Flynnie’s Forecheck for 4/1/19
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. When you sign up to become a member, use promo code PUCK to give yourself 20% 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. In 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 the entire line and hope that line goes off for multiple goals.
Take a peek at our latest winner. DFSA is on fire over NBA All Star Break and would love to help you learn the game of hockey, as well! Whether you are already a VIP or are just passing by, our coaches can teach the rookie and veteran alike. Congrats to Handleyrs for a near 300 score and over $850 in winnings!!
Without any further ado let’s dig into today’s 8-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.
NHL FORWARDS
NYI 1 – Lee, Barzal, Eberle: They have scored eight goals over their last 10 games and four of those in the last three games. Lee has been the worst of the three over the last five games, but he is still in play for GPP’s. Toronto cannot defend at all lately and the Islanders are heating up. I don’t think they draw a ton of ownership tonight and can potentially break the slate in the right combination. Another way to be different is to make this is a PP 1 stack with a combo of these three with Nelson and Toews. Josh Bailey is also running hot, so add him with Nelson and Pulock for an NYI 2 stack – there are plenty of different ways to skin the Islanders cat tonight.
EDM 1 – Kassian, McDavid, Draisaitl: They have 11 goals over their last 10 and four in the last three. They should match up with VGK 1 who has allowed 9 goals against in their last 10. Vegas clinched a first-round matchup with SJ and cannot move up or down in the standings. If they choose to rest a lot of players then this line becomes the best matchup on the slate.
VGK 1 – Smith, Karlsson, Marchessault: If everyone plays this is a smash spot. They have 12 goals over their last 10 games and three over their last three games. Also, Koskinen has been really bad of late. I have made good money this season targeting McJesus’ defense – I’m going to stop now.
Other stacks
FLA 1 – Not a great matchup but still hot
CGY 2
TB PP 1 – expensive and worried about guys sitting or getting fewer minutes.
WSH 1
WSH 3
STL 1
OTT 1 – Brady Tkachuk one-off
Maybe prop bets are your thing, too? We are quickly expanding coverage into the different realms of sports betting!
DFS Studs on DEFENSE
Toews: Yessir! Devon Toews is back in our lives. He’s running point on the top PP unit and TOR is THE WORST defensive team over the last 10 games and NYI is heating up heading into the playoffs.
Gustafsson: WPG is not allowing a ton of goals, but they are allowing a ton of shots. Gustafsson is among the best defenseman in terms of points and shots on goal over the last three weeks.
Ekblad: He is just behind Gustafsson with shots and points and his matchup is a little bit worse. WSH is playing well in all aspects but Ekblad makes a fine cash/hybrid play
Honorable Mentions: Giordano, Carlson, McDonagh, Jensen, Barrie, Klefbom, Pulock
GOALIES Set to Bring Value
**All stats are over the last three weeks unless otherwise noted**
Grubauer: 6-1-1/1.61/0.955 He is rolling right now but he gets a tough matchup against STL. I honestly don’t expect much scoring in this game because both goalies are hot and both teams are playing very good defense. The biggest weakness is in COL allowing a ton of shots, so I believe this is the edge for a potential ceiling-type game for Grub. This is not for the faint of heart and GPP only.
Greiss/Lehner: They are basically the same person again, the peripheral numbers are almost identical with their save % being 0.931 for both. The team has played better in front of Lehner of late, but I am willing to roll with whichever one gets confirmed tonight. Hybrid/GPP
Binnington: 5-2-0/2.02/0.927 Just like Grubauer, he’s playing really well and has a solid defense in front of him. I think he is the safest goalie tonight because COL has not been scoring a lot lately, but unless he gets a shut out I don’t see much of a ceiling here. Cash/Hybrid
Honorable Mentions: Campbell (sneaky GPP low %, don’t go crazy), Smith, Holtby/Copley
GOAL PREDICTION: Reilly Smith – also birthday narrative
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 or in our coaching forums. If not already a member, join the DFS Army today by using Promo Code PUCK to save 20% off your membership for life.