slate but in the entire league. The Avalanche are carrying a slate-high 3.95 implied goal total tonight, and that shouldn't come as a surprise since they are scoring goals at an unbelievable clip this season.
They come in with 3.46 Goals scored per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the second-highest in the league. They also have a 60.53 Corsi For (Total Shot Attempts Created), which is the fourth-best in the league. They are an elite offense and should be a priority target on a small three-game slate.
Jack Hughes ($8,100): The New Jersey Devils are large home favorites (-205) and have a high implied goal total (3.44), making them an obvious target versus the Arizona Coyotes. In not-so-breaking news, the Coyotes are bad on defense, and you should look to attack them when they are on the slate. To be exact, they are allowing the third-most (3.02) Goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, giving the Devils a clear spot to reach for a fantasy ceiling.
Hughes is on the Devils' second forward line and the first power-play unit, which has helped him pile up 13 NHL points, 40 shots on goal, and 6 blocked shots over his past 10 games. Outside of Hughes, most of the Devils' skaters are very affordable and can be used as a source of value on this small three-game slate.
Value Skaters
Michael Bunting ($4,800): The Toronto Maple Leafs are always capable of posting plenty of goals but they have several expensive skaters. The top-tier options for the Leafs are expensive and ultimately, the top skaters for the Avalanche are simply in a better spot. This is why I'd rather spend up for the Avs players and find some value on the Maple Leafs -- such as Bunting. He has a modest 5 NHL points and 22 shots on goal over the past 10 games but is on the first forward line alongside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. This increases his offensive equity a bit overall, and at under $5,000, he is a great salary to pay for some exposure to those players.
