FanDuel NHL: November 5th

Nov 4, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets, FanDuel NHL gold last night, left wing Nick Foligno (71) and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) celebrate after the game against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Nationwide Arena. Columbus shutout Montreal 10-0. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports /

FanDuel NHL: November 5th 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
Assists = 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 led 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

November 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) scores a goal past Los Angeles Kings goalie Peter Budaj (31) during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Centers

The Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby ($8,700) is on fire. Crosby is now averaging 23.7 FanDuel NHL points per game. Regardless of the Penguins outcome each game, he’s finding ways to either get the puck in net, or be involved in most of the goals the Penguins score each game. Crosby is a lock to give you double-digit points, and is worth the hefty $8,700 salary. The Penguins play a tough defending San Jose Sharks team tonight, but with Sidney’s consistent scoring, you need him in your lineup tonight to win.

Kevin Hayes ($4,500) only plays on the New York Rangers 3rd power play line. But the Rangers are scoring more goals than any other team in the NHL this season, and each line benefits from their offensive prowess. Hayes has double-digit FanDuel NHL points in four of his last five games. That’s an outstanding outcome for only $4,500 tonight. The Rangers play Tuukka Rask, and the Boston Bruins today. Rask has been solid this season, but the Bruins aren’t doing well defending centers near the crease. Hayes should continue to roll tonight on a low salary. Great value option here!

Next: Top Wings

Oct 30, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers right wing Rick Nash (61) celebrates scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Wings

Since the Ranges are playing today, and as we already highlighted they’re the top scoring team in the NHL, let’s go with one of the better wing options from the Rangers, Rick Nash ($6,800). Nash plays on the first line for the Rangers, and the 2nd power play line each night. Rick scored double-digit FanDuel NHL points in four of his last five games. On the season, he’s averaging 15.2 points, so we’re getting a decent return for the $6,800 salary. Nash should also benefit from the Bruins struggling to defend offensive front lines.

We haven’t called on Jeff Skinner ($6,800) yet this season, but it’s time. After five-straight double-digit FanDuel NHL points at the end of October, Skinner only had 6.4 points against a tough-defending Ottawa Senators team on Tuesday. But Jeff should bounce back tonight against a Nashville Predators team playing near the bottom of the NHL standings. After the Senators game, Skinner’s ownership will likely be lower on a night when he has a great matchup.

Marcus Johansson ($5,200) has been very consistent this year, averaging 14.6 FanDuel NHL points per game. Johansson has the benefit of playing on the Washington Capitals 2nd line, and 1st power play line, each scores often. With a $5,200 salary, this is a good under-the-radar value at winger tonight.

Finally, let’s go back to the high-scoring New York Rangers and grab J.T. Miller ($5,200). Miller continues to score points, averaging 15.9 FanDuel NHL points per game. I’ve talked about and played Miller in several lineups this season, and will continue to do so until he disappoints, or finally becomes too expensive. This is one of the more expensive salaries I’ve seen with Miller, with a 16 point average, he’s still well worth $5,200.

Next: Top Defense

Oct 29, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) reacts after scoring a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Defense

After getting blown-out by the Columbus Blue Jackets last night, 10-0, I suspect Shea Weber ($6,300) and the Canadiens will have a strong bounce-back against the Philadelphia Flyers tonight. Weber is a fantastic defensiveman on a very good hockey team, so far this season. Averaging 16.5 FanDuel NHL points per game on a fair $6,300 salary, Shea is a great option for D tonight.

Rounding out our Defense options, Dennis Seidenberg ($3,900) has three-straight games over 16 FanDuel NHL points each game heading into tonight. Seidenberg and the New York Islanders are playing a very good Oilers team who’s simply outscoring their opponents, versus stopped them defensively. Seidenberg has an opportunity to continue to roll with 16 points again tonight, and his $3,900 salary is a bargain.

Next: Top Goalie

November 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Peter Budaj (31) blocks a shot against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Goalie

Peter Budaj ($7,600) continues to fill in nicely, for the Los Angeles Kings, after Jonathan Quick went down with an injury. Budaj has fought his way into the starting role with Quick out, and has solid wins, including recently against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tonight, Budaj takes on the Calgary Flames at home in L.A. This is a solid opportunity for Peter to at least land the 12 points for the win, and Budaj should add on from there with a decent save percentage, .900. Budaj has also yet to give up a goal in the event of a shootout. This is a great value at goal for Saturday and gives us room to plug in high-cost players like Sidney Crosby, Rick Nash, and Shea Weber.

Next: FanDuel NHL November 3rd

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!