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 ($7,600): The Carolina Hurricanes will have Raanta in net tonight for a crucial Game 5 against the Boston Bruins. The series is tied 2-2 with a pivot game on tap, I'm expecting a lower-scoring contest. The first four games of this series have all finished with at least six goals, which is a lot for the playoffs.
Seeing a bit of regression when it comes to scoring -- and scoring chances overall -- shouldn't be a surprise. Both teams were in the top 10 of the league during the regular season for the lowest Corsi Against (Total Shot Attempts Allowed) and the fewest goals allowed, both per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. Both teams are far better than what they've shown on defense so far and should see those units step up to lead a lower-scoring game.
High-Salaried Skaters
Auston Matthews ($10,200): The Toronto Maple Leafs have a 3.38 implied goal total tonight and need to keep the offense going if they are going to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning. This is another series that is tied 2-2, and the good news for the Maple Leafs is that they are scoring a consistent amount. They've scored three-plus goals in three of the four games in this series, a strong level of production we should look to get into our lineups.
Matthews comes in with 6 NHL points and 15 shots on goal in the first four games of this series, showing he is well worth that high salary. He is one of the few players in the league that can post a multi-point performance in a single period -- a ceiling that can always help you win a tournament.
Andrei Svechnikov ($6,300): Despite the fact I'm leaning on the under in the Canes versus Bruins matchup, there are some options I like in this game. At the top of the list would be Svechnikov, who is rather affordable and plays a strong role on the first forward line and the first power-play unit. He has only 2 NHL points and 13 shots on goal in the first four games of the series. While the shots on goal are solid, only two NHL points is rather low considering the Hurricanes have scored 14 goals in the four games.
Svechnikov had 30 goals and 39 assists in 78 games this season, putting him near the highest on the team. He's a strong offensive producer for the Canes, and he needs to get that going if they are going to have a shot in this series.
Value Skaters
Justin Faulk ($4,600): Faulk has been one of the more consistent fantasy defenders throughout the entire season, and he is still under $5,000. He skates on the second defensive pairing and the second power-play for the St. Louis Blues, who come in with a 3.01 implied goal total tonight.
In the first four games of the series, Faulk is doing what he always does: fill up the stat sheet and provide great point-per-dollar value. He has only 2 NHL points but enters with 11 shots on goal, and 7 blocked shots in the four games. That's a strong floor of points with a bit of a ceiling to reach for.
Trevor Moore ($5,000): Heroes are made during the playoffs, and Moore is doing his best to be that for the Los Angeles Kings. Moore had 48 NHL points in 81 games during the regular season. That's about as average as you can find in the league. He's a depth player who has turned things up to a new level in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He's got the hot hand right now with a team-high 5 NHL points through four games along with 12 shots on goal.
A consistent role on the second forward line and the second power-play unit should allow him to keep the scoring going against the Edmonton Oilers in a game that features a lofty 6.5-goal total tonight.