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.

We get a huge slate tonight. 20 teams in play can be overwhelming, even when playing multiple lineups. For me, I'm always reminded of one of my favorite DFS quotes:

I think the "best plays" can be defined in different ways. "Best plays" could be a talented contrarian line paired with a chalky player or stack. I think sometimes we try to get too different or too wild with our lineup builds when we probably really only need to get 10% different or 10% wild. Just a little bit.

So like I mentioned, there are 20 teams in play tonight. Again, I really don't bother with 3rd line stacks (and never 4th line stacks). Also, I start by eliminating bad teams and bad matchups. Sometimes it burns me, but I'd rather not chase a team with a 2% chance of breaking the slate with my hard-earned American dollars.

So figure out who you can eliminate first, and the better teams and matchups will start to bubble up until that's what you're left with for a pool.

With that said, let's take a look at tonight's slate... LETSSSSSSSSSSGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

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:

Alex Nedeljkovic - CAR (DK: $8200, FD: $7800) *CONFIRMED STARTER*

Carolina is one of the better teams this season, and they have a good matchup at home against Detroit. I wish he was a little cheaper, but I can live with that price.

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

Aleksander Barkov - COL (DK: $7000, FD: $7500)

I've been playing Barkov this year almost regardless of matchup. He's played well with 22 points in 21 games. He takes a lot of shot and sees a good number of scoring chances as well.

Wing

My Favorite:

Joel Farabee - PHI (DK: $6300, FD: $5500)

I'll admit that the Flyers were a bust the other night, but I'm going back to the well tonight with Philly Joel.

Defensemen

My Favorite

Mattias Ekholm - NSH (DK: $4000, FD: $4100)

There are some good, but expensive stacks on the slate tonight, so I know that I'm most likely going to have to spend down on D if I'm stacking 3 forward. Insert Ekholm who's fairly priced, takes shots, and sees 20+ minutes of ice time.

Bottom of the Barrel

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

Mikael Backlund: CGY - C (DK: $4.5K, FD: $4.4K)

Eeli Tolvanen: NSH - W (DK: $3.1K, FD: $3.7K)

Radko Gudas: FLA- D (DK: $2.5K, FD: $3.6K)

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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