FanDuel Single-Game Daily Fantasy Hockey Helper: Colorado vs Dallas
With only one game on today's NHL slate, let's take a look at FanDuel's single-game format.
If you haven't played the NHL single-game format or you need a quick refresher, here's a look at the roster format. There is one 'Captain' spot, which receives a 1.5x bonus for all fantasy points. Next, there are four utility spots where you can roster any combination of players from either team. Also, there are no goalies in this format, so no need to worry about checking who the starters will be tonight. You have to roster at least one player from each team, which will make stacking very popular in this format.
Captain - 1.5x Points
Nathan MacKinnon ($16,000) - The top-line center has been posting points on a nightly basis. In fact, MacKinnon has a 13-game point streak dating back to the seeding games -- before the playoffs actually started. MacKinnon also sees time on the first power-play unit with Mikko Rantanen ($15,000) and Gabriel Landeskog ($12,500). Due to their high salaries, you are unable to stack all three of them, but if you have the salary space for two, that would make for a great stack.
MacKinnon has upped his shot volume in recent games, with a total of 27 shots in his last five games, compared to only 18 in the prior five games. This trend should continue tonight, as the Colorado Avalanche are facing elimination, and they will look to get their best player the puck often.
Miro Heiskanen ($10,000) - For only a second-year player, Heiskanen is showing the skill and production of a seasoned veteran. He was having a strong regular-season to begin with but has turned things up a notch in the playoffs. Over his last 10 games, he has posted 21 shots, 15 blocked shots, and 13 total points. He also has a six-game point streak in the works and is seeing time on the second power-play unit.
Rostering Heiskanen in your Captain spot should make your lineups a little bit different overall, which is always useful when it comes to gaining leverage in tournaments.
Utility
Cale Makar ($9,000) - Makar has been showing up big time during the playoffs, which is an encouraging sign for Avalanche fans, as he is only a rookie. In his last 10 games, Makar has 27 shots, 13 points, and 6 blocked shots. He is showing to be a consistent option for the Avalanche and is one of the better mid-range players on the slate.
Makar skates on the first defensive pairing, but more importantly, he is on the first power-play for the Avalanche. Rostering him gets you exposure to the heavy hitters on the Avalanche without having to pay up for their expensive salaries.
Roope Hintz ($7,000) - Hintz isn't a household name for many, but the young Finn is making his presence felt in the playoffs for the second year in a row. He is lightning quick and uses that to make an impact in the modest ice time he sees every game as the center on the third forward line. He does bring a bit of upside since he is on the second power-play unit, which has some value options with Radek Faksa ($6,500) or Corey Perry ($7,000).
Valeri Nichushkin ($6,500) - Nichushkin is only $500 above the minimum salary, making him a strong value option. Don't worry -- he isn't some random punt option. He is on the second forward line and the second power-play unit, giving him some offensive upside. Nichushkin's production has been modest in the last 10 games, with 12 shots, 4 blocked shots, and 3 total points.
