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Free daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings and FanDuel. Use Andy's NHL DFS expert picks to build winning DFS lineups on March 8, 2025.
Hello, RotoBallers! The NHL season is in full swing, and we have an action-packed six-game slate on Saturday, March 8.
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).
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Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Colorado Avalanche L1 - Artturi Lehkonen ($5.7K/$6.8K) - Nathan MacKinnon ($9.2K/$9.2K) - Martin Necas ($6.2K/$7.6K)
Opponent - Toronto Maple Leafs
Even though they do not have the best matchup on paper, it is hard to fade Nathan MacKinnon's line. Over his previous four games, MacKinnon has found the back of the net four times and added an incredible seven helpers. Artturi Lehkonen has tallied two points in each of his last two contests while Martin Necas has tallied six over his last four.
This unit has generated an elite 3.18 xGoals Per 60 with a strong 53.8 percent xGoals. Despite facing a Toronto defense that has done well to limit opposing teams during 5-on-5 play, it is hard to fade one of the hottest lines in the sport.
Nathan MacKinnon - Colorado Avalanche (26) pic.twitter.com/lf8v9S47cE
— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) March 7, 2025
Calgary Flames L1 - Jonathan Huberdeau ($5.4K/$6.1K) - Nazem Kadri ($6.4K/$6.9K) - Matthew Coronato ($4.6K/$5.4K)
Opponent - Montreal Canadiens
The Calgary Flames have one of the best matchups on the slate, facing the Montreal Canadiens, who have allowed the third-most Expected Goals Per 60 during even-strength play, according to MoneyPuck.
This top line, led by Nazem Kadri, has generated a strong 2.83 xGoals Per 60. Kadri has found the back of the net twice over his last three games. During this stretch, Jonathan Huberdeau has tallied three helpers.
All three of these forwards play on the top power play unit, which should also provide them with elite scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
Montreal Canadiens L1 - Cole Caufield ($6.1K/$7.1K) - Nick Suzuki ($5.7K/$7.7K) - Juraj Slafovsky ($5.3K/$5.7K)
Opponent - Calgary Flames
I would also suggest targeting the other top unit in this contest. Nick Suzuki has been one of the most productive players over the past two weeks as he has tallied 13 points (four goals) over his last six contests. During this same stretch, Cole Caufield has tallied at least one point in each contest and is riding a four-game goal streak into this contest.
This line has generated a strong 2.82 xGoals Per 60 according to MoneyPuck.
They will face the Calgary Flames who have allowed the 16th most Expected Goals Against Per 60 while shorthanded and the 18th most during even strength. While this matchup might not look too favorable on paper, trust the hot hand and stack some of the most productive players in recent weeks.
The Electric Goal of the Week presented by @HyundaiCanada just has to go to Cole Caufield this week. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/2HkM7a9ESv
— NHL (@NHL) March 6, 2025
Nashville Predators L1 - Steven Stamkos ($7.5K/$5.9K) - Ryan O'Reilly ($5.5K/$6.1K) - Luke Evangelista ($5.1K/$4K)
Opponent - Chicago Blackhawks
Lastly, the final top unit to target is Nashville, which will face the Chicago Blackhawks. According to MoneyPuck, the Blackhawks have allowed the fifth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 during 5-on-5 play.
This unit has generated an impressive 3.4 xGoals Per 60 with a solid 58.6 percent xGoals across their first 30 minutes of shared ice time.
Steven Stamkos has tallied five points over his last two while Ryan O'Reilly has tallied four points over this span.
Other Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):
- TOR L1
- DAL L1
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Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Drew Doughty - Los Angeles Kings ($4.6K/$5.2K)
Opponent - St. Louis Blues
The Los Angeles Kings will be facing the St. Louis Blues who have allowed the third-most Expected Goals Against while shorthanded. Drew Doughty is the QB1 on the Los Angeles power play and should see high scoring chances against St. Louis.
Over his last six contests, Doughty has tallied four points (three helpers) with two of them coming on the man advantage.
Lane Hutson - Montreal Canadiens ($4.2K/$5.7K)
Opponent - Calgary Flames
Lane Hutson is carrying a six-game point streak into Saturday's contest. During this span, Hutson has tallied seven helpers and one goal. Hutson has tallied four of his points while on the power play.
Similar to their top forward unit, even though the Flames sit in the middle of the pack in terms of Expected Goals Against Per 60, Hutson is a great option given his offensive production, especially while on the man advantage.
Welcome to the Lane Hutson show 😎
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 7, 2025
Alex Vlasic - Chicago Blackhawks ($4K/$4.6K)
Opponent - Nashville Predators
My final defenseman to target is Alex Vlasic of the Chicago Blackhawks. Over his previous seven games, Vlasic has tallied four assists with three of them coming on the power play. During this span, he has also logged nine blocked shots with eight shots on goal.
Vlasic will be facing the Nashville Predators who have allowed the 13th-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 while shorthanded and the 17th-most during 5-on-5 play. With Seth Jones now in Florida, Vlasic will see top minutes as the QB1 on the power play.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Cale Makar - Colorado Avalanche ($7.6K/$7K)
- MacKenzie Weegar - Calgary Flames ($6.2K/$6.1K)
- Thomas Harley - Dallas Stars ($5.8K/$6K)
Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Juuse Saros - Nashville Predators ($8.5K/$7.8K)
Opponent - Chicago Blackhawks
Even though Juuse Saros has had a disappointing campaign, he has won three of his past four contests and is in a great position to stay hot facing the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have generated the fewest Expected Goals For Per 60 according to MoneyPuck.
Over his last six contests, Saros has allowed three goals or less in four of them.
Ilya Sorokin - New York Islanders ($8.1K/$8K)
Opponent - San Jose Sharks
My other goaltender to target is Ilya Sorokin. After holding an 0-4 record with a hefty 5.02 GAA, Sorokin has turned the corner as he has gone 3-1 over his last four games with a .918 save percentage and a 2.53 GAA.
According to MoneyPuck, Sorokin has saved 8.6 Goals Above Expected, which should play well against the Sharks team that has generated the sixth-fewest Expected Goals For Per 60, according to MoneyPuck.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Darcy Kuemper - Los Angeles Kings ($8.2K/$8.1K)
NHL DFS News and Injury Alerts
More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis
