NHL Daily Fantasy Helper: Wednesday 1/26/22
NHL DFS is similar to MLB in terms of how you build lineups, how you view stacking, and how to value players.
Two main points to always focus on in NHL DFS are what lines the players are on and making sure the goalies you are rostering are confirmed as the starters. Two of the best resources for that are LeftWingLock.com or DailyFaceOff.com. That is where you can find updated forward and power-play lines for each team, along with which goalies are confirmed as the starters.
Let's jump in to take a look at today's slate and some players to consider for your lineups.
Goalie to Target
Jack Campbell ($8,600): The Toronto Maple Leafs are strong -310 home favorites, and it should make Campbell a popular option tonight. Despite some recent struggles -- allowing five goals in three of his last four games -- Campbell is having a career year and in a spot to bounce back versus the Anaheim Ducks.
This season, the Ducks are scoring 2.21 goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations, which is the 10th-lowest mark in the league. On top of that, the Ducks are coming right around the league average (54.17) in Corsi For (Total Shot Attempts Created) per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. This is an easier matchup for Campbell to get back on track towards the great season he was having before a slight rough patch.
High-Priced Skaters
Matthew Tkachuk ($8,500): The Calgary Flames' offense is rolling right now. They've scored three goals or more in each of their last three games and are in a spot to continue that versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets find themselves in the bottom five of the league in goals allowed, Corsi Against (Total Shot Attempts Allowed), and high-danger-scoring chances allowed, all per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations. Yikes.
This puts any offense going against them in a good spot, and tonight, that is the Flames and their 3.38 implied goal total. We turn to Tkachuk, who skates on the top forward line and the top power-play unit, which continuously puts him in a spot to reach for a high ceiling of fantasy points. Over his last 10 games, Tkachuk has piled up 20 NHL points and 38 shots on goal, putting him among the best in the league and the ideal option in this matchup.
Patrick Kane ($8,000): Patrick Kane should be scoring more goals. That's really what it comes down to for one of the best goal-scorers over the last 10 years. Kane has 140 shots on goal this season, which is good for the ninth-most in the entire league. Yet, Kane has only nine goals this season, which is tied for 132nd.
The shots-on-goal volume is great, but Kane just needs to see the puck hit the back of the net a bit more. That can certainly start tonight versus the Detroit Red Wings, who are allowing the 10th-most (2.61) goals per 60 minutes in five-on-five situations.
Value Skaters
Michael Bunting ($4,900): The Leafs have a slate-high 3.71 implied goal total, and getting some exposure to their offense is always a good call. While paying up for Auston Matthews ($10,100) can bring you massive upside, he's super high-salaried and can strain your salary cap. This is where we can look to Bunting, who is on the first forward line with Matthews but far more affordable. Over his last 10 games, Bunting has a respectable 5 NHL points and 21 shots on goal. Bunting also sees time on the second power-play unit, giving him a path to upside.
Connor McMichael ($3,800): At under $4,000, McMichael is an easy spot to look for some value. His stats aren't going to jump off the page (only three NHL points and seven shots on goal in his last 10 games), but a role on the second forward line and the second power-play for the Washington Capitals is valuable in NHL DFS. He may be a bit of a punt play, but the Capitals carry a 3.49 implied goal total tonight versus the San Jose Sharks, and McMichael could be part of it.
