We’re back!! After a long off-season of watching the greatest love story since Romeo and Juliet – obviously, I’m talking about Alex Ovechkin’s love affair with the Stanley Cup – it’s time to play some hockey. For those of you that are new to the DFS Army, my name is Rob Flynn. I’m an NHL DFS writer and coach inside the DFS Army. We have the best articles, coaching and tools in the industry. But let me tell you, the real money is made in the Slack chat that only our VIP’s have access to. That’s where we talk through a member’s lineup construction, thought process or just answer any DFS questions they may have. Every coach is very accessible and willing to share our own processes to help every member grow as a player.
I wrote an article describing some of my process and some tips to win. Check it out here. We also have a brand new Research station that is only available to VIP’s but here is the tutorial, to give you guys a taste of what’s coming this season. If you sign up to become a member, use promo code PUCK to give yourself 10% off for the life of your membership.
NHL DFS is very similar to DFS MLB. The volatility can be maddening, the floor of every player is ZERO and you need stacking in all contests. NHL DFS cash games you need at least two players that correlate on either the scoring line or power play, to hopefully grab the goal and an assist. In GPP’s you need to stack up the entire line and hope that line goes off for multiple goals.
Without any further ado let’s dig into today’s 6-game slate.
I am primarily a cash/hybrid player but even that requires some stacking. So, I list my favorite and then I take the pieces from those stacks that fit my lineup construction. Unlike last season, I will put my stacks, D-men and goalies in order of my preference.
FORWARDS
NSH 1 – Forsberg, Arvidsson, Johansen: Always in play, especially in cash with a large ITT, heavy Vegas favorites and two stars on this line. For cash games, I’m okay dropping Johansen from this stack, he’s streaky. If you still want three in your stack, pick one of the defensemen.
COL 1 – Rantanen, MacKinnon, Landeskog: It’s weird typing up this line when they’re playing on the road. Rantanen and MacKinnon are flying off the page at me. These guys are probably better suited for GPP but I’m not opposed to hybrids.
DAL 1 – Seguin, Radulov, Benn – So expensive, but so talented and should be a the biggest part of an expected shootout. Seguin is a cash lock for me but otherwise leave the stack to GPP’s. All three guys are in the top 10 of our points projection tonight.
Honorable Mention: TOR PP1, CAR 2, WPG 2 (PP1 is in play too), PHI 1, CBJ 1
$50k wasn’t even our biggest win of the MLB season
DEFENSE
Josi – He is in a smash spot for the Preds tonight. CGY shoots a lot so he opportunities for blocks, he has the highest projection for a defense men on the slate. He is #3 in projected BSSOG. His floor and ceiling are phenomenal, I would roll him in any format.
Edler – The Canucks don’t have much in terms of fantasy value but he is cash gold anytime he’s playing. I’m keeping him more to hybrids and GPP tonight because I want to stack this game up at least once and I’m probably rolling McElhinney in cash.
Byfuglien – I think the Jets go over looked tonight with all the talent elsewhere. Buff is a rock star in all formats. Stack him with Laine and Wheeler if you have the money.
Honorable Mentions: Ellis, Gostisbehere, Barrie, Hamilton, Burns (great player but too expensive for his production right now), Slavin, Pesce
GOALIES
McElhinney: The Hurricanes do not look like the same sluggish team from years past and they are going up against a slow paced Canucks team. While I do like some Canucks for GPP, McElhinney is your cash goalie tonight. He has the highest predicted win % according to our model. He is also has the 5th highest projection (there are a couple of small sample size issues skewing the numbers. I believe he will finish top 3 tonight. His ceiling is the only thing keeping him to cash only for me. Vancouver just doesn’t shoot the puck a ton and Carolina is very good at suppressing shots.
Hellebuyck – He is a massive favorite, LA has the lowest ITT on the slate and can’t seem to get out of their own way. YES PLEASE! This is another situation that has me worried about his ceiling in massive GPP’s but otherwise he should have a fantastic night.
Bishop – This is not for the feint of heart! Bishop has the highest ceiling on the slate and also the lowest floor. Toronto can shoot and score with among the best I’ve seen. However, Bishop is a very talented goalie. If he is on his game tonight, he has a slate breaking ceiling – 45-50 saves potentially. He can also give up 5 in the first and have an early night. So be careful with him. Our model loves him though. He is the highest priced goalie on FD and cheap on DK, so get weird on DK and leave him alone on FD.
**I know I said that I will put them in order of my preference and Bishop is not my #3, but I am very intrigued by his ceiling**
Honorable Mentions: Rinne (love him in all formats, very expensive), Dell (GPP – the Sharks can’t suck forever, can they?), Campbell (model loves him – use only for MME)
GOAL PREDICTION: Tyler Seguin
Remember guys, always confirm the starters after morning skate. I generally have this article out in the morning. If you guys have any questions reach out to me on Twitter at @rflynndfs or in Slack. Join the DFS Army today by using Promo Code PUCK to save 10% off your membership for life.
