This week's (November 26) solid cheap options for daily fantasy hockey, as well as other smart plays.

Top Budget Plays

Centers

Chris Tierney $3100 – The center is never going to generate a ton of shots and chances but is taking advantage of them lately. He has points in his last two games and is even seeing a little spike in ice time. It is not much but then again punts and values are a bit few and far between on Saturday night.

Wingers

Ryan Hartman $3100 – There is just a theme here that the risks must get higher. Hartman has been getting better the last few games as he has been putting more pucks on net. As a matter of fact, he is on the first line with the likes of Marian Hossa. That can never hurt. While we await the status of Jonathan Toews for Saturday, it is still an idea to pencil in Hartman because of his low price. His salary relief will allow you to spend up for the big plays.

Defensemen

Derek Forbort $3000 – Early on, taking risks in moderation is paramount in DFS hockey. Forbort has six points in his last ten games but again his shot volume has not been great (12 in previous 10 games). The Kings play a heavy possession game where the depth defensemen typically do not get many opportunities. However, this Los Angeles player has found a little niche and is on a nice streak.

Goalie

Peter Budaj $7100 – This is still a dangerous GPP play because of how dangerous Chicago can be offensively. Everyone knows how they can turn a game and even on Friday against Anaheim, they managed three goals in a variety of ways. The Kings can clamp down defensively at home like few can but the Blackhawks seem to find ways. Budaj will have to be at his best to have a good chance at a W. He is cheap at least.    

Since we saved some money on the budget plays let’s look at the few of the pricey options that are worth paying up for today.

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Centers

Sidney Crosby $8600 – Crosby is going to be a heavy play in cash and a few GPP’s because it is New Jersey he is playing. This is not a secret that New Jersey struggles away from home and though Keith Kinkaid is starting, that may matter very little. The problem is that price tag which is going to make Crosby limited in how one can stack their lineups because of that modest price bump from last week. His wingers are going to provide a little bit of relief much in the way Connor McDavid’s do currently. That is the smart bet for Crosby owners trying him in a tournament format.

Wingers

Alex Ovechkin $8600 – Though we may be buying a little higher than usual here, Ovechkin had another point against Buffalo on Friday and had a hat trick just two games ago. He plays a Toronto team who is just defensively deficient but fun to watch. The pace should be very high which suits Ovechkin just fine. Expect him to fire early and often. Five plus shots should not be a shock. Frankly, if he gets less then that would be surprising.  

Defenseman

Erik Karlsson $7400 – So this might be a trap but Ottawa is starting to score a few goals here and there. That is progress! Karlsson has been blocking an absurd amount of shots lately (blocking nearly four a game over the last nine contests). He may only have one goal in this span but little of that matters now. The defenseman is still hitting the net at almost 2.5 shots per game. That floor is solid enough which means he becomes a pretty good play. Carolina does allow more goals on the road and that is more opportunity.        

Goalie

Matt Murray $8300 – The choices out there may appear to be better but it is hard to go away from a goalie who keeps getting good match-ups. New Jersey is on the back end of a back to back and Pittsburgh is facing their backup goalie to boot. Murray has been the hotter goalie by far as Marc-Andre Fleury has faltered (allowed six goals on Friday). The goalie has a 1.57 GAA and .945 save percentage while winning six of seven decisions. Whether it is fair or not, it is clear who the number one is in Pittsburgh now.

Chris Wassel has been playing DFS for the past couple years and has played Fantasy Hockey for over two decades. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS. Please note that this is a mega Saturday slate. We are targeting the nine game evening slate to give readers more of a range on what to go on. Finally, please note that Saturday’s slate has several options and smaller 'Late' options. Thanks for reading and enjoy the big slate, daily-fantasy hockey fans!