RADIO
Saturday features a nine-game evening slate with a spotlight on games like Montreal and Tampa Bay, New York, and Toronto, plus even Detroit and Florida.
Remember, when looking around for plays, an over/under of 6 dictates offense, but an over/under of 5 or sometimes 5.5 tilts towards the goalies. There are several games at 6.5, as that has become the new norm in hockey now.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 12/28/19. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS. Let's get to it, shall we?
DFS Forwards to Consider
Nathan MacKinnon - C, COL vs DAL (FD - $9,000, DK - $7,700)
Most everyone has vivid memories of how boom or bust Colorado and Dallas games can be. However, the one consistent is a player like MacKinnon who keeps firing 4-5+ shots a game all season long. That consistency is on the level of players like Alex Ovechkin. MacKinnon still averages the most DFS points per game among all forwards. Also, his price has dropped on DraftKings below $8,000. It is a spot to take advantage of. Players of his caliber do not tire in these situations. They typically thrive.
Artemi Panarin - W, NYR vs TOR (FD - $8,300, DK - $6,900)
The winger has bounced back nicely hitting value in eight of his last ten appearances. Panarin is averaging 2.8 shots per game of late along with eight goals and 14 points in that span. Toronto gives up three goals a game at home and 34+ shots per 60. Panarin's ability to make plays and be a nightmare on the power play should be enough to roster alone. His $6,900 price on DraftKings may be a tipping point. Ranger players are cheaper across the board than usual on Saturday night.
Also, Consider:
- Elias Pettersson, Evgeni Malkin, and especially Mika Zibanejad are excellent plays on Saturday night.
- Filip Forsberg, Brendan Gallagher, and Nikita Kucherov are nice options on Saturday from the wing position.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Shea Weber - D, MTL vs TAM (FD - $6,800, DK - $6,400)
Weber can sometimes hit both shot and block bonuses on DraftKings and again it is about that booming shot in all phases. He has 30 points in 37 games including nine in his last ten contests. Tampa Bay has not looked right all season and some say it is their defense and more their goaltending coach. Whatever the reason may be, it is a spot to take advantage. Tampa Bay has yielded the sixth-most points to defensemen in the league since December 1st.
Cale Makar - D, COL vs DAL (FD - $4,500, DK - $5,800)
Makar becomes a plug and play because of his value. He has seven points and three goals over his last nine games and does not truly cool off. He has 29 points in 30 games on the season and is on pace for 70+ points. He averages just about two shots a game and one block per contest which supplement his offense. He can create from little which has people intrigued. He came back from a head injury to post an assist on a couple of shots last night.
Also, Consider:
- Simply John Carlson has to be considered on Saturday and every night. Also, Quinn Hughes from Vancouver and Filip Hronek from Detroit have to be looked at as well for value.
- Kris Letang is a nice GPP play against a bad Predators defense of late. Again, think teams that allow lots of points per game. Alex Edler is our utility defenseman play and is only $5.000 on DraftKings.
DFS Goalie to Consider
Chris Driedger - G, FLA vs DET (FD - $7,100, DK - $8,200)
The idea was to look at goaltender who has an easy matchup. Driedger faces a Detroit team that gives up 4.06 goals per game on the road. Goaltenders that face Detroit fair well as they score the second-highest amount of DFS points per game. One can play the goaltender on DraftKings but his biggest value will be most every other format -- especially FanDuel. His last start on the 21st was a 42-save performance in a 4-2 win. Detroit's potential for 30-35+ shots is high here.
Also, Consider:
- The other good GPP choice on Saturday might be Carter Hart against San Jose as other confirmations are awaiting.
