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Welcome to Easter Sunday. The Easter Bunny gives us two games where the home teams have a chance to eliminate their opponents. The slate starts at 3:00 pm EDT with Boston and Toronto and then 7:30 pm EDT features San Jose versus Las Vegas.
Remember, when picking around for plays, an over/under of 6 dictates offense, but an over/under of 5 or sometimes 5.5 tilts towards the goalies. The expectation of lower-scoring games is elevated on this slate. There is a tendency to see teams play tighter in the later stages of series.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/21/19. 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
Auston Matthews - C, TOR vs BOS (FD - $8,400, DK - $6,600)
Matthews tallied points in three straight games as Boston has had more and more difficulty trying to contain the Matthews line. Even when the Patrice Bergeron line is paired against the center's trio, there are still problems. This is because the Bruins' defense is just not at the same level it was even last season. The Toronto center definitely creates more space and has more time to make plays. This has been a problem for Boston most of the series and if they are not physically engaged on Matthews, Game 6 will be much the same. Paul Stastny is another possible option from Vegas but lower priced obviously.
Max Pacioretty - W, VGK vs SJS (FD - $6,700, DK - $5,900)
Pacioretty, even in defeat, has been a shooting machine of late. He fired six shots on net with 11 attempts during Game 5 in San Jose. He has four goals and 11 points in his last ten games and while there was that one big game, the winger has a nice floor. The forward is a hair less expensive than Mark Stone and the upper echelon players. The other encouraging concept is that Pacioretty is shooting more on the power play as well. The result is three power-play points in the last eight contests. Overall, the second line for Vegas has been the difference maker in this series and likely will continue to be without Marc-Edouard Vlasic in the lineup for the Sharks. David Pastrnak or Mitch Marner are going to be the high-priced options but remember that game may be lower scoring.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Morgan Rielly - D, TOR vs BOS (FD - $6,700, DK - $5,700)
The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman is in a great spot Sunday and keeps boosting his floor -- he averages five shots and blocked shots combined over the past ten contests. Rielly tallied points in three straight games (all assists). That includes a power play assist as well. Rielly, despite some defensive mistakes, generates 3-4 scoring chances a game in this series so far. Among the upper-priced defensemen, Rielly presents as the most consistent option. Erik Karlsson is riskier given his offensive upside but he may not be 100% still.
Shea Theodore - D, VGK vs SJS (FD - $5,200, DK - $4,900)
Theodore does not have the floor of some of the top defensemen but he has five points in two home games against San Jose. This honestly is worth a flier for that reason alone. On a short slate, the defenseman is a reasonable price compared to the other upper echelon blueliners. Theodore created three scoring chances a game at home also. His FanDuel price does not spike upward as much as the other defensemen either. Colin Miller could be viewed as a cheaper option with a slightly elevated floor when compared to Theodore.
DFS Goalies to Consider
Tuukka Rask - G, BOS vs TOR (FD - $8,200, DK - $7,500)
Rask represents a long-shot risk on Sunday afternoon against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Rask played reasonably well in Game 5 but was done in by John Moore and a questionable goal. Two goals allowed on nearly 30 shots are solid. If the Boston goalie can get to that level again or better, the Bruins may have a good shot at winning Game 6. The win is important here, especially on a two-game slate. Marc-Andre Fleury is the other play on Sunday night with the best chance of winning.
