Sidney Crosby and the Penguins make an optimal play and other daily fantasy tips.

Top Budget Plays

Centers

Nic Petan $3400 – The center is consistently playing on the second line in Winnipeg and has six points in eight games now. He may not provide a lot in the way of shots but he can create chances. Winnipeg can be rather hit or miss but this forward has been consistent for the most part. Hitting or exceeding value is what it is all about here.

Wingers

Kevin Labanc $2900 – There is just a theme here that the risks must get higher. Labanc’s fifth game saw him get a top six role with none other than Joe Thornton. It is clear that the 20-year-old has some quick instincts. This is because his goal against St. Louis was a result of simply following fundamentals. He saw an opportunity and shot fast. With Thornton, that is the right way to play and more chances may come.

Defensemen

Troy Stecher $3300 – Early on, taking risks in moderation is paramount in DFS hockey. Stecher is an extreme risk only because it is Vancouver. However, he is hitting the net at 3.1 shots per game which is sorely needed by the Canucks. Also, playing Chicago during their long “Circus Trip” may be a help. Chicago will take risks so expect the young defenseman to have and give up a few chances along the way.

Goalie

Ryan Miller/Jacob Markstrom $6800 – This is still a dangerous GPP play even if Markstrom is starting but the younger goalie is putting up some decent numbers in a bad situation. Vancouver plays far worse at home and barely leads games which makes it tough. However, his performance against Arizona likely earns him another start. Chicago will likely fire 30+ shots on him so if he does well, that should mean some points at a minimum.  

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.

Enter the DRAFTKINGS $2,500 forecheck…just $3 to enter or FREE if you deposit today!

Centers

Sidney Crosby $8300 – Crosby is going to be a heavy play in cash and a few GPP’s because it is Buffalo he is playing. This is not a secret that Buffalo is hurting for goals any way they can and the center tends to have some of his best games against the Sabres. Watch the Pittsburgh power play as even Tampa Bay had success against the Buffalo penalty kill even if it did not result in a lot of high danger chances. Opportunities were there. Choosing the right center is going to be difficult and some may even try the double center mini stack here.

Wingers

Joe Pavelski $6800 – Though we may be buying a little lower than usual, Pavelski’s price has come down to an attractive amount. His numbers are over by over a shot a game from last year and in the last ten games it seems to get worse. One goal in his previous nine games kind of gives one this feeling like the forward is due. Arizona is still Arizona but the Sharks figure to have a decent chance here.

Defenseman

Shea Weber $6800 – So this might be a trap but Toronto is 30^th in points allowed to top pairing defensemen. Toronto will also give up a lot to get a lot which means Weber is going to see chances at even strength and on the power play. That is where the defenseman can unleash his shot. Assists have been rare for him of late and none in the past ten games gives us a little pause. However, Weber had six shots on net and a goal in their first meeting. Toronto may have the same problems again.       

Goalie

Devan Dubnyk $8200 – 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. Colorado has been okay to not very good of late and injuries have forced their hand a little. Dubnyk even shut out the Boston Bruins who had won seven of their last 10. Minnesota is allowing 31.5 shots per 60 and the goalie has a 1.11 GAA and .965 save percentage in his last ten decisions. He can be used for cash and some GPP’s.

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 portion 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!