Written by LineStar Fantasy Life Coach @ZeroInDenver.

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Welcome back to the NHL Hat Trick.

ICYMI - The NHL Season Preview & Strategy guide goes over the basics of NHL DFS and what I look for when researching players.

On a regular year, we're be winding down towards the playoffs, but this year, we're not quite at the half-way point of the season. If you love NHL DFS like me, we still have a lot of good hockey left. With that, we have a pretty good 7-game slate tonight. I've been hard-pressed for time today, so let's dive into tonight's slate and see who the standouts are.

Tonight's Slate

Here's numbers on the teams from their past 10 games. Generally, I start my research by looking for teams in good spots. For example, teams that score goals (GF60) that are facing teams that give up goals (GA60). I also look at teams that shoot a lot (CF60) that are facing teams that give up a lot of shots (CA60).

Goaltender Rankings

How to Interpret This: I've added LineStar Projected Ownership, LineStar Projected Fantasy Points, and Goalie GAA (Goals Saved Above Average), and Saves/60, along with my projected upside for each goalie. Generally, I'm looking for goalies that I think will get a win with a positive (green) GSAA and a high saves number.

As always - double-check that your goalie is starting before the game starts.

My Favorite:

Chris Driedger - FLA (DK: $7300, FD: $7800) *CONFIRMED STARTER*

This is a "correlate goalies with stacks" night for me, but since I have to highlight one, I'm going to go for the cheapest option when I don't really love the matchup for any others on the board.

Forwards and Defensemen Rankings

How to Interpret C/D/W charts: In NHL DFS, I think it's most important to look at peripheral stats instead of goals which is why I put so much emphasis on shots. This includes shot attempts, high danger shot attempts (those shot attempts closest to the net with the highest probability of going into the net), and shots on goal. I've included projections and average fantasy points to see how each compares so you can more easily find value.

Center

My Favorite

Nathan MacKinnon - COL (DK: $8500, FD: $8400)

The upside of McDavid, but a cheaper price and better matchup tonight.

Wing

My Favorite:

Kyle Connor - WPG (DK: $6400, FD: $6700)

Great shot volume, PP1 time, good matchup vs Vancouver

Defensemen

My Favorite

Aaron Ekblad - FLA (DK: $5200, FD: $5200)

That shot volume tho.

Bottom of the Barrel

Here are my cheap calls for a skater to pick up a goal or assist.

Victor Rask: MIN - C (DK: $3.1K, FD: $4.7K)

Drake Batherson: OTT - W (DK: $3.9K, FD: $4.5K)

Keith Yandle: FLA - D (DK: $4.3K, FD: $4.6K)

Line Stacks

Here are my ranked stacks for tonight:

Favorite Stacks Tonight:

Risk-It-For-The-Biscuit Stacks:

Disclaimer: Keep in mind, plays and thoughts listed are my own. You should all do your own research and you might (and probably should) disagree with me in some spots. Don't be afraid to go your own way.

Good luck today! Tag me in the LineStar Chat @ZeroInDenver if you have any questions or feedback. Follow me on Twitter @ZeroInDenver.

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