Cheap Players for Daily Fantasy Hockey – March 21, 2015
Chris Wassel
2015-03-21
The best bargains for Daily Fantasy Hockey this Saturday, March 21.
Top Budget Plays
Centers
Chris VandeVelde $2,500 –Yes the reaches get to be plenty here but that is the fun part with daily fantasy. After all, what is the point of playing if you keep on generating the same generic lineups that other people create? Basically if the center from Philadelphia gets you even an assist, then value is achieved and anything more than that would wind up being a bonus. Minimum dollar spends are like punts. They either work out or it helps you buy a player that will almost certainly produce.
Wingers
Gabriel Bourque $2,600 –Will the lines from practice on Friday actually stick? If they do, then Bourque is in the top six. At the very least, Bourque will be showcased so that other teams can see what upside he may have so they can sign him. At one time two years ago the forward was on the ice for 15-16 minutes a night and seeing solid power play time. Maybe he can discover that old magic that seems long gone. Nashville really does not have too much to lose here.
Defensemen
Thomas Hickey $3,000– There really is a limited window on Hickey but against New Jersey, he becomes a pretty good option. This is a fun time of year to take some risks and see if some of these younger plays turn into something. Hickey has shown flashes but again is often blocked by the Islanders' depth as far as defenseman. The blue-liner usually hits right about where he should. There are worse options out there. Roll the bones!
Goalie
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.
Centers
John Tavares $8,900–Sometimes playing the same player works because honestly Tavares just tends to come up with good performances against New Jersey. Four points in three games against New Jersey is not spectacular but it is good enough. A multiple-point night is not out of the question considering how poorly New Jersey plays on the road and the fact that the Devils do not generate much in the way of pushback. Who would be able to take on the center anyway? Travis Zajac? Oh boy! Just take it easy and let those points flow.
Wingers
Rick Nash $8,300 –You have to figure that since Nash is not playing a playoff team that he should be able to find time and space against a Carolina team that he tends to do well against. Yet this year he has just one goal in four meetings against the Hurricanes. The shots are there but the goals and points just are not. Has anyone noticed that the left winger is also playing a hair more than a minute less a game lately to stay fresh for the playoffs? Most probably did not unless you own him in season long leagues. At any rate, you still want to own Nash because of all those shots and yes power play and point potential.
Defensemen
Erik Karlsson $8,500 –This is where I try to spend and Draft Kings says you shall spend on the best defenseman arguably in all the daily fantasy land right now. Toronto is one of the three teams you should exploit and Karlsson is happy to do so. The two meetings have produced at least four scoring chances in each game and three points in the meetings. This is how you have to look at it. People will take this and enjoy the numbers. If he hit his average against Toronto, that is well less than $1,500 per point.
Goalie
Cory Schneider $8,300 –The price is not that bad considering the production, save percentage, and more. Consider how much Carey Price is going for and this decision may be more of a gamble but a lot of people may just play the Price anyway. Both of these goalies have been incredibly hot in the last two plus months. Personally, Schneider has been as good or more consistent. The difference is the team in front of Schneider makes it a challenge. Let's face it! At the very minimum, the New Jersey goalie is going to see lots of rubber.
Chris Wassel has been playing DFS for the last year and has played Fantasy Hockey for over two decades. You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisWasselDFS. Please note the expansive entries on a big Saturday slate. We are focusing on the ten game night slate. Ask all the questions you can as it really is a big night for DFS!