Daily Fantasy Hockey 2015: DraftKings NHL Optimal Lineup for November 13
It may be Friday the 13th, but daily fantasy hockey players shouldn't feel unlucky. With just four games on tap, we've broken down rosters and found several ideal players to lock up for Friday night.
Several favorable matchups leave the door open for superstars to have huge nights for DFS owners. Here's a look at some of those top targets and budget players to grab for any lineup.
Center: Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings ($5,300)
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In case you haven't heard, Pavel Datsyuk is set to return to the ice on Friday. On Thursday, Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said the forward "is playing tomorrow," according to Helene St. James of the Detroit Free Press.
Should owners start him? Why the heck not?
Even at 37 years old, the Red Wings center will be thrown right back into the top line. That means he'll reunite with Henrik Zetterberg, and it feels so good for a Red Wings team that needs a spark offensively.
"They are two of the smartest players in the NHL, and when they play together, those smarts exponentially improve their output," Blashill told St. James. "We plan to have them together for the foreseeable future."
At a price of just $5,300, it's hard to find a player as talented as Datsyuk on Friday night who's on a first line. With a matchup against the 27th-ranked defense on DraftKings against centers, the San Jose Sharks, expect Datsyuk to thrive on his return.
Winger: T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals ($6,000)
Call it a hunch, but this just feels like the game in which T.J. Oshie will get back on track. After a great start to his first season with the Washington Capitals, November has not been his month, as he's scored just one goal to date. On Friday, he faces a defense that ranks last in the league against right wings, the Calgary Flames.
Oh, and let's not forget Oshie plays on a line with Alex Ovechkin. That guy's pretty good.
Oshie has averaged over 20 minutes on the ice in the last three games. On the first line with Ovechkin, Oshie has breakout potential on Friday with limited options at the position.
Defenseman: Johnny Boychuk, New York Islanders ($5,400)
Looking for a do-it-all defenseman who is flourishing? That's Johnny Boychuk, and he's been on fire recently.
The New York Islanders veteran has been tearing through opposing defenses in November, scoring three points in the three games prior to Thursday night's defeat to Los Angeles. There might not be any great matchups for defensemen on Friday, but the Anaheim Ducks have allowed eight total goals in the last two games.
Even when he's not scoring, Boychuk is racking up fantasy points through blocked shots and peppering shots on goal. Averaging 5.5 DraftKings points before Thursday, Boychuk is a perfect addition at a reasonable price.
Goalie: Petr Mrazek, Detroit Red Wings ($7,200)
The numbers speak for themselves with Petr Mrazek. After a rocky start to the season, Mrazek has pushed Jimmy Howard for the starting role with the Detroit Red Wings. Two straight wins starting on Halloween helped his cause. The shutout against the Capitals? Yeah, that proved he's for real.
Detroit will be facing a San Jose Sharks team that's averaging just 2.6 goals and has lost three of its last four games. Even if Mrazek isn't slated to start in the crease, having Howard against the Sharks is a matchup that can make any DFS owner happy.
Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more DraftKings advice.
Enter the DraftKings $45K Sniper contest on Friday. Use promo code BLEACHER REPORT when you sign up.
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