FanDuel daily picks: Fantasy Hockey lineup December 1, 2017

Defense

Johnny Boychuk, NYI vs. Ottawa ($4,400) Johnny Boychuk is the top defense pick today, even at a lowly $4,400. He blocks an average of three shots per game. He also plays on the PPL 1 if he gets a goal or assist and four or five blocks, he’s a guy to have in a tourney.

Zach Wrenski, CBJ vs. ANH ($5,100) It seems strange to have a more expensive player as the second favorite pick but the NHL strategy employed here is in GPPs and using value plays in defense, simple as that. Most people forget that they are primarily trying to stop goals. The high-priced guys disappear in certain matchups, so try to find the diamonds in the rough. Wrenski plays over 25 minutes a game and TOI = goals, assists, his defensive stats will pay off.

Dustin Byfuglien, WPG vs. VGK ($5,100) Dustin is a value/stack defenseman for this slate, in a desirable matchup with Las Vegas. He’s offensive minded and averaging 23 minutes TOI over his last six games and has had a touch for assists. Last season he was a $6,000+ player and there is nothing wrong with buying low. He has a good floor with an average of two blocked shots per game this season.

Goaltender

Jaroslav Halak, NYI vs. Ottawa ($7,300) Against this same Ottawa team less than a week ago, Halak was a winner and picked up 32 saves on 33 shots for 32.8 Fantasy points. Pick goalies with a good chance to win while facing 30 shots a game. Simple math, the win on FanDuel is worth 12 points and can make or break a GPP winning lineup.

Connor Hellybuck, WPG vs. VGK ($8,000) Hellybuck has struggled recently, play him with caution. Hellybuck was shelled by this same Las Vegas team earlier in the season but the Jets are favored tonight and should win, take the 12 points.

Sample GPP Lineup

C: Tavares
C: Schiefele
W: Laine
W: Ehlers
W: Jenner
W: Henrique
D: Boychuk
D: Byfuglien
G: Halak