NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Wednesday 2/9/22
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
Ilya Sorokin/Semyon Varlamov ($7,600): The New York Islanders are -115 road favorites versus the Vancouver Canucks, and their goalies are too cheap tonight. The Islanders are one of the better defensive teams in the league, allowing only 2.13 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the seventh-best. This has been their calling card over the past few seasons, and it holds true this year, which is why it's interesting to see their goalies under $8,000.
They have a very favorable matchup against the Canucks, who are on the second night of a back-to-back. Overall this season, the Canucks are a very weak offensive team, scoring 1.88 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the second-lowest in the league. A lack of offense from the Canucks and a strong defense from the Islanders should put the latter in a spot to win the game.
High-Priced Skaters
John Gaudreau ($8,900): The Calgary Flames have a 3.17 implied goal total tonight, and the offensive options could push past that. The matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights should see plenty of scoring, as both teams are in the top 10 for the most goals scored per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. That's why we see the game total sitting at 6.0, a good indication there will be plenty of scoring back and forth.
Gaudreau was hot prior to the All-Star break, posting 17 NHL points and 44 shots on goal in his last 10 games. A role on the first forward line and the first power-play always put him in a spot to reach for his fantasy ceiling, something that can push you towards the top of tournaments. Look to stack him with Matthew Tkachuk ($8,400) and Elias Lindholm ($6,700).
Patrick Kane ($8,300): The Chicago Blackhawks may have an amazing offense, but they have a matchup worth attacking tonight. The Blackhawks are scoring 1.81 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, putting them as the worst team in the league. That's right, they are the league's worst offense, but they have a clear plus matchup tonight versus the Edmonton Oilers, who are in the bottom 10 for the most goals allowed per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations.
The Oilers are coming off a 4-0 loss last night and should have their third-string goalie Stuart Skinner tonight, an added boost for the Blackhawks. Kane comes in with 10 NHL points and 42 shots on goal in his last 10 games, a good floor and ceiling combo to lock in versus this defense.
Value Skaters
Jared McCann ($5,900): While McCann might be a tad more expensive than a normal value play, he is well worth a roster spot tonight versus the Arizona Coyotes. It's no surprise we are looking to target the Coyotes, as they are giving up the fourth-most (3.06) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. We've been attacking them all season, and we're not going to stop now. McCann and the Seattle Kraken have a 3.52 implied goal total tonight, which is the second-highest on the slate, putting them in a spot to be a bit chalky.
McCann is another player who ended the first part of the season on fire with 7 NHL points and 21 shots on goal in his last 10 games. McCann makes a solid addition to either cash games or tournament lineups.
Kailer Yamamoto ($3,900): The Oilers need a big bounceback after a 4-0 loss last night. If the Oilers are going to be scoring, it generally comes from their top units, and we want to be getting exposure there. Yamamoto is on the first forward line alongside Connor McDavid, which is a very favorable role to have. Sharing ice time with the best player in the league can put him in a spot to pick up an easy assist or goal simply for being on the ice with McDavid. It's a bit of a punt play but has clear upside.
