NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Monday 4/18/22
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 ($8,000): The Carolina Hurricanes need to win tonight's game against the Arizona Coyotes -- there's really no other way to put it. The Canes are -400 road favorites, come in on a two-game losing streak, and are now tied in points at the top of the Metro Division. What was a multi-point lead is now gone after losing five of their last eight games. This is a chance for them to right the ship against one of the worst teams in the league and get back on track before the playoffs start.
Over the past three weeks, the Coyotes are allowing a mind-boggling 4.91 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is dead last in the league by nearly 0.90 goals. This is a situation where Raanta should be in a spot to pick up the win via the Hurricanes' offense powering them to a win against a very weak defense.
High-Salaried Skaters
Johnny Gaudreau ($9,300): The Calgary Flames have a 4.04 implied goal total, which is the third-highest on the slate against a weak Chicago Blackhawks defense. Gaudreau has a career-high 105 NHL points this season and is consistently a threat for multiple points on any given night. We should see that on full display against Chicago, who are allowing 3.91 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over the past three weeks, which is the fourth-most in the league.
Gaudreau comes in with 15 NHL points and 29 shots on goal over the last 10 games while seeing time on the first forward line and the first power-play unit for the Flames. This is as straightforward of a matchup as we can find, so roll with one of the best players in the league.
Jack Eichel ($7,700): The Vegas Golden Knights have a slate-high 4.11 implied goal total at home and are set to take on the New Jersey Devils. Vegas is another team looking to get back on track after losing three of their last five games, making the Western Conference Wild Card race even tighter.
The Golden Knights need to pick up this win, and hopefully, they do so with plenty of offense against the Devils, who are allowing 3.66 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over the past three weeks, which is the sixth-most in the league. Eichel is on the second forward line and the first power-play unit, coming in with 10 NHL points and 46 shots on goal over his last 10 games.
Values Skaters
Seth Jarvis ($4,400): As noted above, this is a very favorable matchup for the Hurricanes, and looking to get exposure to their offense is a great call tonight. A 3.87-goal implied total is what we see Carolina, and coming off of two straight losses, they need to flex their offense against the Coyotes. Jarvis is on the top forward line and the second power-play unit, which is a surprisingly strong role for a player at only $4,400. He is worth getting into your lineup with this matchup and this salary.
Andre Burakovsky ($5,100): With an over/under now up to 7.0, the Colorado Avalanche hosting the Washington Capitals is a great spot to look for fantasy production. Both teams are in the top six of the league for the most goals scored per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over the past three weeks, putting us in a spot for plenty of scoring. Burakovsky, who happens to be going up against his former team, is thriving right now with 7 NHL points and 11 shots on goal over his last five games. An active three-game point streak shows a good bit of consistency, and he can be had for a rather modest salary.
