NHL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings & FanDuel on February 20, 2018
There are 9 games on the 2/20/18 NHL DFS slate tonight with some massive contests over at DraftKings and FanDuel. And of course, these picks and plays can be used in your daily fantasy hockey strategy at FantasyDraft. As always, keep an eye on who gets the start between the pipes as there are a couple teams on back-to-backs, and one goalie who may make his debut with his new team tonight.
If you have any questions, feel free to hit me up on Twitter at @chrismeaney.
NHL DFS Contests
Midseason Mini Main: $6 entry, $150k guaranteed (DraftKings) – $25,000 to 1st!
Mega Breakaway: $4.44 entry, $75k guaranteed (FanDuel) – $15,000 to 1st!
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Centers
Nazem Kadri vs. FLA ($6.2 DK / $6.4 FD)
Stacking Maple Leafs is the way to go tonight as it’s a terrific matchup at home against the Panthers. There’s nothing wrong with spending up for Auston Matthews and pairing him with his linemate William Nylander; the duo have combined for 22 points in the last 10 games. They make for a great cash game combo. However, the Kadri-Marleau-Marner line has 33 points in its last 10 games, and they may come with lower ownership numbers in tournaments. Kadri has points in seven of his last 10 games, with 13 total over that span.
Nico Hischier vs. CBJ ($4.9 DK / $6.3 FD)
Nico Hischier is on quite the run of late as he enters tonight’s game on a four-game goal streak and eight points over a current five-game point streak. Actually, it’s his winger Taylor Hall who is on quite the run. Hall has registered at least a point in 18 straight games. There’s a good chance Hall hits the score sheet again tonight, and there’s a good chance his centerman Hischier is involved. He’ll save you some coin on DK.
Pierre-Luc Dubois @ NJ ($5.1 DK / $6.2 FD)
The New Jersey Devils have allowed 332 shots this month (10 games), which is the fifth highest mark in the league. Columbus leads the NHL in shots per game, and they have a league-high 385 in February. They are only getting offense from one unit of late and it’s been the Panarin-Dubois-Atkinson line. The trio has 42 shots, four goals and eight points over their last four games. Dubois has six points in his last eight games (three on the power play), and played 20:11 last time out which was the most he’s played in the past month. The minutes may climb tonight with Nick Foligno sidelined.
Others to consider: Mark Scheifele, Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, Brayden Point, Kyle Turris
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Wingers
Claude Giroux vs. MON ($6.9 DK / $7.8 FD)
Claude Giroux has four multi-point games in his last six, and one of those games came against the Canadiens where he had a goal and three points, two of which came on the power play. Giroux’s four power play goals this most are the most in the NHL, and his 69 points have him tied for third in scoring. The Giroux-Couturier-Konecny line is definitely in play. Konecny’s 18 points since January 15th are the fifth most in the NHL, and Couturier’s 29 goals on the season are the seventh most.
Mitch Marner vs. FLA ($6.3 DK / $6.6 FD)
Mitch Marner scored two goals across his first 34 games this season. He has 12 over his last 27 games, nine in his last 14 and seven in his last 10 games. There are few players as hot as Marner right now. He has 34 shots in his last 10 games and Florida’s 34.7 shots allowed per game are the second most in the league.
Kyle Connor vs. LA ($5.7 DK / $5.7 FD)
Kyle Connor has his spot back on the top line, and he’s fresh off a two goal game. He and the Jets are feeling it as Connor has three goals and 12 shots in his last three games. It’ll cost you to get Winnipeg players in your lineup as they have scored 17 goals in the last three games. Connor’s price tag allows you to get a piece of this high powered offense.
Mikkel Boedker @ STL ($3.7 DK / $3.8 FD)
Mikkel Boedker is really the cheapest one should go when playing tonight. He’s worth the play to see if he can continue this run he’s on. Boedker has goals in three straight games. He has five points over those three games, and has 14 shots on goal in his last four.
Others to consider: David Pastrnak, Filip Forsberg, Gabriel Landeskog, Kevin Fiala
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Defensemen
Shayne Gostisbehere vs. MON ($6.0 DK / $6.6 FD)
Shayne Gostisbehere leads all defensemen in points in the month of February. His 12 points in nine games are tied with teammate Giroux for the seventh most overall. Gostisbehere is tied for first among skaters with six power play points over the last three weeks. He had three assists earlier this month against Montreal and two of them came on the power play.
Dustin Byfuglien vs. LA ($5.7 DK / $5.6 FD)
As mentioned above, the Jets are flying high in Winnipeg right now and that includes Dustin Byfuglien. He has five assists in his last three games, and nine points in his last nine. Byfiglien has eclipsed his fantasy point per game mark on the season in eight of his last 10 games. He continues to get a ton of ice time and his making up for a slow first half.
Tyson Barrie @ VAN ($5.4 DK / $5.0 FD)
Tyson Barrie played 25 minutes in his last game, the most he’s played in 10 games since returning from injury. He may play even more tonight with Erik Johnson sidelined. Johnson’s 25:43 minutes per game is the fifth highest mark, and the Avs are already without Mark Barberio. Barrie makes for a solid play given the ice time and offensive upside. He has 22 shots in his last six games, and 10 in his last two.
Dion Phaneuf @ WPG ($3.5 DK / $4.6 FD)
Dion Phaneuf is a great punt play if you’re looking to save some cash as he has two power play goals, seven shots and five blocks in three games with the Kings. He played 21 minutes last night for Los Angeles which is the most he’s played since they traded for him last week. He’s on a new high right now with things to prove, and the PP time is an added bonus.
Others to consider: Roman Josi, Torey Krug, Jake Gardiner
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Goalies
Alex Lyon vs MON ($8.1 DK / $7.3 FD)
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired for Petr Mrazek last night, but there’s no telling yet if he’ll start tonight against the Canadiens. He’s unlikely to get the start, but he’s really cheap on both DraftKings ($6.9) and FanDuel ($7.6). Make sure you pay close attention to the contest you are in as he may not be available to be played as a member of the Flyers. With that said, if he plays, roll him out. It’s a great spot against a Montreal squad that has lost five straight games, rank seventh in shots for, and 29th in goals for. They’ve scored a league-low 19 goals this month. As for Lyon, he filled in nicely over the weekend in relief of the injured Michal Neuvirth as he turned aside 25 of the 26 shots he faced.
*UPDATED – Alex Lyon gets start vs. MON
Anton Khudobin @ EDM ($7.8 DK / $8.3 FD)
Anton Khudobin is a bit of a pass on FanDuel and more of a play on DraftKings given his price. Khudobin is one of the better backups in the league as he has a 12-3-4 record and has allowed two or fewer goals in six of his last nine outings.
Keith Kinkaid vs. CBJ ($7.6 DK / $7.7 FD)
The Columbus Blue Jackets are a lot like the Montreal Canadiens when it comes to getting chances and scoring goals. Columbus puts a league-high 34.9 pucks on net per game, but they rank 29th in goals per game (2.65). Keith Kinkaid has been very up and down this season, but supports a solid 13-7-2 record and is coming off a 42 save shutout. He’s someone you can play in tournaments who will save you a few bucks.
Frederik Andersen vs. FLA ($8.5 DK / $8.5 FD)
Frederik Andersen is the cash game play tonight. He’s won seven of his last nine starts to give him 29 wins on the season, which is the fourth highest mark among goalies. His 1571 saves on the season are 100 more than the next closest guy. The Maple Leafs allow a ton of rubber, but Andersen manages to pull off the win most nights and should again tonight against Florida.
Others to consider: Juuse Saros, Connor Hellebuyck
