NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Thursday 3/2/23
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 and 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 and take a look at today's slate and some players to consider for your lineups.
Goalie to Target
Pheonix Copley ($8,100): The Los Angeles Kings are -275 home favorites against the Montreal Canadiens, which should be a straightforward win for Copley. Over his last 10 games, Copley has allowed three goals or fewer seven times, which he should be able to continue tonight. This season, the Canadiens are scoring 2.41 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 10th lowest in the league.
The Canadiens' defense is also struggling this season to the tune of 2.85 foals allowed per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the eighth-worst in the league. This should help the Kings' offense pile up the goals, putting Copley in a spot for the win.
High-Salaried Skaters
David Pastrnak ($10,100): Pasta just got a big contract extension from the Boston Bruins, locking up their best player for many years to come. It's always great to have a fun narrative, but Pastrnak doesn't need it this season; he's on fire. He comes in with 80 NHL points in 60 games while averaging over 4.5 shots on goal per game.
The Bruins boast one of the best offenses in the league, and since the start of February, they are scoring 3.36 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the fourth-best mark in the league. Their matchup against the Buffalo Sabres is flat-out unbelievable since over that same time, the Sabres are allowing 3.73 goals per 60, which is the worst in the league.
It's no surprise to see the Bruins with a slate-high 3.95 implied goal total in what should be a huge offensive game for the freshly-extended, goal-scoring winger.
Kevin Fiala ($7,700): With a 3.93 implied goal total, the Kings should be a popular team in all formats tonight. As noted above, this is a great matchup for the Kings since the Canadiens' defense has been so weak this season. Over the past month, the Kings are scoring 3.08 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 10th-best rate in the league.
They are certainly getting the offense going, but Fiala has been on a bit of a cold streak. He has no goals over his last five games but has managed 3 assists and 11 shots on goal. His role is still elite on the second forward line and the first power-play unit, putting him in a great spot against this weak defense. As I explained on Covering The Spread, this is too good of a spot to pass up.
Value Skaters
Anton Lundell ($4,500): With Aleksander Barkov still out for the Florida Panthers, Lundell will be in the center on the first forward line and second power-play unit. Given his affordable salary, Lundell is shaping up to be one of the best values on the slate tonight with an offensive role for a team with a 3.69 implied goal total.
Over the last month, the Panthers are scoring 3.30 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the seventh-best mark in the league. With this scoring potential, you absolutely want some low-salaried exposure to this offense.
Jared McCann ($5,700): McCann has been super solid lately for the Seattle Kraken, coming in with 8 NHL points and 24 shots on goal over his last 10 games. A role on the first forward line and the first power-play unit put him in a spot to continue this scoring stretch.
The Kraken have a 3.33 implied goal total against the Detroit Red Wings. Surprisingly, the Kraken lead the NHL with 3.10 goals scored per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations this season, so McCann -- at salary -- is a clear target tonight.
