NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Thursday 4/14/22
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
Antti Raanta ($8,600): With the final stretch of the season approaching, it's time to lean on the teams that have the motivation to win games. That starts with the Carolina Hurricanes, who are huge -400 favorites tonight at home versus the Detroit Red Wings. The Canes have been one of the strongest defensive teams throughout the entire season, and they've actually gotten better in recent games.
Over the last three weeks, the Canes are allowing only 1.95 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fifth-fewest in the league during this time. That's also better than their season rate of 2.09 goals -- albeit not by much -- but it's good to see they are tightening up their defense as the season comes to an end. This should put Raanta in a spot to pick up the win against a lackluster Red Wings lineup.
High-Salaried Skaters
Brad Marchand ($8,300): Speaking of teams with motivation to win, the Boston Bruins can clinch a playoff spot with a win today and a little bit of help from the Pittsburgh Penguins. They need to take care of business against the Ottawa Senators, who are allowing 2.64 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations this season, the 14th-most in the league.
The Bruins' offense has exploded over the past three weeks, scoring 3.75 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the second-most in the league in that span. They are getting scoring from all over the place -- except for Marchand. He has no goals, 2 NHL points, and 23 shots on goal over his last five games. He's simply a much better offensive player than what he is currently showing and has a great matchup to get back on track tonight.
Connor McDavid ($10,000): McDavid has 108 NHL points this season to lead the league, yet he has no points in his last two games. While that may not seem like a big deal, McDavid rarely goes multiple games in a row without recording a point, so I'm expecting him to find the scoresheet tonight versus the Nashville Predators in a game with a solid 6.0 over/under.
The Edmonton Oilers have a 3.21 implied total and come in scoring 2.97 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over the past three weeks, both of which show they have a strong offense and plenty of fantasy potential. Despite no points in his last two games, McDavid still has 15 NHL points and 52 shots on goal over his last 10 games overall.
Value Skaters
Nick Paul ($3,700): The Tampa Bay Lightning have a 3.78 implied goal total and are massive -360 home favorites against the Anaheim Ducks. Paul has been a welcome addition to the Lightning. They have him skating on the second forward line and the second power-play unit. He's got a modest 6 NHL points, 18 shots on goal, and 8 blocked shots in his last 10 games, giving him some solid point-per-dollar value. The Lightning are another team that can clinch a playoff spot tonight, so they shouldn't let off the gas even if they get a lead against the Ducks.
Justin Faulk ($4,700): The St. Louis Blues have scored four or more goals in nine straight games and can continue that run versus the Buffalo Sabres. The consistent offensive production from the Blues in recent games has been amazing, and getting cheaper exposure to that is never a bad idea. Faulk is the defender on the second power-play unit for the Blues and has been unbelievable as of late. He comes in with 11 NHL points, 21 shots on goal, and 13 blocked shots across his last 10 games. He has offensive upside along with a strong floor, which puts him in play in all formats.
