I will mention that I generally do not pick two players playing against each other in the same game for a daily fantasy hockey lineup. The same applies for a goalie and a player from opposite teams. You might see two players among the “value picks” from opposite teams, but that doesn’t mean you should take them both. No matter the value, you’re also likely cannibalizing points, so any gains made below a certain price point – the point where production and cost intersect – can be lost if production declines overall as well.
There are many things that determine value: The player’s history (both short and long-term), the price, recent production, opponent, line matching at even-strength, power play time and injuries are just some of the factors to consider. The “Top Value” doesn’t necessarily mean the cheapest player, either.
Finally, as far as goalies go, it’s the one position I’ll pay through the nose for if I really like the match-up. The same applies for back-ups with good match-ups. In a given night, with a full slate of games, I won’t have more than three different goalies across all my lineups, usually two. I’ll name the goalies I like specifically in the match-ups they appear in.
Here is today’s slate of games (and DraftDay values). Reminder: check Left Wing Lock for up-to-the-minute information on starting goalies.
Games are color-coded as follows:
Green means load up. Yellow means grab a couple of players. Red means value plays only.
Washington Capitals at Buffalo Sabres
In Washington’s first game out of the break, they were outplayed from start to finish by the Rangers yet managed to squeak out a 3-2 win.
Buffalo, on the other hand, choked up a 2-0 second period lead to the Toronto in their first game after Christmas, still salvaging a point by getting to a shootout.
This game will be the first meeting between the two teams this season.
It’s no secret what Washington’s game is: In 16 games when they haven’t scored a power play goal, Washington has two regulation wins. In the 22 games with a power play goal, they have eight regulation wins. This plays into Buffalo’s favor because their power play is rolling along at an 88.8-percent efficiency this month, and have only allowed three power play goals against in the last calendar month.
This should be a low-scoring game, but I think Buffalo has a good chance to take it, if you’re looking for an off-the-board starting goalie.
|
Top RW Value |
Top LW Value |
Top C Value |
Top D Value |
Bargain Bin |
|
Drew Stafford |
Tyler Ennis $8950 |
(WSH) $7550 |
(WSH) |
Martin Erat $6800 |
