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The top daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on December 21, 2024. Andy's NHL DFS goalies, forward line stacks, and defensemen.
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 @A_Smith_FS. All player salaries will be listed as ($DK/FD).
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Forward Lines To Target - NHL DFS Picks
New Jersey Devils L1 - Ondrej Palat ($3.2K/$4.7K) - Jack Hughes ($9K/$8.1K) - Jesper Bratt ($7.6K/$7.5K)
Opponent - Pittsburgh Penguins
The top unit in New Jersey is playing host to the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have turned their season around but have still shown immense struggles defensively. The Penguins currently hold the fifth-highest Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck.
This top line, led by Jack Hughes has generated an impressive 57.8% xGoals across over 250 minutes of ice time. In addition, they have posted a strong 3.39 xGoals For Per 60.
What a goal by Jack Hughes 🚨 pic.twitter.com/m7dMZo2i6y
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) December 3, 2024
Over his past four games, Hughes has tallied seven total points (two goals, five helpers), while Jesper Bratt has scored five points in his past five. Palat has been productive as a scorer, putting three in the back of the net over his past five.
Detroit Red Wings L2 - Alex DeBrincat ($6.3K/$6.1K) - Andrew Copp ($2.8K/$4.1K) - Patrick Kane ($4.5K/$5.2K)
Opponent- Montreal Canadians
The Detroit Red Wings have one of the best matchups on the slate, facing the Montreal Canadiens, who have the second-most Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck. This is the second-half of a back-to-back as these two teams met on Friday evening as well.
The Red Wings have shuffled their top lines quite often this season as this combination has played only just over 20 minutes of ice time together. Across this small stint, they have generated a 46.9% xGoals with an impressive 4.58 xGoals Per 60.
DeBrincat has found the back of the net four times through his first eight games this month, while Patrick Kane has tallied three points over his past two.
While this line may not be the most consistent, they should have ample scoring opportunities facing a weak defensive unit.
Pittsburgh Penguins L1 - Rickard Rakell ($5.9K/$6.1K) - Sidney Crosby ($7.3K/$7.2K) - Bryan Rust ($6.6K/$6.9K)
Opponent - New Jersey Devils
I also want to target the other top unit in one of tonight's Metropolitan division showdowns. While the Devils have allowed the sixth-fewest Expected Goals Per 60 this season, the Penguins have begun to heat up, especially their first line.
Bryan Rust - Pittsburgh Penguins (13) pic.twitter.com/tsnoj5UJRl
— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) December 20, 2024
Over his past four games, Bryan Rust has tallied two four-point outings with nine total points and Rickard Rakell has scored four goals in his past four games. Sidney Crosby is coming off a four-point showing and just snapped his ten-game goal drought.
This line has generated a strong 56.9% xGoals and has boasted a stellar 4.21 xGoals Per 60, suggesting they always find success no matter the matchup.
Boston Bruins L1 - Brad Marchand ($6K/$6.3K) - Charlie Coyle ($2.3K/$3.9K) - Justin Brazeau ($3K/$4.4K)
Opponent - Buffalo Sabres
My final top line to target is on the Boston Bruins. The Bruins will be playing host to the Buffalo Sabres who have allowed the eighth-most Expected Goals Against Per 60, according to MoneyPuck.
This line currently boasts a solid 56.8% xGoals and a 2.92 xGoals Per 60.
Brad Marchand has put his slow start behind him, as he is currently carrying a seven-game point streak. During this span, Marchand has found the back of the net five times with two total power-play points.
While his linemates, Elias Lindholm and Justin Brazeau, have been streaky throughout the season, expect this line to have ample opportunities this evening.
Other Top Lines To Target (Cash/GPP):
- BOS L2
- TOR L1
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Defensemen To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Dougie Hamilton - New Jersey Devils ($6.5K/$6.1K)
Opponent - Pittsburgh Penguins
According to MoneyPuck, the New Jersey Devils power-play unit boasts the highest Expected Goals Per 60. Facing a weak defensive team like the Penguins should put power-play QB1, Dougie Hamilton in several scoring chances this evening.
While Hamilton has not tallied a point in each of his previous seven games, he was quite productive in his last ten before this cold stretch, tallying nine total points, with six of them coming on the power-play.
He and Brenden Dillon have generated a strong 55.1% xGoals in even-strength play.
In a favorable matchup against the Penguins, Hamilton should have numerous opportunities to kickstart another impressive scoring stretch.
Quinn Hughes - Vancouver Canucks ($7.1K/$7.2K)
Opponent - Ottawa Senators
Quinn Hughes will be facing off against the Ottawa Senators, who have struggled to defend the man-advantage, holding the fifth-highest Expected Goals Against this season, according to MoneyPuck.
Over his previous ten contests, Hughes has scored ten total points (two goals, ten helpers), with six of the points coming on the man-advantage.
Given his role in this offense, Hughes should be in a great position to get on the scoresheet in tonight’s matchup.
Shea Theodore - Las Vegas Golden Knights ($5.7K/$6.4K)
Opponent - Seattle Kraken
My final top defenseman to target is Shea Theodore, who has enjoyed an impressive scoring surge over the past week. Over his previous six games, Theodore has posted four multi-point showings with three goals and six helpers.
Shea Theodore - Vegas Golden Knights (4) pic.twitter.com/ORvftgFvmZ
— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) December 16, 2024
During this span, he has tallied four of those assists on the power-play. Serving as the QB1 on the Vegas power-play that has generated the second-most Expected Goals Per 60 this season puts the 29-year-old in high-scoring chances all evening.
In addition, he had a great matchup with the Seattle Kraken, which allowed the 11th-most Expected Goals Against Per 60 while shorthanded
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP):
- Charlie McAvoy - Boston Bruins ($4.6K/$5.5K)
- Mike Matheson- Montreal Canadiens ($5.6K/$5.6K)
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Toronto Maple Leafs ($3.1K/$4.5K)
Goalies To Target - NHL DFS Picks
Adin Hill - Las Vegas Golden Knights ($8.4K/$7.3K)
Opponent - Seattle Kraken
Adin Hill enjoyed a nice bounce-back showing on Thursday evening stopping 19 of the 20 shots he faced en route to defeating the Vancouver Canucks. In his previous start he allowed a season-high six goals. Removing that one poor outing, Hill has posted a 5-0 record over his past six games with a .940% SV.
This evening, he will face the Seattle Kraken, who have generated the fifth-lowest Expected Goals For Per 60 this season, according to MoneyPuck.
Jeremy Swayman - Boston Bruins ($8.2K/$8.2K)
Opponent - Buffalo Sabres
Removing his worst start of the season on December 10 when he allowed eight goals, Swayman has carried a strong 5-0-1 record over his last six games and held a solid 2.45 GAA during this span.
Tonight, he will face the Buffalo Sabres, who currently hold the 12th lowest Expected Goals For Per 60 this season. In addition, over these past four games, they have only scored more than three goals on one occasion.
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