DraftKings daily picks: Fantasy hockey lineup – March 16, 2018

High Salary Defensemen

Brent Burns, SJ vs CGY ($7,200): When you have a defenseman who is able to get 10 shots on net in a single game, thats when you know you have a special kind of offensive defenseman. Last year’s Norris Trophy winner Brent Burns may not being producing the same numbers he did last season but there isn’t a offensive defenseman like him in this league. He still excels at creating chances with his very high shot volume, and he will produce above-average shot blocking numbers, as well. He faces a favorable match up against an inconsistent Calgary Flames team and has the potential to produce an eight-to-ten point night if the Sharks can roll. ****

John Carlson, NYI vs WAS ($6,100): Carlson is coming off a one-goal night against the Islanders and is continuing to add to his career season. This goal was the 13th of the season for the Capitals first-pair defenseman, breaking past his previous career high of 12 which he set in the 2014 season. As usual, he is playing on the power play with both Nick Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin and he has produced three points in his last three games (1G, 2A). I expect a big night out of Ovi and Backstrom, and that should translate to another solid night for Carlson. ****

John Klingberg, DAL vs OTT ($5,700): Even through his recent cold spell John Klingberg has looked good, and he has the numbers to back up his play this season. The Dallas defensemen currently sits with 56 points (7G, 51A) which is a career high in assists ahead of his previous record by 14. He will help you substantially with shots as he has had 12 shots on goal in his last 2 games. Pairing him with the likes of Benn and Seguin in your lineup could lead to some serious points as they play the Senators. ***

High Value Defensemen

Erik Karlsson, DAL vs OTT ($5,600): Amids the weak season he is currently having, Erik Karlsson is still a once-in-a-generation defensemen who excels like no other on the offensive end. He is coming off of a two point game (1G, 1A) against the Lightning on Tuesday and had four points in his last two games. Similar to Burns and Klingberg he produces heavily in the shots column with an average 3.6 shots on goal over his last 5 games. We all know his ceiling, and for this low of a cap hit, he is a no-brainer to me. ****

Dougie Hamilton, SJ vs CGY ($5,400): If you were to tell me at the start of the season that Dougie Hamilton would lead the league in goals by defensemen I wouldn’t have believed you for a second. But at this point in the season, that is where we stand. Hamilton is tied with P.K. Subban for the title. He is shooting the puck a lot right now, averaging  3.8 shots on goal per game over his last 5. I would consider him heavily as a possible utility player to cover specific category holes in your lineup.***

Mark Giordano, SJ vs CGY ($5,300): The Flames captain is known for his hot streaks in the second half of the season and this year he is not disappointing. He currently sits with 36 points and is on pace to break 40 for the fifth time in his career. He has produced three six-plus fantasy point nights in his last five games. He is currently one of the hottest defensemen in the league, and for the low cap hit you won’t find much better. I expect a back-and-forth game between the Flames and the Sharks, which will be a great environment for Giordano to make some offense. ****