NHL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (12/17/21): Value Plays, Goalies, Stacks

Welcome back RotoBallers! For those first-time readers, my name is Chris and I write a ton on RotoBaller. The sports universe of writing here spans from NASCAR to football to college sports to of course, hockey. If you have not checked some of those articles out then make sure you do! It is the return of the NHL which means it's time to sharpen our skills and partake in NHL DFS! As always, I'll give you the best tools to succeed and the info you need to build the best lineups possible for your GPP and cash game NHL contests on both DraftKings and FanDuel.

Today I'll be bringing you my NHL lineup picks, analysis, and advice for NHL DFS contests on DraftKings and FanDuel for Friday, December 17th, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Be sure to also check out our awesome NHL tools including our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, Projections, and DFS Cheat Sheets!

If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected] or via Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS or in our premium slack chat. Good luck, RotoBallers!

NHL DFS Analysis and Picks for 12/17/21

As I am writing this, the six-game slate is taking shape. Hopefully, there are not too many more injuries on Friday night that could have a Saturday night impact. 

Arizona will take their league worst goals against (3.64) to Anaheim and Anaheim remains one of the hotter teams in the NHL this late into the season. There is also a great matchup between Winnipeg and Washington. 

Vegas Odds for the Day

NHL DFS Goalies

Anthony Stolarz- DK $8.2K || FD $7.4K

Opponent - Arizona Coyotes

There has been some debate as to whether John Gibson should start on Friday night. It depends on if Gibson is truly healthy after dealing with this lower-body issue. It will be intriguing to see how much traction Stolarz gets, especially on FanDuel. Stolarz has won six straight games which warrants letting him start at least one more time on Friday. His run includes two shutouts and nearly hitting the DraftKings save bonus twice.                                     

Charlie Lindgren- DK $8.1K || FD $7.8K

Opponent - Dallas Stars

Lindgren draws a matchup against a Dallas and he has allowed just four goals in three games. The Blues' goaltender should see one more game but do keep an eye on morning skates, etc just to make sure. In the case that Lindgren does not play, there are a few goalies below to use as a Plan B. 

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Jarry ($8.4K || FD $8.6K), Samsonov (DK $7.9K || FD $8.4K), Georgiev (DK $7.6K || FD $7.4K).

NHL DFS Centers

Sidney Crosby-DK $8.1K || FD $7.5K

Opponent - Buffalo Sabres

After starting the season in a lull following an extended period of time away from the ice due to wrist surgery, Crosby is now on fire with 15 points in his last nine games and averaging well over three scoring chances a game. Yes, no Jake Guentzel does hurt a little but Danton Heinen is no slouch and Heinen offers a little more salary relief. When stacking, keep this in mind. Also, Evan Rodrigues is still rolling as well. 

Colton Sissons- DK $2.5K || FD $3.7K

Opponent - Chicago Blackhawks

So, Sissons gets to play on the top line while all the COVID ravages the Nashville Predators. Sissons had two big nights in his last three games for the Predators. It is at least worth it to play the forward one more time on Friday night even in Chicago. He has five points and more shots on goal of late. 

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Zibanejad(DK $7.2K || FD 6.6K), Rodrigues(DK $5.8K || FD $5.6K), Zegras (DK $5.2K || FD $6.0K), Steel (DK $2.6K || FD $3.7K) -- Wing on DK

NHL DFS Wings

Wings

Troy Terry- DK $4.8K || FD $6.0K 

Opponent - Arizona Coyotes

With Adam Henrique out, Terry had a few bad games but overall has three goals in his last two games, He also keeps putting up shots on goal and has six points in his last nine contests. Terry keeps averaging over three scoring chances a game as well. Yes, the opportunities will be there against the worst defense in the NHL in the Arizona Coyotes. Overall, Terry has 18 goals in 30 games and 29 points overall. 

Alex DeBrincat- DK $6.7K || FD $7.1K

Opponent - Nashville Predators

No, you are not seeing double and this could be a wild game between two teams that normally score lots of goals when they get together. DeBrincat has five goals and eight points in his last nine games with 37 shots on goal. Chicago will keep scoring and the chances they get three or more goals on Friday is rather high. 

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Ovechkin(DK $9.6K || FD $10.0K), Connor(DK $7.6K || FD $9.3K), Marchessault(DK $4.3K || FD $6.8K), Nylander(DK $7.3K || FD $7.6K), Keller(DK $4.1K || FD $5.3K), Heinen(DK $2.8K || FD $4.2K)

NHL DFS Defensemen

Defense

Alex Pietrangelo- DK $6.7K || FD $7.0K

Opponent - New York Rangers

There may not be any other player on the slate who could really thrive quite like Alex Pietrangelo. He is averaging a solid 2.6 shots and blocked shots each per contest. Some will argue Adam Fox or even Seth Jones and they can be used. It is just Pietrangelo producing. He has ten points in his last ten games.

Seth Jones- DK $7.0K || FD $6.6K

Opponent - Nashville Predators

Since we don’t have much information regarding how Nashville will do with so many peers out. So, take a shot at some Chicago Blackhawks players on Saturday night. Everyone and their uncles expect Nashville to come out and be great plays against the Blackhawks. They might but the counter here is the way we go. That is where Jones comes in...for the extensive garbage time DFS points of course. 

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Letang(DK $6.8K || FD $6.7K), Gostisbehere(DK $5.6K || FD $5.1K), Whitecloud(DK $3.3K || FD $4.7K).

NHL DFS Top Power Plays and Stacks

• PIT1
• NYR1
• VGK 1 and 2
• NSH 1
• CHI 1
• WSH 1

Chris’s Stack of the Day

PIT: Heinen-Crosby-Rodrigues

Chalk Stack:

WSH: Ovechkin-Wilson-Carlson-Backstrom (Kuznetsov COVID)

Sneaky Stack:

STL: Buchnevich-Barbashev-Tarasenko

NHL Player News and Updates

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