Sunday features a three-game main slate which starts at 6:00 pm ET for DraftKings and FanDuel with the Philadelphia Flyers facing off versus the New York Islanders. That follows the Dallas Stars clashing against the Colorado Avalanche. The nightcap features the Vegas Golden Knights clashing against the Vancouver Canucks.
Remember, when looking around for plays, an over/under of 6 dictates offense, but an over/under of 5 or sometimes 5.5 tilts towards the goalies. There are several games at 6.5, as that has become the new norm in hockey now.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy hockey lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 8/30/20. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS. Let's get to it, shall we?
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DFS Forwards to Consider
Nathan MacKinnon - C, COL vs DAL (FD - $8,800, DK - $8,500)
MacKinnon's offensive production has been otherworldly in these playoffs. That includes ten points in his last four games with 5+ shots in each game. Add in a few blocks here and there and MacKinnon is just a machine. Arizona could not stop the center once he got going and Dallas has had a tough time containing him. With all the scoring chances and power play opportunities, MacKinnon and the top line plus whomever that top defensive pairing is will gain some value once more.
Some other choices might include Sean Couturier and even Kevin Hayes. Also, do watch the Vegas middle six. Something tells me, Vegas could continue some of that momentum tonight.
Mark Stone - W, VGK vs VAN (FD - $7,300, DK - $6,400)
The forward steadied in price with the back end of the back to back later tonight. Stone scored a goal, had a couple scoring chances, nearly hit the post a couple times, and looked more like the winger we come to expect in the playoffs. Overall, Stone enjoys a solid matchup against the Vancouver middle six. Also, there is that Vegas power play to consider which could strike at any time.
Also, Consider:
It is a prudent idea to go exploring for more secondary scoring on Sunday. With three games, searching for differences is still paramount.
Exploring the second and third lines this time of year has to be done more than the top power-play units, etc. Typically, games feature less penalties on average as the playoffs move along. Even strength play develops more and more importance. Finally, look at players like Tyler Motte even. Then, there exists the Tanner Pearson's and Tyler Toffoli's of the world too. That Philadelphia line two stack is not too far fetched along with a side order of value defensemen. Even take a look at the Corey Perry's and Jamie Benn's of the world.
DFS Defenders to Consider
Miro Heiskanen - D, DAL vs COL (FD - $5,700, DK - $5,700)
This is a solid option with Theodore on the back end of a back to back while Heiskanen is well rested. The defenseman has had points in four straight games and carries a floor almost comparable to the Vegas top defender.
His floor is a bit low normally but lately that has not been the case. In his last game, he had several shots and a couple blocks. Heiskanen can be a bit of a floor risk but that is okay when your team keeps scoring goals at 4-5+ goals a game since the middle of the Calgary series.
Alex Edler - D, VAN vs VGK (FD - $4,500, DK - $5,300)
Easily, this boils down to the floor potential of Edler versus the offensive upside of Quinn Hughes. With Vegas expected to compile 30-35+ shots again tonight, taking advantage of Edler one more time is prudent. His floor is higher and can even create some offense too. Edler had three scoring chances, three shots, and four blocks in Game 3;
With value and punt defensemen, one may have to dig slightly deeper than usual. Yes, taking a shot at players like Adam Pelech and Nick Leddy are not bad choices. Ryan Graves is still out there as well if one is desperate enough on Sunday evening.
DFS Goalie to Consider
Robin Lehner - G, VGK vs VAN (FD - $8,600, DK - $8,100)
This is all about taking a goalie most likely to win and that would be Lehner, provided he starts, on Sunday night. Lehner posted a shutout as Vegas took a 2-1 series lead over Vancouver. It may be worth a gamble to roll the dice on what is not broken.
For DraftKings, choosing a goalie like Jacob Markstrom introduces the idea of a 35+ save bonus. That is risky but has a slight chance of occurring tonight.
For FanDuel, if one feels a little squeamish on Markstrom, then maybe risk Carter Hart provided he starts. Remember Philadelphia and New York are also on the back end of a back to back as well. Maybe at some point Anton Khudobin plays like the Khudobin we remember.
We will be in the RotoBaller Premium Slack Chat throughout the afternoon and evening.
Also, if there are any other questions, the expert chat will be open once again on Sunday. Good luck today.