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
Andrei Vasilevskiy ($8,200): The Tampa Bay Lightning are -164 home favorites against the Minnesota Wild and are looking to bounce back after a two-game losing streak. While a two-game losing streak may not seem long, the Lightning are a strong team and have shown the ability to minimize losses -- especially at home -- this season.
The Lightning are in the top half of the league for the fewest goals allowed (2.34) and Corsi Against (54.43), both per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. This puts them as one of the better defensive teams on the slate and matches up well against a Wild offense that is struggling right now. Over the last two weeks, the Wild are scoring 1.90 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the sixth-worst in the league.
High-Salaried Skaters
David Pastrnak ($10,500): When it comes to an elite goal-scoring upside, Pastrnak is among the best in the league. Not many can match him. The Boston Bruins have a slate-high 3.87 implied goal total against the Montreal Canadiens and have the ability to pass that in a hurry.
The Canadiens are still struggling on defense to the tune of the seventh-most (2.85) goals allowed and the seventh-worst (59.87) Corsi Against this season. Pastrnak should be able to jump all over that and reach for his fantasy ceiling tonight.
Over the last 10 games, Pastrnak has 15 NHL points, 38 shots on goal, and 5 blocked shots while seeing time on the second forward line and the first power-play unit.
Elias Pettersson ($9,400): The Vancouver Canucks are carrying a 3.82 implied goal total, looking to pick up their first win after a coaching change over the weekend. While they might be out of the playoff picture, the Canucks still have some truly solid offensive players like Pettersson, who isn't slowing down when it comes to production.
He comes in with 10 NHL points, 45 shots on goal, and 14 blocked shots in his last 10 games. With the new coach, there are some potential line changes that have Pettersson -- one of their best offensive players -- on the third forward line and the first power-play unit. I don't expect those changes to stick, and we should see Pettersson back in the top six forwards soon.
Value Skaters
Lucas Raymond ($5,700): The Detroit Red Wings have a juicy matchup against the San Jose Sharks, which has them entering with a 3.45 implied goal total tonight. This might not be the most exciting matchup on paper, but with the Sharks allowing the fourth-most (3.50) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations over the last two weeks, we could be in for some scoring tonight.
Raymond is seeing time on the first forward line and the first power-play unit, which has allowed him to rack up 10 NHL points, 20 shots on goal, and 8 blocked shots in his last 10 games. The shot volume could be a bit higher, and this is the type of matchup to help him grab a few extra shots.
Devon Toews ($5,900): Cale Makar has missed the last two games for the Colorado Avalanche and is listed as a game-time decision for tonight. If he sits, Toews is a bit of a value option. He's taken Makar's spot as the defender on the first power-play unit, which is a favorable role to have for fantasy production.
The Avs have a 3.20 implied goal tonight against the Washington Capitals, who have taken a serious step back on defense in recent weeks. For the entire season, the Capitals are allowing 2.36 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is 14th in the league. That's middle of the road and nothing to write home about, but in the last two weeks, they are allowing 3.26 goals in that situation, which is the seventh-worst in the league.
An increased role for a player facing a struggling defense is always a good spot for production.