Today's NHL DFS Lineup Picks for DraftKings, FanDuel (11/9/24)

Hello Rotoballers! The NHL season is in full swing, and we 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. Be sure to keep updated with any injury notes on our newsfeed before setting your lineup.

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

Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Toronto Maple Leafs L2 - Max Pacioretty ($3,500/5,200) - John Tavares ($6,600/6,800) - William Nylander ($6,800/8,100)

Opponent - Montreal Canadiens

The Leafs have the best matchup on the slate facing the Montreal Canadiens, who have allowed the most Expected Goals Per 60 in 5-on-5 play (3.42) per MoneyPuck.

This line, led by winger William Nylander, has generated an impressive 66.7% xGoals and a high 4.6 xGoals Per 60. 

WILLIAM NYLANDER 🚨

POWER PLAY GOAL! pic.twitter.com/RRTVs9gITI

— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) November 3, 2024

Nylander has tallied ten goals (15 points) through his first 14 games. John Tavares has gotten a bit cold but carried a six-game point streak through the final week of October. 

They are expected to face Montreal netminder Sam Montembeault, who has posted a .892 SV% while playing behind this poor defensive team, setting up the Toronto offense for a productive evening.

New York Rangers L2 - Alexis Lafreniere ($4,700/5,300) - Vincent Trocheck ($6,300/6,700) - Artemi Panarin ($9,200/8,700)

Opponent- Detroit Red Wings

The Rangers will face the Detroit Red Wings, who, according to MoneyPuck, have allowed the 12th-most 2.54 Expected Goals Per 60.

This unit has generated a solid 2.95 x Goals Per 60 in 5-on-5 play and is a primary reason why the Ranger power play sits as the second-best in the sport, with a stellar 11.3 Expected Goals Per 60. The Red Wings have allowed the third-highest Expected Goals Against Per 60 while shorthanded.

Panarin has only been kept off the box score in one game this season and remains one of the safest anchors you can have in your lineup.

Carolina Hurricanes L1 - Seth Jarvis ($5,400/5,800) - Sebastian Aho ($7,600/6,900) - Andrei Svechnikov ($7,500/7,100)

Opponent - Colorado Avalanche

The top line in Carolina have generated the highest xGoals Per 60 (5.88) this season among forward lines who have played at least 50 minutes of ice time together.

This evening, they will face the Colorado Avalanche. While Colorado has had positive defensive metrics (sixth-lowest Expected Goals Against in even-strength play), its goaltending has been brutal.

Two of their netminders have a negative goals saved above expected, with Alexandar Georgiev's mark being at a rough -10.2.

This unit should have plenty of opportunities to get on the scoresheet, facing subpar goaltending.

Edmonton Oilers L2 - Viktor Arvidsson ($4,200/5,400) - Leon Draisaitl ($8,300/7,800) - Vasily Podkolzin ($3,000/3,600)

Opponent - Vancouver Canucks

My final top line to target is the second unit in Edmonton. After tallying only one point in his first three games, Draisaitl has tallied 15 points in his past eleven games, including three three-point performances during this span.

Leon Draisaitl gets the party started in the Battle of Alberta. 💥

(🎥: @Sportsnet)pic.twitter.com/rQVoZVMY7Z

— theScore (@theScore) November 4, 2024

This line has generated an excellent 59.0% xGoals with 3.85 xGoals per 60 Minutes.

They have a difficult matchup on paper against Vancouver, which has been one of the best defensive teams throughout the first month (third-lowest Expected Goals Against Per 60).

Given how impressive Draisaitl has been playing, he is an elite option at center and plays with two wingers at a lower price who possess scoring upside.

Other Top Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):  

• DET L1
• COL L1
• EDM L1

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

Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Moritz Seider - Detroit Red Wings ($5,900/6,300)

Opponent - New York Rangers

The 23-year-old is the quarterback of the strong Detroit power-play unit, which has generated the tenth-highest Expected Goals Per 60 total. However, Seider has yet to truly benefit from this, as he has tallied only two points on the man advantage this season and is due for some positive regression.

In even-strength play, Seider and his linemate Simon Edvinsson have generated a solid 2.63 xGoals per 60 and hold a 56.9% xGoals according to MoneyPuck.

Shayne Gostisbehere - Carolina Hurricanes ($5,300/5,700)

Opponent - Colorado Avalanche

A familiar name to readers of my column. Gostisbehere has posted a stellar 66.4.% xGoals playing alongside Sean Walker in 5-on-5 play and played a crucial role on the Carolina power-play that currently sits with the fourth-highest Expected Goals Per 60 count.

Colorado has struggled to keep the puck out of the back of its net, which could set up the Carolina power-play for a successful showing.

Morgan Rielly - Toronto Maple Leafs ($4,700/5,800)

Opponent - Montreal Canadiens

My final top defenseman is Morgan Rielly. As stated before, the Leads have the best matchup on paper, as the Canadiens have been the worst defensive team through the first month of the season.

Rielly and his linemate Oliver Ekman-Larsson have posted a strong 56.3% xGoals in even strength, while the Toronto power-play sits just above the league median with a 6.26 xGoals Per 60.

Given Montreal's defensive struggles, the Leafs should spend a lot of the evening in the offensive zone, which should provide Rielly with multiple opportunities to get on the scoresheet.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): 

• Evan Bouchard - Edmonton Oilers ($6,600/6,600)
• Adam Fox - New York Rangers ($5,700/5,600)

Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks

Darcy Kuemper - Los Angeles Kings ($8,400/7,900)

Opponent - Columbus Blue Jackets

The 34-year-old faces the Columbus Blue Jackets in one of the best matchups on the slate. The Kings have posted the lowest Expected Goals Against Per 60 in 5-on-5 play this season according to MoneyPuck.

Across his past four starts, Kuemper has posted a solid 2.19 GAA and a .901 SV%. Facing a Columbus team that has struggled to generate opportunities (48.75% xGoals, the 11th-lowest mark in hockey) sets him up for a great evening.

Igor Shesterkin - New York Rangers ($8,000/7,800)

Opponent - Detroit Red Wings

My other top goalie on the slate is Igor Shesterkin. The Red Wings currently sit with the fourth-lowest 43.47% xGoals of and have generated the fourth-lowest Expected Goals For Per 60.

Igor Shesterkin is simply jaw dropping good at his job pic.twitter.com/P0WFmO4AuF

— Andrew Chelney🍊 (@ChelneyAndrew) November 2, 2024

While the Rangers have struggled to limit shot opportunities this season, it is hard to bet against a former Vezina winner who currently has a .920 SV% in a favorable matchup.

Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): 

• Jacob Markstrom - New Jersey Devils ($8,100/$7,700)

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