NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Thursday 5/12/22
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
Andrei Vasilevskiy ($8,300): Since the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning are 16-0 following a loss in the postseason. Tonight, they are trying to not only extend that streak but extend their season since they are down 3-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tampa comes in as -132 home favorites and will look to slow down the Toronto offense, who have scored three goals or more in each of the five games in this series.
Ultimately, we're hoping for win equity with Vasilevskiy and the Lightning since it doesn't seem they are going to be able to limit the scoring from the Maple Leafs. Vasilevskiy has piled up at least 27 saves in three of the five games in this series, giving him a good floor to build on with the potential win points.
High-Salaried Skaters
Leon Draisaitl ($10,000): To say this is the most important game of Draisaitl's and Connor McDavid's careers might be an understatement. The Edmonton Oilers have gotten past the first round only one time in the McDavid-Draisaitl era, and now, they are facing elimination against the Los Angeles Kings. Draisaitl is doing his part with 7 NHL points and 14 shots on goal in the first five games of this series, presenting a strong floor and fantasy ceiling to reach for.
Despite being down 3-2 and being on the road, the Oilers are still the favorite tonight (-142) and come in with a slate-high 3.45 implied goal total. Hopefully, Draisaitl and the Oilers can get the offense going early and often to extend this series tonight.
David Pastrnak ($8,600): The Boston Bruins are down 3-2 and need an elite performance from their best offensive player if they want to stay alive for one more game. Through the first five games of their series against the Carolina Hurricanes, Pastrnak has piled up at least five shots on goal in every game. He's added in four NHL points on top of that, making him a clear target for fantasy production.
He skates on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, putting him in a spot to continue the high floor of production. It's do-or-die for one of the best goal scorers in the league, and he needs to find the back of the net tonight.
Value Skaters
Seth Jarvis ($4,600): The Canes' rookie has a solid 4 NHL points and 16 shots on goal in the five games against the Bruins, making him one of the more productive value options on the slate. Seeing time on the first forward line and the first power-play is huge for a young player, but it's even more impressive for a player who is under $5,000. Jarvis should keep his role on those units, allowing him to reach for high point-per-dollar value if he can score.
Phillip Danault ($5,500): Danault is on the second forward line and the first power-play unit for the Kings, which has helped him be one of the best players in their series against the Oilers. Danault has provided value every night this series, totaling five NHL points, nine shots on goal, and six blocked shots. He's typically not viewed as an "offensive-minded" forward, which can cause him to go overlooked on most slates.
