NHL DFS: Top Daily Fantasy Expert Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (2/22/25)

4 weeks ago by Andy Smith

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Hello, RotoBallers! With the international break behind us, we are in the second half of the season and have another action-packed Saturday slate.

In this piece, I will discuss my favorite forward lines to target, defensemen, and goalies in tonight's action. Keep updated with any injury notes on our newsfeed before setting your lineup.

If you have questions about further strategy and managing the slate, please chat with me on X @A_Smith_FS. All player salaries will be listed as ($DK/FD).

Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Boston Bruins L1 - David Pastrnak ($8.7K/$8.5K) - Pavel Zacha ($5.8K/$5.7K) - Morgan Geekie ($5.3K/$5.6K)

Opponent - Anaheim Ducks

The Boston Bruins will host the Anaheim Ducks, who have allowed the second-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 during even-strength play this season.

Before the international break, left wing David Pastrnak was riding an incredible 13-game point streak. During this stretch, the 28-year-old found the back of the net 11 times and added 15 helpers. Pavel Zacha has added four points (one goal) over his last five, while Morgan Geekie has scored twice over his last three.

Given that this line has generated a strong 2.7 xGoals Per 60, they should have elite scoring opportunities all evening, facing a weak defensive team. Even though Pastrnak carries a hefty salary, he is worth stacking with his linemates in this favorable matchup.

Morgan Geekie's got goals in three straight games! 👏#NHLStats: https://t.co/XEh5xfKuBw

🇺🇸: @NHLNetwork
🇨🇦: @Sportsnet or stream on Sportsnet+ ➡️ https://t.co/4KjbdjVctF pic.twitter.com/u8dipuWVZX

— NHL (@NHL) January 25, 2025

Ottawa Senators L2 - Brady Tkachuk ($7.9K/$6.7K) - Ridly Greig ($4.3K/$4.3K) - Drake Batherson ($5.8K/$6.1K)

Opponent- Montreal Canadiens

The Ottawa Senators will host the Montreal Canadiens, who have allowed the third-most Expected Goals Per 60. Leading up to the break, they allowed 15 goals in their last three games.

While the Senators have shuffled their lines quite often, given the injuries to Shane Pinto (upper body) and Josh Norris (upper body), targeting the unit with Brady Tkachuk and Drake Batherson could pay off well.

Batherson and Tkachuk have each scored five points (two goals, three helpers) over their last five games. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Pinto's and Norris' status leading up to the game. If they are cleared for action, they could replace Ridly Greig in the center spot.

Columbus Blue Jackets L1 - Dmitri Voronkov ($6.8K/$6.8K) - Adam Fantilli ($7.4K/$6.6K) - Kent Johnson ($5.8K/$6.5K)

Opponent - Chicago Blackhawks

The Columbus Blue Jackets will face the Chicago Blackhawks, who have allowed the sixth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 during 5-on-5 play, according to MoneyPuck.

This top unit has been very productive, generating a strong 62.5 percent xGoals and a stellar 3.53 xGoals Per 60. Fantilli has dished out three helpers over his past five games, while Kent Johnson has scored three times (four points) over his last five.

In addition, Kirill Marchenko (jaw) could return to the lineup. If cleared for action, he will likely replace Johnson on the right wing. This line is already a strong option without Marchenko, but if he is cleared to return, they will become an elite stack.

Dmitri Voronkov is HOT 🔥

That's his eighth goal in his last seven games!#NHLStats: https://t.co/o4Oyix3Bpv pic.twitter.com/QF2OC0r593

— NHL (@NHL) January 8, 2025

Chicago Blackhawks L1 - Landon Slaggert ($4.4K/$4.4K) - Connor Bedard ($7K/$7.1K) - Ryan Donato ($5.4K/$6K)

Opponent - Columbus Blue Jackets

I would also suggest targeting a line from their opponent in this contest. The Blue Jackets have allowed the fifth-most Expected Goals Per 60 and have struggled to find consistent goaltending. The Blue Jackets allowed 10 goals in their previous three games leading up to the international break.

Led by rising star Connor Bedard, this unit has generated an elite 3.41 xGoals Per 60 and a solid 55 percent xGoals.

Over his past eight games, Bedard has tallied eight points (three goals, five helpers). In addition, Ryan Donato is riding a three-game scoring streak (four goals in this span).

Other Top Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):

VGK L1
LAK L3
TOR L1

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— 🇺🇦Shockmain (@Shockmain) January 6, 2023

Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Lane Hutson - Montreal Canadiens ($4.3K/$5.9K)

Opponent - Ottawa Senators

The Ottawa Senators have struggled to defend the man advantage (third-most Expected Goals Against), which should set Lane Hutson up for a productive evening. The breakout rookie has become the top quarterback on the Montreal power play. Across 56 games this season, Huston has tallied 41 points, including 17 of them on the power play.

Over his last four games, Hutson has tallied two helpers and eight blocks and averaged just over 2.5 minutes on the power-play in each match.

Lane Hutson to Cole Caufield and the @CanadiensMTL take the lead! 💥

That's Cole's sixth goal in his last seven games!#NHLStats: https://t.co/NsxApOkB1N pic.twitter.com/bo9Nl8MgGm

— NHL (@NHL) January 15, 2025

Mason Lohrei - Boston Bruins ($4.2K/$4.4K)

Opponent - Anaheim Ducks

With Charlie McAvoy (shoulder) expected to miss a significant period of time, Mason Lohrei will likely take over top power-play duties. This evening, he will face the Anaheim Ducks, who have allowed the fourth-most Expected Goals Against while shorthanded.

Even though the 24-year-old has only tallied one helper over his previous nine games, before this cold stretch, he tallied six over his last five. Now expected to move up to the top pairing and power-play unit, Lohrei could be a sneaky play at his price, especially paired with Pastrnak's forward line.

Brent Burns - Carolina Hurricanes ($4.6K/$5.4K)

Opponent - Toronto Maple Leafs

My final defenseman to target is Brent Burns of the Carolina Hurricanes. Typically, Shayne Gostisbehere has been deployed on the top power-play unit, but Burns has begun to take over that role.

Over his last four games, Burns has tallied two helpers (one on the power-play) while seeing just under 2.5 minutes of power-play each game. Before this stretch, he logged under a minute of power-play in each match.

Burns will face the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have allowed the fifth-most Expected Goals Against while shorthanded. The Hurricanes have been very effective on the power play, generating the highest Expected Goals Per 60. When the Hurricanes are on the slate, targeting an option on their power play is never a bad choice.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):

Seth Jones - Chicago Blackhawks ($5.9K/$6.3K)
Zach Werenski - Columbus Blue Jackets ($7.6K/$7.6K)

Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Adin Hill - Vegas Golden Knights ($8K/$7.8K)

Opponent - Vancouver Canucks

Adin Hill and the Vegas Golden Knights will host the Vancouver Canucks, who have generated the second-fewest Expected Goals Per 60. Before the international break, the Canucks scored more than two goals just once over their last four games.

Even though Hill was on a skid prior to the break, expect him to bounce back in a favorable setting on his ice.

Jeremy Swayman - Boston Bruins ($8.4K/$8K)

Opponent - Anaheim Ducks

My other goaltender to target is Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins. In his last two games before the break, Swayman held a strong 2.01 GAA and a .946 save percentage when facing a hefty 74 shots.

The Bruins will host the Anaheim Ducks, who have generated the ninth-fewest Expected Goals For Per 60 during 5-on-5 play, according to MoneyPuck.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):