Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: NHL DraftKings Ideal Lineup Picks for April 6
The end of the NHL regular season is near, and there are going to be a lot of motivated players taking the ice on Monday. Some players are trying to help their team solidify a playoff spot, others are trying to help their team secure the best overall record and others are playing for pride.
The above describes the Los Angeles Kings, the New York Rangers and the San Jose Sharks and the respective situation each is in at this point of the season.
There are a total of five games on the docket, and with the exception of the Carolina Hurricanes vs. the Buffalo Sabres, they should generate some quality hockey and intensity. With a $50,000 salary cap you need to make some wise choices, so here is your ideal lineup for April 6.
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| C | Derek Stepan | Cls@NYR | 3.3 | $5,200 |
| C | Anze Kopitar | LA@Van | 3 | $5,900 |
| W | Brian Gionta | Car@Buf | 2.4 | $4,500 |
| W | Marian Gaborik | LA@Van | 3 | $5,700 |
| W | Thomas Vanek | Wpg@Min | 2.7 | $4,700 |
| D | Jake Muzzin | LA@Van | 3.1 | $4,900 |
| D | Ryan McDonagh | Cls@NYR | 3.1 | $5,400 |
| G | Cam Talbot | Cls@NYR | 5.2 | $8,700 |
| UTIL | Joe Thornton | Dal@SJ | 2.9 | $4,400 |
Center: Derek Stepan, $5,200 | Anze Kopitar, $5,900
Derek Stepan is a center who has stepped up his game of late, and you want to take advantage of his price tag and hot streak. The New York Rangers' pivot has nine points in his last 10 games, and that includes a fantasy points-per-game average of 4.0.
What is impressive with Stepan is that he has shown a knack to improve as he's played in more games, and that is reflected in his increase of .11 in points per game compared to last season. Stepan has 38 assists this season, and he is two assists away from tying his career best set last season, although he's played in 18 fewer games.
Anze Kopitar has been a driving force for the L.A. Kings as they have made a run for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Over his last 10 games, the Kings' top pivot has two goals, nine assists, 11 points and a 3.6 fantasy points-per-game average.
He is worth picking up because he has a decent price tag, and he's played well against the Vancouver Canucks throughout his career to date. In addition to that, Marian Gaborik will be in the lineup, so it makes sense to keep the pair together.
Wingers: Marian Gaborik, $5,700 | Brian Gionta, $4,500
Marian Gaborik has played well alongside Anze Kopitar, and he has tallied five goals and eight points over the last 10 games. The Slovak sniper also has 23 goals and 39 points in 45 career contests versus the Canucks, so it makes sense to put him in the lineup when you couple his recent and past success.
A price tag of $5,700 is fair, and this is the time of year where he starts to kick it into another gear. That was evident last season, as Gaborik came into his own in April once the playoffs started.
Brian Gionta has been one of the bright spots on a terrible Buffalo Sabres team, and he has worn the "C" with pride.
The veteran winger has given it his all, and in the last 10 games, he has four goals, 11 points and a fantasy points-per-game average of 4.8. The Carolina Hurricanes have been a lackluster team in 2014-15, so running a hot Gionta versus a struggling Canes team is an ideal matchup to consider.
Defensemen: Jake Muzzin, $4,900 | Ryan McDonagh, $5,400
Jake Muzzin is quietly having an amazing season for the Kings, because he is often shielded by Drew Doughty's shadow of superstardom. In 72 games, Muzzin has 39 points, including six in his last 10 games played. He's also carried a 3.1 fantasy points-per-game average throughout the season, and that speaks to his level of consistency as a top-four defenseman.
Ryan McDonagh is rounding back into top form, and it took a while for the Rangers captain to find his game after returning from an injury earlier this season. Mac Truck has been an impact player lately, and he's tallied seven assists and carried a 3.3 fantasy points-per-game average.
He almost scored a goal in his last game versus the New Jersey Devils, but it was just tipped by forward Dominic Moore. A price tag of $5,400 is a great add for a defender of McDonagh's caliber, so make sure he is in your lineup for Monday's action.
Goalie: Cam Talbot, $8,700
Cam Talbot has been tremendous for the Rangers this season, and he essentially saved the season when Henrik Lundqvist went down with an injury.
The Rangers have two games in the next two days, so it is likely Talbot will get the nod versus the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Goal Buster is 7-3-0 in his last 10 starts, and that includes an impeccable 1.70 goals-against average and .946 save percentage.
If for some reason Lundqvist is in net on Monday, you can sub him in for Talbot. You will have enough cap space to make the switch, and you will be getting a goaltender who has won his last three starts in a row, and all have been convincing performances.
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DraftKings stats and details per its official site. Outside statistics via Hockey-Reference and NHL.com.
