NHL DFS Picks & Playbook For Today’s Games: Thursday, April 18
Published: Apr 18, 2024
Today's NHL DFS slate for Thursday's contests features six games. We are presented with an exciting lineup featuring numerous high-scoring matchups to keep an eye on. Rest assured, there are plenty of valuable opportunities to capitalize on, along with some exceptional top-tier choices worth considering.
For Thursday, April 18th, you have the opportunity to create your daily fantasy hockey lineups on DraftKings, FanDuel, and Yahoo Fantasy. However, before you proceed with building your NHL daily fantasy lineups, it is crucial to take a look at our NHL DFS projections, the NHL Value Finder, and the NHL DFS lineup generator. Let's delve deeper into the top plays for tonight's NHL DFS picks regarding daily fantasy hockey.
NHL DFS Picks & Playbook Today, 4/16
DFS Lineup Construction Thoughts
Be sure not to overlook our impressive selection of 6 games, showcasing top-notch players in advantageous matchups. While you can't resist the likes of Nathan MacKinnon and Kirill Kaprizov, there are also incredible value options worth considering.
Make your lineup decisions wisely as goalies play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Whether you opt for a top-tier goalie or a budget-friendly option, remember that goalies can be highly unpredictable.
Note: some teams may elect to rest players. Please check lineups before lock to make sure they are playing.
Recommended DFS Starting Goalies
Best Value Goalies
- John Gibson vs. Vegas Golden Knights
- Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Seattle Kraken
- Laurent Brossoit vs. Vancouver Canucks
Best Odds For A Win
NHL DFS Lineups: Best Goalies To Use
Cam Talbot, G, Los Angeles Kings
The Kings can still finish third in the Pacific Division, so this game has some meaning to them. Chicago is a terrible hockey team, and they are even worse on the road. Talbot is the most expensive goalie on the slate, but he is an easy choice for cash-game lineups.
Adin Hill, G, Vegas Golden Knights
Vegas can lock up third in the division with a win tonight, so they also have something to play for. Vegas should have a full lineup for this game, and they should have no issue scoring goals against the Ducks. Adin Hill is the second-best cash-game goalie on the slate.
Marc-Andre Fleury, G, Minnesota Wild
This is the last game of the regular season for both teams and they aren’t going to the playoffs, so no one will be resting. Marc-Andre Fleury is confirmed to get the start and he has a great matchup against a below-average Seattle team. His upside may not be there, but he is very likely to pick up the win and hit value.
Justus Annunen, G, Colorado Avalanche
The Edmonton Oilers are playing their second game in as many nights and third in the last four. They may elect to rest some players since this game means nothing, which would give Justus Annunen a huge boost. We don’t know if Colorado will do the same, but even if they do, this game could end up being a low-scoring affair.
Laurent Brossoit, G, Winnipeg Jets
The Canucks are expected to rest some of their players tonight, but the Jets are going to do the same. Laurent Brossoit has played very well this season and has been lights out in his last nine starts, posting a 7-2-0 record with a 1.90 GAA and a .931 SV%. He still has to perform, but I think his current price tag is really good considering the team he will be facing. He can be an option in all formats.
Recommended DFS Skaters
Highest Expected Goal Totals
- Vegas Golden Knights vs John Gibson (4.0)
- Los Angeles Kings vs. Petr Mrazek (4.1)
- Calgary Flames vs. Devin Cooley (4.1)
NHL DFS Lineups: Best Skaters To Use
Nathan MacKinnon, C, Colorado Avalanche
If he does play, Nathan MacKinnon is by far the best option on the slate. He has 34 goals in 41 home games and could very well add a couple more before the end of the night. Let’s hope he does get to play this game tonight.
Jack Eichel, C, Vegas Golden Knights
As mentioned earlier, the Golden Knights have something to play for tonight and they have a great matchup on paper. Jack Eichel has 12 points in the last ten games and could pick up multiple points tonight. If MacKinnon doesn’t play, Eichel becomes the best center on the slate.
Kirill Kaprizov, W, Minnesota Wild
Minnesota won’t be resting anyone tonight, so Kirill Kaprizov should see his regular amount of ice time. He has five points and 11 shots on goal in the last two games and gets a great matchup against Seattle. If you want to pay up for a winger, this is the way to go.
Andrei Kuzmenko, W, Calgary Flames
Calgary has a really nice matchup on paper against the San Jose Sharks. Andrei Kuzmenko has 16 points in the last ten games and is skating on the top line. Despite all that success, he’s only $4,900 tonight on DraftKings. I know he doesn’t shoot the puck much, but that price tag is just too low. He should be in every lineup for the salary relief alone.
Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche
It’s the same story for Cale Makar as MacKinnon; if he plays, he’s by far the best option on the slate. Makar finished the last game with two points and eight blocked shots. Even if Edmonton doesn’t dress a full lineup, Makar is going to have chances to rack up shots on goal and points. I’ll gladly take that upside in all formats.
Mario Ferraro, D, San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are a miserable hockey team and that will continue tonight. They gave up nine goals to Edmonton, but Mario Ferraro managed to block four shots. The game before that, he finished with two points. We know he isn’t an offensive threat, but he’s always a good candidate to block shots and could very well hit value without needing a point.
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