NHL DFS: Opportunity vs. Necessity

The NHL Playoffs are just around the corner, and every game matters now for those teams on the outside looking in. This is the ideal time to be playing Daily Fantasy or Pick’em at sites like Underdog Fantasy. FantasyData has NHL player projections and a Lineup Optimizer to help you win!

NHL DFS Strategy: Forwards Opportunity vs. Necessity

Which is more valuable in DFS, opportunity or necessity?  This article will explore players that make the most out of their role on their respective team and how value can be found with players that have a more necessary role on their team and players who have a better opportunity based on who they play with.  Both are valuable when it comes to DFS. 

Opportunity

The Nashville Predators are in a very tight battle to make the playoffs and Matt Duchene is a huge reason why they are in this position.  Duchene is scoring more than a goal every other game on average (.57) and 1.1 points a game.  He is scoring at such a high rate and still has an impressive 19% shooting percentage.  Duchene and his linemate, Filip Forsberg, have had very impressive seasons and have contributed to each other’s success.  The Predators are a team fighting for the playoffs so this extra motivation nearing the end of the season could be a good reason for them to be in your DFS lineup.

Edmonton Oilers Forward, Zach Hyman has a great opportunity to put up points in your DFS lineup.  Hyman is a solid player averaging .71 points per game (PPG%).  The real advantage you get with putting Hyman into your lineup is who he plays with.  Playing every night with Leon Draisaitl, he is bound to have opportunities that Draisaitl creates.  Hyman averages 2.8 shots a game and is a solid mid-priced player to throw into your lineup.

Brayden Schenn of the St. Louis Blues is having a good season.  Although he is only averaging 1.8 shots a game, he still averages .39 goals a game and an impressive 21% shot percentage.  Schenn is averaging .91 PPG on a Blues team that should make the playoffs.  Schenn is also on the first powerplay unit.  The blues are top 5 in goals per game as a team and being able to have a centerman who is surrounded by talent like Schenn is, is a great formula for producing points in your DFS lineup.

New York Rangers centerman Mika Zibanjad may cost you more to put into your lineup than other players on this list but he is very consistent.  For starters, his linemate Chris Kreider has taken a huge step up this season in the goal-scoring department and Zibanejad has benefited from this.  He is also averaging just over a point a game this season at 1.02 PPG%.  He is surrounded by elite talent on the powerplay as well; Kreider, Panarin, and Adam Fox.  The Rangers’ powerplay is elite with a percentage of 26%, good for second-best in the NHL.  Zibanejad is a great player and is surrounded by great players, making him a valuable player to put in your DFS lineups.

Alexander Kerfoot, Toronto Maple Leafs forward, has the opportunity every night to perform well.  Kerfoot gets to play with Taveras and Nylander most nights and that’s a big reason for Kerfoot’s value.  The Leafs’ top 2 lines put up a lot of goals and having the ability to throw Kerfoot in your lineup for a pretty cheap cost is very worth it.  Kerfoot has a .71 PPG% and is a good value for your lineup. 

Necessity 

Chicago Blackhawks sharpshooter Alex DeBrincat is having a great season on a struggling Blackhawks team.  On a team that is bottom 5 in the league for goals scored per game, DeBrincat ranks top 10 in goals and averages a goal every other game.  He is averaging 3.3 shots a game and plays first-line minutes as well as he plays on the first powerplay unit.  When looking for goals the Blackhawks look in his direction and he has provided necessary production.

The Ottawa Senators are struggling but young forward Brady Tkachuk has had a strong season.  For a team that is in the bottom 5 in the league for goals, Tkachuk has been able to have a consistent year and is a good value in your DFS lineup.  The young winger plays a physical style of hockey, averaging 3.5 hits a game.  His physical play paired with his ability to go into the offensive zone makes him a good addition to your lineup.  He is averaging 3.6 shots a game.  He does it all for the Senators and he needs to.  His involvement in the whole of the game gives him good value for your lineup. 

Tage Thompson, Buffalo Sabres winger, is having a respectable season and is a player I sneak into my DFS lineups often.  He is a cheaper option compared to other first-line centers and is the focal point of the Sabres attack.  Thompson has .78 PPG% and averages 3.4 shots a game.  Thompson is on the first line, powerplay unit, and the penalty kill.  His ice time mixed with his involvement in all aspects of the game makes him a good option in DFS.