Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: DraftKings NHL Optimal Lineup for October 15
The ice is freezing cold, but the action in daily fantasy hockey is heating up. Thursday's slate offers just eight games, but there are still several lineup possibilities to mull over for devout DFS owners.
Should owners stockpile cash for wings who have delivered thus far, or should they target a high-priced goaltender to guarantee solid points at the position? Before setting your roster, here's a look at our optimal lineup with a breakdown of players who should be locked in on Thursday.
| C | Tomas Plekanec | NYR ($5,700) |
| C | Aleksander Barkov | BUF ($4,800) |
| W | Patrick Kane | @WAS ($7,600) |
| W | Filip Forsberg | @NYI ($6,100) |
| W | Mark Stone | @PIT ($5,600) |
| D | Victor Hedman | DAL ($4,600) |
| D | Andrei Markov | NYR ($4,600) |
| G | Roberto Luongo | BUF ($7,000) |
| UTIL | Artemi Panarin | @WAS ($3,700) |
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Draft Lottery Winners and Losers
Tomas Plekanec, C, Montreal Canadiens ($5,700)
You know what I like in centers? Consistency. Tomas Plekanec was a model of consistency last season and is continuing that trend in 2015-16. Through four games this season, Plekanec is averaging 4.6 fantasy points on DraftKings and has yet to drop below three points in a game all year.
Those numbers are thanks to his three goals through four games. With at least 50 points in four of his last five full seasons, don't expect Plekanec to slow down. At $5,700, he's a tremendous value for a top-line center against the New York Rangers.
Patrick Kane, W, Chicago Blackhawks ($7,600)
Patrick Kane is off to one of the hottest starts of his career through four games, tallying six total points. After starting the season with just one assist against the Rangers, Kane has torched teams to carry Chicago.
Much of that success has come from continuity on the second line, with the line combining for over 12 points already. Facing off with a Washington Capitals team that ranks 27th against right wings in DraftKings scoring, look for Kane to continue his dominant form on Thursday night.
Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning ($4,900)
When it comes to defensemen, owners can overpay for a guy who is averaging a little over four fantasy points per game or cut that down by nearly $2,000 and get a solid defender. In the case of Victor Hedman, this is very true at his $4,900 price point.
Hedman was shut out in his latest start at Detroit, keeping his salary below the $5,000 mark. But with over four fantasy points in each of the previous three games, the Lightning defenseman is a great target. Going up against a Dallas Stars team that ranks 29th against defensemen in DraftKings scoring, Hedman will shine for owners in the evening tilt.
Roberto Luongo, G, Florida Panthers ($7,000)
He just doesn't go away. Sure, last season wasn't exactly Roberto Luongo's shining moment, but it was still a solid season. During his first full-time season with the Florida Panthers, Luongo's save percentage (.921) was actually his lowest since the 2010-11 season.
Currently touting a .972 save percentage and a 1.01 goals-against average, Luongo is proving he hasn't slowed down yet. Still at a price point of $1,400 less than Carey Price and facing a far better matchup in the Buffalo Sabres, pencil in Luongo to save some salary for offensive stars.
Artemi Panarin, UTIL, Chicago Blackhawks ($3,700)
Remember all the talk about Kane's dominance this season? Yeah, part of that is rubbing off on Artemi Panarin.
The left wing on the second line with Kane has also posted great numbers to start the year. With only two shots on goal over the weekend against the New York Islanders, Panarin had a goal and two assists. The confidence is clearly there for Panarin and only growing.
Playing alongside Kane, Panarin should continue to put up assists at a high clip this season. At just $3,700, he's a sneaky, low-priced play for DraftKings owners at a utility spot.
Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more DraftKings advice.
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