FanDuel NHL: January 12

Dec 16, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin (8) gets ready for the face off against the Carolina Hurricanes during the third period at PNC Arena. The Washington Capitals defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in the shoot out. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

FanDuel NHL: January 12 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.

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 29, 2016; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Bo Horvat (53) skates against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Rogers Arena. the Washington Capitals won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Centers

Until his 3.2 FanDuel NHL point result on Tuesday, Bo Horvat ($5,300) was very consistently scoring 15 points-per-game. The Vancouver Canucks have not been a good hockey team this season, but Horvat gives Canucks fans hope. Bo is a fantastic 21-year-old talent on the Vancouver squad.

The Canucks aren’t favored to win in Philadelphia against the Flyers. But Steve Mason is likely in goal and the Flyers are near the bottom of the NHL in goals given up each game. This is a great bounce-back opportunity for Horvat with a low salary.

Patrik Berglund ($4,000) is a value play at center allowing us to really load up on our wing lineup spots. Berglund is playing the 3rd regular and 2nd power play lines for the St. Louis Blues. For only $4,000 in salary, that’s a lot of ice time. Also, Patrik has scored over 15 points in three of his last four games, including his last two games.

Next: Top Wings

Dec 7, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Minnesota Wild forward Zach Parise (11) carries the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre. Minnesota defeated Toronto 3-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Wings

Averaging over 19 FanDuel NHL points-per-game over the last two weeks, Zach Parise ($7,400) has been consistently dominate for a Minnesota Wild team off to a great start through mid-season. Parise is on the 1st regular and power play lines and will continue to roll even against a sturdy Montreal Canadiens team.

Anyone who isn’t a Boston Bruins fan, probably has Brad Marchand ($7,100) as a favorite enemy. Marchand is a physical, and mouthy, force on the Bruins top lines. That shouldn’t cause you to fade him in your lineups. Brad is averaging over 22 FanDuel NHL points-per-game in January and has a juicy match-up against the Nashville Predators tonight.

Alexander Radulov ($6,500) cooled off a bit over the last two games. But Alexander is still averaging around 20 FanDuel NHL points-per-game in January. Even against a tough Wild team, Radulov will be active and should score at least double-digit points tonight.

Marcus Foligno ($4,000) is averaging around 15 FanDuel NHL points-per-game. It’s unbelievable Foligno is our value pick at wing, with a very cheap $4,000 salary. Marcus typically plays on the 1st regular line, but is left out of the power play which is cutting into his ice-time and is likely the reason his salary is lower. Still, Foligno is taking a hot streak into a match-up with Tampa Bay tonight.

Next: Top Defense

Dec 10, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) prepares for a faceoff against the Colorado Avalanche during the third period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Defense

The Montreal Canadiens stopped a two game skid by scoring seven goals against the Winnipeg Jets. Shea Weber ($6,600) was heavily involved in the result, two assists, three shots on goal and four blocked shots. Weber is bringing a 17 FanDuel NHL point-per-game average for January into the match-up with the Wild tonight. Shea is the top defensive player on the Canadiens top lines.

Tyson Barrie ($5,300) is arguably the top offensive defender on the Colorado Avalanche. Even though the Avalance continue to lost games, Barrie continues to pile up FanDuel NHL points. In January, Tyson is averaging around 17 points, similar to Weber. But Barrie is $1,300 cheaper than Shea. This is our top value play at defense tonight.

Next: Top Goalie

Dec 21, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Edmonton Oilers goalie Cam Talbot (33) looks on during the second period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Top Goalie

Cam Talbot ($8,800) had a horrible outing against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday, finishing the game with -1.6 FanDuel NHL points. However, before Tuesday, Talbot was averaging over 20 FanDuel NHL points in the past two weeks.

Tonight, the Oilers are playing the New Jersey Devils in Edmonton. The Devils had some flashes of solid play lately, but have also been down-right dreadful. The last time Cam played the Devils, this past Saturday, Talbot racked up 23.2 FanDuel NHL points. Also, Cory Schneider is struggling in net for the Devils. So, this is a juicy match-up for Talbot and the Oilers tonight.

Next: FanDuel NFL Divisional 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!