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We get a robust five-game playoff slate tonight for both DraftKings and FanDuel. You should be looking at teams in higher over-under games.
Remember, when picking around for plays, an over/under of 6.5 dictates offense, but an over/under of 5.5 tilts towards the goalies. Watch to see what the Tampa Bay and Columbus contest is set at. It should stay at 6.5.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/12/19. 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?
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DFS Forwards to Consider
Tomas Hertl - C, SJS vs VGK (FD - $6,700, DK - $6,000)
Hertl started the playoffs with a solid two-point performance and three shots on net. Fleury could allow 3+ goals again despite making some highlight-reel saves. The second line will be the one to spotlight as Evander Kane and Hertl create a ton of space for themselves. Also, this allows them to manufacture scoring chances at a high rate. It exposes the back end of the Vegas defense which looked like it was running around a ton in Game 1. Those backdoor opportunities should not go away if the Hertl line keeps pressing similar to the way they did in Game 1.
Evgeni Malkin - C, PIT vs NYI (FD - $8,500, DK - $6,300)
Makin played the way Malkin is capable of -- firing six shots on net over nine attempts. He scored a goal, assisted on another, then hit a crossbar as well. The Islanders were able to exploit his line defensively but the Malkin line worked for everyone. That is kind of the theme for Pittsburgh's second line. It has been this way for some time as they play in the "fun" quadrant early and often. Do not forget the wings and even Phil Kessel has value as a high-priced third line. Also, the Islanders are again underpriced -- including Anders Lee and Mathew Barzal among others.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Seth Jones - D, CLB vs TAM (FD - $6,100, DK - $5,100)
Jones took advantage of a few extra chances created by David Savard (who again is a good tournament value play). Also, the defenseman got his body in the way of six shots on Wednesday. That props his average to 2.5 blocks per game over the past ten contests. With his normally balanced shot volume getting a boost from blocks, that is a good sign to keep on playing him. It is a good idea to play both formats because Jones is still right at FanDuel's average price per player level. Finally, Jones can create some matchup headaches like no other Columbus defenseman.
Colton Parayko - D, STL vs WPG (FD - $4,700, DK - $4,900)
Parayko's lower price might last several days to a week. In the meantime, his price is that low due to the lack of goals and nothing more. With another assist on Wednesday and six shots and blocked shots on Wednesday, the St. Louis blueliner has good potential on Friday as well. Keying in on these matchups with high-floor possibilities is paramount to success. An encouraging facet was to see Parayko only play a little over 20 minutes. He will be well-rested and expects to figure in on building an even higher floor as Winnipeg projects out to around 30-32 shots on Friday night.
DFS Goalies to Consider
Connor Hellebuyck - G, WPG vs STL (FD - $7,700, DK - $8,000)
Hellebuyck will be the Winnipeg starter on Friday against St. Louis. This will not be an easy play but the Jets goalie could face 28-30 shots on goal and has a higher chance of a win than most think. Now, his DraftKings price is the third highest on the board but that is because of DraftKings. They believe Hellebuyck is one of the top goalies of the night. Honestly, he probably is. Stopping 28 of 30 shots is a big difference over stopping just 22 of 24. Going up against Jordan Binnington on the other end does not help for margin of error which is quite low. However, Hellebuyck could be easily overlooked for players like Martin Jones and Robin Lehner. Those plays are even lower-priced and could entice many. However, they are GPP plays in the strictest sense due to the potential of 3+ goals being allowed is at least moderate along with the high shot count.
