Friday’s two-game NHL DFS slate is loaded with top-tier scorers as the 2023-24 NHL season starts up. There are elite players to choose from like Jack Hughes, Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, but we also can find some very good value. There are lots of different ways to build your perfect lineup, but remember that it’s early in the year, so don’t go all out. This is a marathon and not a sprint. We are in it for the long haul.  

Be sure to check in with our NHL DFS Tools, NHL daily projections, and our NHL DFS lineup generator when building those daily fantasy hockey lineups today to help you decide on which players you should be targeting! As you enjoy tonight's NHL slate, check out these NHL DFS top plays and NHL daily picks on DraftKings and FanDuel for Friday, October 13th. 

Also, if you're looking to make NHL betting picks or hockey best bets, check out our friends at Bettor Sports Network for some NHL predictions today.

 

NHL DFS Playbook October 13th

DFS Lineup Construction Thoughts

On a short two-game slate, you need to dig deep and find good value. We know who the superstars are going to be, but the supporting cast is just as important. There are options to consider on all four teams, making choosing a goalie that much more difficult. 

Recommended DFS Starting Goalies

Top Options for Saves

Akira Schmid Vs. Arizona Coyotes

Karel Vejmelka Vs. New Jersey Devils

Tristan Jarry Vs. Washington Capitals

Darcy Kuemper Vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

Best Odds for a Win

Akira Schmid Vs. Arizona Coyotes

Tristan Jarry Vs. Washington Capitals

Favorite Goalies to Use for DFS Lineups

Akira Schmid, G, New Jersey Devils

This feels like an easy one, but it could also be a trap. The Devils are playing their second game in as many nights and Arizona has an improved team from last season. Schmid is capable of stopping the puck, but at his current price tag, it’s hard to see him hitting value.

Tristan Jarry, G, Pittsburgh Penguins

Tristan Jarry didn’t look very good in his first start of the season. It’s only one game, but the Penguins need to play better in front of him. Do I think he can bounce back? Very much so, but does that happen tonight? Not confident.

Karel Vejmelka, G, Arizona Coyotes

We know that the Coyotes are going to give up shots and that Karel Vejmelka will be tasked with trying to stop as many as possible. He’s been pretty good on the road in his career, but can he slow down Jack Hughes and the gang? One thing is for sure-- he’s going to flirt with the save bonus on DraftKings, so that helps his value.

Darcy Kuemper, G, Washington Capitals

I don’t like Darcy Kuemper as an option tonight, but I also don’t love the first two mentioned earlier. Kuemper has a decent price tag and he’s still on a team that can score goals. The Penguins looked average in their first game of the year, but I can’t imagine they bring that same performance tonight. I’ll have shares of Kuemper, but I’m also very ready to be disappointed. 

Recommended DFS Skaters

Highest Expected Goal Totals


New Jersey Devils vs Karel Vejmelka (4.1)

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Darcy Kuemper (3.4)

Washington Capitals vs. Tristan Jarry (3.2)

Arizona Coyotes vs. Akira Schmid (2.6)

Favorite Skaters to Use for DFS Lineups

Jack Hughes, C, New Jersey Devils

Jack Hughes is just built differently. He was very good in yesterday’s game and that trend should continue tonight. His $8100 price tag on DK is just too low for his kind of production.

Logan Cooley, C, Arizona Coyotes

On the flip side, I really like the value of Logan Cooley. He looked very good in the preseason and that success should be able to continue. He might have a hard time generating shots on goals, but his value at his price point is hard to pass up on.

Alex Ovechkin, W, Washington Capitals

You can always count on Alex Ovechkin to shoot the puck a ton and I am betting on that tonight. The Penguins have holes on the back end and Ovi can certainly exploit them. He has one mission when he’s on the ice and that’s to score goals. He should find the back of the net in this one.

Tyler Toffoli, W, New Jersey Devils

We got Tyler Toffoli at a discount yesterday, but that won’t be the case here. He’s $6400 tonight but is worth every dollar. He finished an assist, two shots on goal and a blocked shot in yesterday’s game and was able to easily hit value. He’s playing on the top line and really compliments Jack Hughes well.

J.J. Moser, D, Arizona Coyotes

We need to find some value and it starts on the back end with J.J. Moser. Arizona went out and added some key defenceman to their lineup, but Moser is still going to play a lot and, for now, has a spot on the top power play unit. His offensive upside might be limited, but he’s going to be blocking shots and playing a healthy amount of minutes so we’re just looking for upside here.

Sean Durzi, D, Arizona Coyotes

Let’s double-dip with the Coyotes here and look at Sean Durzi. The kid is good, but I guess the Kings felt they could move on from him. His offensive upside is there and he can also block shots. If you’re having a hard time choosing between him and Moser, don’t be scared to just play both. Each defenceman is capable of hitting value on this short slate and that’s all we are looking for here. 

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