FanDuel NHL: October 20th

Oct 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Calgary Flames goalie Brian Elliott (1) makes a save on Chicago Blackhawks center, and FanDuel NHL value play, Artem Anisimov (15) during a shootout at the United Center. The Flames won 3-2 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

FanDuel NHL: October 25thth is a daily fantasy sports column focusing on the best FanDuel NHL player and value options for your daily lineups. The salary options are based on the daily salaries set by FanDuel. We’ll review the best options in each position, and help you afford an optimal lineup for your big FanDuel NHL paydays.

Before we review the top options for each FanDuel NHL lineup position, let’s review the FanDuel NHL scoring rules:

Forwards/Defense

Goals = 12pts
Assistes = 8pts
Shots on Goal = 1.6pts
Short Handed points = 2pts
Power Play Points = 0.5pts
Blocked Shots = 1.6pts

Goalies

Win = 12pts
Goals Against = -4pts
Saves = 0.8pts
Shutouts = 8pts

Given the FanDuel NHL scoring options, we know the top options for offense and defense are players who tend to score a goal or record an assist in most games. Also, if one of those players is often playing on the penalty kill, there’s an added benefit if they could score the unique short-handed goal. The Ottawa Senators lead the NHL in the 2015-2016 season with 17 short-handed goals.

As for Goalies, you’ll want to pick a goalie on a team who has the highest winning percentage of the day. Losing the 12 point win can easily be the difference between losing money and a big pay-day. A FanDuel comparison would be picking a MLB pitcher who will most likely win.

Now that we’ve established the rules and goals for playing FanDuel NHL, let’s take a look at tonight’s best options:

Next: Top Centers

Oct 23, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele (55) collides with Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) during the third period at the 2016 Heritage Classic ice hockey game at Investors Group Field. Edmonton Oilers win 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Centers

Once again, Mark Scheifele ($7,300) is an attractive option at center for FanDuel NHL. Scheifele has three goals and three assists, in five games, for the Winnipeg Jets. He’s averaging three shots on goal per game (so a five point floor), and has even blocked four shots in five games. Mark is on the Jets first regular line, and is also the top center for the man advantage. He’s had two games below 10 points, but three games between 20-31 points. Scheifele should have another 20 FanDuel NHL point night tonight. He’s also very affordable and gives us the ability to add some great wingers and defensive men later in our lineup.

Alexander Wennberg ($4,700) had a breakout 40-point year last season. Wennberg has always been more of an assist guy, which lowers his value a bit. However, he’s consistently getting assists and throw in the random goal here or there, you have a massive value at only a $4,700 salary. Alexander has three assists in only four games this year, including a goal. He’s exceeded 10 FanDuel NHL points in three of his four games. At $4,700, it’s worth using Wennberg to afford other bigger roles in your lineup, and still get 10+ points tonight.

Next: Top Wings

Oct 13, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing Corey Perry (10) watches from the bench during the third period against Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Ducks 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Wings

Corey Perry ($7,100) started the season with a goose egg, zero points, after 22 minutes on the ice in Dallas against the Stars. Since then, Perry has been on fire. Perry has three goals and two assists over the last five games. He is averaging just under five shots per game over the last five games as well, yielding at least over 7 FanDuel NHL points per game. Over the last three games, Corey has 18+ points, including 24.8 points against the Canucks on Sunday. Perry is a reasonable value against the Sharks tonight.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been hot and cold to start this season. Wayne Simmonds ($7,000) has been off and on as well. Last night against the Canadians, in Montreal, Simmonds only had 3.2 FanDuel NHL points. However, in the two home games preceding the Montreal game, Wayne had 15.7 points against the Ducks and 25.3 points against the Hurricanes. Simmonds will bounce back again tonight, back in Philly, against the Sabres. He’s well worth the $7,000 salary tonight.

Rounding out our four winger spots, we’ll look for more affordable options next. In the mid-salary-range list of options for tonight, William Nylander ($5,100) is a must play. Nylander is on the same line as the hot young Toronto Maple Leafs rookie, Auston Matthews. William and Auston seem to have fantastic chemistry together. Nylander had two games against the Blackhawks on Saturday, after getting a goal and two assists in the two games prior to Saturday. Nylander should stay hot, at home, against the Lightening, and he’s a great value with a salary of only $5,100.

Lee Stempniak ($4,600) has been on the radar of many FanDuel NHL players, as he’s had some great games to start the season. A two goal game against Edmonton last week stood out, handing Stempniak 28.8 FanDuel NHL points for the night. There is risk with this pick. Lee tends to be hot and hot, since the seasons start. he’s had a few games below 10 points, following great 20 point games. But, I expect Stempnkiak to continue to roll tonight against the Red Wings in Detroit, after an 18 FanDuel NHL point game in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Next: Top Defense

Oct 20, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns (88) looks on against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at the PPG Paints Arena. The Penguins won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Defense

Since the start of last season, Brent Burns ($8,100) has been a top FanDuel NHL option at defense. That hasn’t changed at all for the 2016-2017 season. So far, Burns has a floor of 11.20 points and ceiling of 43.2 FanDuel NHL points. That’s incredible for an option at defense. Yes, Brent is costly, at $8,100 for a FanDuel NHL salary. However, each time Burns takes to the ice he’s been dynamic, scoring goals, assists, and blocking shots. Brent Burns is a fantasy NHL dream at the defensiveman position, find a way to afford him every time he plays.

Ryan Sproul ($3,500) has quietly becoming a great option at defense, on the 2nd regular and power play lines for the Detroit Red Wings. Sproul is a promising rookie for the Red Wings defensive lines. Ryan finally got his first ice time on Friday against the Predators, scoring 13.3 FanDuel NHL points. After a solid game, the Detroit played Sproul again against a good San Jose Sharks team. Again, Ryan impressed with 16 FanDuel NHL points. Sproul is shaping up to be one of those early season cheap value options. If he continues to roll like this, he will no longer be $3,500 per game. Take advantage of the value while you can!

Next: Top Goalie

Oct 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Peter Budaj (31) celebrates after a 4-3 win overt he Vancouver Canucks at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Goalie

The Los Angeles Kings are likely without Jonathan Quick for three months of the season. Jeff Zatkoff is off to a poor start, three losses in three games played, 4.37 Goals Against Average (GAA), and .839 save percentage. In the meantime, Peter Budaj ($7,400) is 2-0 with a 2.46 GAA, and an .889 save percentage. Not quite Quick-type numbers, but the Kings are going to be more inclined to go with Budaj over Zatkoff for the team being. Also, Zatkoff is now on IR with a groin injury. So, we can feel more confident in getting a win (12 points) with a Budaj start, considering his current winning streak and great amount of time in the net with a talented Kings hockey team.

The 2-2 Columbus Blue Jackets come into Los Angeles on Tuesday night and face a Kings team who is doing well with Peter Budaj in net. Budaj should be in for 20 or more points tonight, and for $7,400 you can still load up with the great options we discussed at center, wing, and defense.

Next: NHL 2016 Fantasy Hockey Draft Rankings

Always check NHL lineups throughout the day when playing FanDuel NHL. As a fan, you likely know the league isn’t overly forthcoming with injury news, and players are often scratched at the last-minute with little information. Also, goaltenders are never a sure thing. Good Luck today Fanduelers!