NHL DFS for Thursday the 8^th

There are many benefits to using an NHL Optimizer when making daily fantasy lineups for DraftKings or Fanduel. FantasyData uses expert fantasy projections, creating an opportunity for spotting value in the cost when making your lineup. DFS sites do not adjust the prices of players of any slate once available, which means that if a player is ruled out from an injury the backup player’s price is not adjusted. Staying on top of all injuries can be a huge task; thankfully, FantasyData’s team is making updates to their projections constantly to allow their subscribers an edge in finding the best players. All of our NHL player projections are fed into our NHL optimizer daily to allow the user the best possible DFS NHL Lineup.

Using FanDuel Salaries

Centers

Elias Lindholm $6,600

Lindholm had a great debut game for the Canucks, scoring 2 powerplay goals.  The immediate impact is a great sign and I expect it to continue.  He is playing top 6 minutes on one of the best offensive teams in the league.  His time on the power play will also be vital to his success. 

Anthony Cirelli $5,300

Cirelli is the second-line center and is getting some ice time with Stamkos.  Not to mention he plays on both the powerplay and the penalty kill.  Cirelli has double-digit DFS points in 5 of his last 7 games. 

Logan Cooley $4,400

Cooley is off to a solid start to his NHL career, racking up 25 points in 48 games this season.  He has recorded a point in each of the last 4 games as well.  Cooley is an exciting player and for a very inexpensive price, he offers upside and allows you to use more expensive players in your lineup. 

Wingers

Jesper Bratt $8,000

Bratt was on a hot streak before the All-Star game and continued it in his first game after the break.  He has scored 15 or more DFS points in 5 straight games, and in 4 of those games, it was 20 or more DFS points.  When these teams met earlier this season, Bratt recorded 5 shots on goal, 1 goal, and 1 assist.  Bratt has taken a huge step up this season and has been rewarded with top-line minutes and he is on the top powerplay unit. 

Max Pacioretty $4,400

Pacioretty has been solid since returning from injury, averaging 8.9 DFS points through 13 games.  Pacioretty has been a solid playmaking forward his whole career and that has shown this season as well, recording 7 points in 13 games.  Pacioretty plays on the second line and the top powerplay unit, giving him plenty of chances to record some scoring chances. 

Andrei Kuzmenko $3,800

In his first game with the Flames, he scored.  A fresh change of scenery was essential for the growth of Kuzmenko and he seems to have found it.  For only $3,800 he is a steal for your lineups.  He is playing on the Flames top line and top powerplay unit.  With a price this low, it makes too much sense to add a player with a keen eye for goal, that should see plenty of scoring opportunities.  On the Optimizer, he has a higher ‘Value’ than any other forward. 

Value- Projected Value based on Fantasy Points per dollar ratio

Defensemen

John Carlson $6,200

Carlson continues to be the solid defenseman he has been his whole career on the Capitals.   Recording 29 points in 48 games this season, he leads the Capitals in assists this season.  It is a tough matchup for the Caps in this contest, facing off with the Panthers, but this could lead to extended ice time for Carlson.  Opportunity is a great reason to play someone and he has as good a chance as anyone to get a solid double-digit performance in your DFS lineup. 

Alexander Romanov $4,400

He is on the top defensive pairing and is fairly inexpensive.  Romanov is the more defensive-minded blue liner on the top pair for the Islanders, as Noah Dobson is one of the league’s better playmaking defensemen.  They play together and there is a $3,00 salary cost in DFS.  He is worth the shot and can still put up a solid DFS score. 

Goalie

Sergei Bobrovsky/Anthony Stolarz $8,800

With many tight matchups on paper for today’s slate of games, selecting a winning goalie can be difficult.  Bobrovsky has been solid all season and the Panthers are heavily favored against the Capitals.  Goalie can be a make-or-break position in your DFS lineup and I like to play it as safe as possible.  Remember to check closer to game time to see who got the start so you can make a pivot if need be. 

Recap From Last Articles Picks (Thursday the 25^th)

Centers

• Brayden Point: Point had a great game, racking up 26.9 DFS points.  He recorded 1 goal on 4 shots and had 1 assist. 
• Nico Hischier: Hischier was held in check with only 3 shots and 1 blocked shot.  Scoring a lackluster 6.4 DFS points. 
• Leo Carlsson: Carlsson had 4.8 DFS points on 3 shots. 

Wingers

• Yegor Sharangovich: The Flames got beat badly in this contest and Sharangovich only recorded 1 shot, good for 1.6 DFS points.
• Timo Meier: Meier had 3.2 DFS points on 2 shots. 
• Michael Bunting: Bunting had a solid game, scoring 10.1 DFS points on 1 assist and 1 shot. 

Defensemen

• Jake Sanderson: Sanderson was involved in the game, racking up 2 shots and 3 blocked shots.  Scoring a solid 8 DFS points. 
• Seth Jones: Jones had 8 DFS points on 2 shots and 3 blocked shots. 

Goalie

• Calvin Pickard: Pickard was one of the best players of the whole night. Scoring an amazing 41.6 DFS points.  A 27-save shutout and win rewarded him plenty of DFS points.