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.
Chicago Blackhawks at Montréal Canadiens
The Blackhawks have lost four of their last six games, going 2-1-3 in that stretch. The ‘Hawks have also lost three of their last five on the road with the most recent loss coming on Long Island. One thing that has been surprising about their run of late is the lack of goal scoring; Chicago has scored two or fewer goals in four of their last five games.
The Habs, meanwhile, have also lost four of their last six games and have gone goalless on the power play in three straight. They are also averaging four short-handed chances against per game over their last 10, a trend that will need to correct itself if they hope to stay in this game against the defending Cup champs.
One thing about the Habs this year is they are generally getting crushed by the better Western Conference teams: Montréal beat Anaheim 4-1 at home at the end of October but have losses to Colorado, St. Louis (twice), and Los Angeles in the meantime. In general, the Habs have been very up and down for a couple months now, making them a gamble.
I would avoid both goalies in this game because I’m not sure how it shakes out, but I will have Chicago players sprinkled across my lineups.
|
Top RW Value |
Top LW Value |
Top C Value |
Top D Value |
Bargain Bin |
|
(CHI) $13,350 |
(CHI) $7700 |
(CHI) $5000 |
Nick Leddy $5350 |
Daniel Brière (MTL) $5000 |
