FanDuel NHL: January 4

Jan 1, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings forward, and FanDuel stud, Anthony Mantha (39) reacts after scoring the tying goal to force overtime against Toronto Maple Leafs during the Centennial Classic ice hockey game at BMO Field. The Leafs won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

FanDuel NHL: January 4 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 check the best options in each position, and help you afford an ideal 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

Oct 18, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida Panthers center Vincent Trocheck (21) skates with the puck against Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Centers

Vincent Trocheck ($6,300) averaged just under 17 FanDuel points-per-game over the last two weeks. However, toward the end of the month, Trocheck was scoring nearly 30 points each game. Leading the to top regular line and 2nd power play line, Vincent is logging roughly 22 minutes on ice per game lately.

Tonight, Trocheck and the Florida Panthers are likely locked into a shootout with the Winnipeg Jets, in Florida. Trocheck’s proved highly consistent this year, and his hot streak should continue in this juicy match-up.

Leading the 2nd regular and power play lines for the Calgary Flames, Mikael Backlund ($5,800) is consistently scoring over 20 FanDuel NHL points-per-game over the last two weeks. Tonight, the Flames have a juicy match-up at home against the Colorado Avalanche. For under $6,000, Backlund is a bargain with fantastic opportunity tonight.

Next: Top Wings

Dec 22, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Winnipeg Jets forward Blake Wheeler (26) warms up against the the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. The Winnipeg Jets won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Wings

Blake Wheeler ($7,200) and the Winnipeg Jets are in the middle of a three game losing streak. The Jets have struggled all season. However, even during the losing streak, Wheeler has averaged over 17 FanDuel NHL points per game.

Wheeler is arguably the best player on the Winnipeg squad. As we already pointed out with Trocheck, the Panthers and Jets are likely to be locked into a high-scoring affair tonight. Wheeler, will be involved in at least one of the goals, and should have several shots.

Jason Spezza ($6,600) and Mats Zuccarello ($6,600) are great players but often hard to afford, each with a $6,000+ salary. Jason is averaging over 20 FanDuel NHL points-per-game, and Mats is averaging 17 points. Tonight, with our goalie and defense options, along with affordable center options, we can fit Spezza and Zuccarello into our lineup.

Anthony Mantha ($5,300) is an incredible value option. Mantha averaged well over 20 FanDuel points-per-game over the last two weeks, and piled up 40 points against Toronto during the New Year’s Day Winter Classic. Anthony should spring off his first performance of 2017 with yet another big night.

Next: Top Defense

Oct 27, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Florida Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle (3) skates out with the puck as Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) chases him at Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Panthers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Defense

Keith Yandle ($5,500) is averaging around 12 FanDuel NHL points-per-game over the last two weeks. However, within that period, Yandle piled up closer to 20 points each game. As we’ve visited several times, we expect the Winnipeg Jets and Florida Panthers to be engaged in a high scoring game. Yandle will have multiple block shot opportunities, and should be involved in another goal or two tonight.

Nathan Beaulieu ($3,700) is a cheap option tonight, and makes our lineup affordable. Beaulieu is only averaging around 8.5 FanDuel NHL points-per-game over the last two weeks, but among the several options at or below $4,000, Nathan is the most attractive option. Also, the Canadiens have a decent match-up tonight against the Dallas Stars.

Next: Top Goalie

Dec 27, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Calgary Flames goalie Brian Elliott (1) makes a save in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Goalie

At first glance, Brian Elliott ($7,700) isn’t an attractive option any night in goal. Rebuilding, the Flames haven’t been a good hockey team in the last couple of years. Calgary struggled out of the gate to start the season. In November, Elliott had five straight losses.

However, the Flames sharply shifted to a winning streak in December. Brian was 4-0 in December, including a 5th game in which he received a no decision. After completing each game in November giving up three goals or more, Elliott hasn’t given up more than three goals in a game since November.

Averaging over 20 FanDuel NFL points-per-game over his last three starts, Elliott is a bargain option at goalie with a fantastic match-up against the struggling Colorado Avalanche. This pick also allows us to afford our pricey set of wingers.

Next: FanDuel NFL Wild Card Playoffs

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!