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Welcome back RotoBallers! For those first-time readers, my name is Chris and I write a ton on RotoBaller. The sports universe of writing here spans from NASCAR to football to college sports to of course, hockey. If you have not checked some of those articles out then make sure you do! It is the return of the NHL which means it's time to sharpen our skills and partake in NHL DFS! As always, I'll give you the best tools to succeed and the info you need to build the best lineups possible for your GPP and cash game NHL contests on both DraftKings and FanDuel.
Today I'll be bringing you my NHL lineup picks, analysis, and advice for NHL DFS contests on DraftKings and FanDuel for Wednesday, December 29th, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Be sure to also check out our awesome NHL tools including our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, Projections, and DFS Cheat Sheets!
If you have any questions on today's slate, bankroll management, GPP strategy, Cash game strategy, or anything else don’t hesitate to email me at stevens8204@gmail.com or via Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS or in our premium slack chat. Good luck, RotoBallers!
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NHL DFS Analysis and Picks for 12/29/21
As I am writing this, the six-game slate is taking shape. Hopefully, there are no more postponements between now and puck drop on Wednesday night.
Please be aware that COVID has ravaged a lot of rosters and trimmed this slate from seven to six games. The suggestion is to check back on social media often to see who else may have been placed on protocol. Finally, if any postponement news breaks, we will try to get it posted ASAP.
NHL DFS Goalies
Igor Shesterkin- DK $7.1K || FD $8.2K
Opponent - Florida Panthers
There has been some debate as to whether Igor Shesterkin will play. He is expected to start in Florida against the Panthers on Wednesday night. Until he is confirmed, there will be some doubt. However, the Russian goalie comes in with seven straight starts allowing two goals or less. If he plays, the chance Shesterkin delivers a quality start is quite high. Florida will be a tough test even with the likely return of Aleksander Barkov but the goaltender has 13 wins in 18 decisions.
Martin Jones- DK $7.4K || FD $7.9K
Opponent - Seattle Kraken
This features tons of risk but Martin Jones will be the starter the next few times out while Carter Hart recovers from COVID. Jones had allowed 13 goals in his previous three starts but did win that last one before the break. Jones had been facing over 35 shots per 60 in his last nine starts and Seattle tends to shoot more at home. It is a matchup which could set up well for the Philadelphia goaltender. Again, Jones is a value pick with danger.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Binnington (DK $7.9K || FD $7.6K), Smith (DK $7.3K || FD $8.0K), Luukkonen (DK $7.6K || FD $7.2K). Again watch for more COVID announcements.
NHL DFS Centers
Peyton Krebs-DK $2.5K || FD $3.0K -- Wing
Opponent - New Jersey Devils
After starting the season in a different locale and with no points, Peyton Krebs has enjoyed a nice run in Rochester with Buffalo's AHL team. He gets another shot due to a plethora of injuries and COVID problems with Buffalo. Krebs is at least worth a look in a middle-six sort of role that could see some power-play time. Given how bad New Jersey has been defensively before the break, the forward is at least worth a look. Buffalo's top center may be Cody Eakin which becomes another value play of sorts on Wednesday night.
Aleksander Barkov- DK $7.0K || FD $8.5K
Opponent - New York Rangers
So, Barkov is expected to return against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night. It would have been sooner if not for all the COVID-related delays. The game is expected to be played which means Barkov will be playing for the first time since December 7th. Barkov needs to try and stay healthy but more importantly, the forward has ten goals and eight assists in 16 games. He has the ability to produce and produce often from a DFS standpoint. There is a reason why Florida has been so good at home. Barkov is a big reason why.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Backstrom(DK $5.7K || FD $6.4K), McDavid(DK $9.7K || FD $10.3K), Hughes (DK $4.8K || FD $6.8K), Miller (DK $5.5K || FD $8.4K -- Wing)
NHL DFS Wings
Wings
Filip Forsberg- DK $7.2K || FD $7.3K
Opponent - Washington Capitals
The Martin Erat Bowl as it was once called could be a bit of an offensive shootout on Wednesday. With Alex Ovechkin on the other side, Forsberg has seven goals and 12 points in his last ten games on 35 shots. If he gets Matt Duchene back on his side from injury, that could be a mini-stacking idea even from a contrarian sense. That would be a solid boost for Nashville offensively as well as for Forsberg.
Pavel Buchnevich- DK $5.8K || FD $6.7K
Opponent - Edmonton Oilers
No, this is a pure home play on Wednesday night with the expectation of more goals due to rust and offenses being ahead of defenses. If Tuesday was any indication, this could be a wild affair. Buchnevich has three goals and 13 points in his last ten games with 34 shots on goal and almost 40 scoring chances. The Russian also has six special-teams points during this span with five of those coming on the man advantage. Going up against a returning Mike Smith could be beneficial on Wednesday.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Terry(DK $5.0K || FD $6.3K), Hyman(DK $6.0K || FD $6.4K), Atkinson(DK $5.4K || FD $6.2K), Boeser (DK $4.1K || FD $6.8K), Saad(DK $3.7K || FD $5.0K), Jeannot(DK $2.9K || FD $4.6K)
NHL DFS Defensemen
Defense
Evan Bouchard- DK $5.5K || FD $5.8K
Opponent - St. Louis Blues
There may be other players on this slate that have more pop but Bouchard has been quite consistent with eight points in his last nine games while averaging more than three scoring chances a game. His floor has been decent and depending on how Darnell Nurse looks, Bouchard could see some more power play time on Wednesday in St. Louis. He is at least worth a look regardless with his reasonable salary.
Aaron Ekblad- DK $7.4K || FD $6.7K
Opponent - New York Rangers
Since we can take a risk and go with the offensive defenseman on Wednesday, Aaron Ekblad is worth a look as he and the team are getting healthy once more. Ekblad cleared protocol on Monday and will take on his normal role on Wednesday night or whenever the team resumes action. The defenseman has 24 points in 28 games this season. That FanDuel price definitely raises a few eyebrows. MacKenzie Weegar is one to keep an eye on as well.
We will have a few more picks and ideas on social media as things come into focus later on Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Others To Consider (CASH/GPP): Parayko(DK $5.9K || FD $5.0K), Hamilton (DK $7.8K || FD $6.5K), Carrier (DK $3.0K || FD $4.6K).
NHL DFS Top Power Plays and Stacks
- WSH1
- FLA1
- BUF 1
- NSH 1
- EDM 1
- VAN 1
Chris’s Stack of the Day
NJD: Bratt-Johnsson-Mercer (Hamilton possible)
Chalk Stack:
EDM: McDavid-Puljujarvi (if he plays, Hyman if not)-Bouchard
Sneaky Stack:
BUF: Krebs-Dahlin-Skinner (Look to Buffalo's top power play unit)
NHL Player News and Updates
More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis
