DraftKings NHL: Saturday Breakdown

DraftKings NHL: Saturday Breakdown

This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.

SLATE PREVIEW

While there are 14 games during Saturday's slate, we'll be focusing on the 10 games starting at 7 p.m. EST. It figures to be a lower-scoring slate, as the Maple Leafs-Oilers is the only game with a 6.5 O/U.

While that game appears to be an intriguing opportunity for DFS purposes, it's worth noting that Auston Matthews (hand) and Joe Thornton (lower body) are both uncertain heading into Saturday. If they're in the lineup, they're predictably strong plays, but make sure to confirm ahead of time.

GOALIES

Marc-Andre Fleury, VGK at ANH ($8,500): Fleury is the obvious chalk as a true Vezina Trophy candidate. His .942 save percentage and 1.55 GAA speak for themselves, and the inconsistent Ducks provide a strong opportunity for fantasy players.

Kaapo Kahkonen, MIN vs. LA ($8,100): Kahkonen has been red-hot in the blue paint, to the point that he put Cam Talbot on the hot seat. The 24-year-old Kahkonen won four straight on the road while letting up six total goals and registering a .945 save percentage. The Kings are hot as well with six straight wins, but they're due for some regression after posting just 2.08 xGF/60 at even strength during their win streak.

Jake Allen, MON at WPG ($7,700): With Carey Price serving as the new scapegoat in Montreal, Allen will get a chance to take the No. 1 job in the blue paint. He's earned the right on his own merit with a .932 save percentage and a 4-2-1 record to start the season. The Jets have been humming well lately, but they still rank 29th in the league with 1.90 xGF/60 at even strength in February. 

Tristan Jarry, PIT at NYI ($7,300): Jarry has reclaimed the crease, and while his three-game win streak ended at the hands of Washington on Thursday, he's still been fantastic with a .933 save percentage over the last five games. The Islanders' offense has shown some life lately, but Jarry's recent performance makes him a bargain.

VALUE PLAYS/ONE-OFFS

Dominik Kubalik, DET at CHI ($4,800): Kubalik earns his keep on the power play, notching 11 of his 16 points with an extra man. He's experienced some regression from last year's 30-goal mark, but the matchup against the Red Wings' 29th-ranked PK (70.3 percent) should open the door for the 25-year-old to capitalize once again.

Jordan Kyrou, STL at SJ ($4,600): Kyrou is tied with linemate Ryan O'Reilly for second on the team with 17 points through 20 games. The speedster is a strong complement for whichever line he falls on, as he has a wicked-quick shot and his hockey sense is improving. Whether it's Martin Jones or Devan Dubnyk in net for the Sharks, Kyrou is set up well.

Kirill Kaprizov, MIN vs. LA ($4,300): It's a one-horse race for the Calder Trophy as long as Kaprizov stays healthy. He has looked the part since arriving in North America, and he's gotten even better every game. The Russian forward has posted five goals and 16 points through 17 games, and his salary won't stay this low for long. 

LINE STACKS

Oilers vs. Maple Leafs

Connor McDavid (C - $9,200), Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (W - $8,300), Jesse Puljujarvi (W - $5,500)

This line has been dynamic all season. McDavid's already hit 40 points through just 22 games, and his linemates can capitalize on the opportunities, too. The Maple Leafs still have a strong defense, but they could still be without Jake Muzzin (face) and Frederik Andersen (lower body), lifting this unit's ceiling further.

Blackhawks vs. Red Wings

Pius Suter (C - $4,600), Patrick Kane (W - $8,300), Alex DeBrincat (W - $7,600) 

Suter is the true value play on this line, but he's far from being deadweight, recording 11 points and 47 shots on net through 21 games. Kane and DeBrincat are both operating at better than a point-per-game pace, and Kane (10 goals, 21 assists) is a legitimate Hart contender. Nevertheless, this trio is a strong option against a Red Wings team that continues to struggle.

Golden Knights at Ducks  

Cody Glass (C - $3,600), Max Pacioretty (W - $8,100), Reilly Smith (W - $4,400)

The Golden Knights appear ready to spread out the talent among their top three lines, meaning the typical top-heavy distribution is on the shelf for now. Pacioretty makes this line a constant threat, though, averaging 0.5 goals per game over the past two seasons. Now, Glass is revving up with seven points through 12 games, too. Meanwhile, the Ducks have given up 2.90 G/60 at even strength over the past 10 games. 

DEFENSEMEN

Shea Theodore, VGK at ANH ($6,000): Theodore's been outstanding this year, contributing 11 points -- three on the power play -- through 13 games. He provides a strong floor with his shot volume, and he'll be a strong addition to the aforementioned Golden Knights forward stack against his former team. 

Torey Krug, STL at SJ ($5,300): With Colton Parayko (back) out of the lineup, Krug has averaged 26:18 of ice time per game -- over four minutes than his typical workload. The 29-year-old shoots a ton and runs the PP1. He'll look to leverage that opportunity against the Sharks' 23rd-ranked PK (76.3 percent). 

Evan Bouchard, EDM vs. TOR ($3,900): The rookie has secured a spot on the active roster with strong production, posting four points and firing 32 shots on net over 11 games. That provides a solid floor, and he quarterbacks Edmonton's PP2.

Adam Boqvist, CHI vs. DET ($3,000): Boqvist has missed time with injuries this year, but he's been a fantastic power-play asset when healthy. The 20-year-old has posted five points -- four with the man advantage -- through 10 games. He'll be targeting the Red Wings' 29th-ranked PK (70.3 percent) on Saturday.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Jordan Mazzara plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: Mazz30 Yahoo: Mazz30 DraftKings: Mazz30.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jordan Mazzara
Jordan has produced NFL and NHL content for RotoWire since 2017. He's the beat writer for the St. Louis Blues and Seattle Seahawks.
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