FREE 02/24 NHL Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s two-game NHL slate may be small, but there’s still plenty to consider for DFS lineups. The Sharks and Jets square off in Winnipeg with a 6.0 total, and Connor Hellebuyck confirmed in net gives the home team a clear edge defensively. On the other side, Vitek Vanecek will need to step up against a Jets offense that can put up goals in bunches, making Winnipeg stacks an appealing option. With only two games on the slate, finding the right balance of chalk and differentiation will be key tonight.

Top Stacks

WPG PP1 ($21,700)

Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers

The WPG PP1 stack of Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Nikolaj Ehlers offers a strong projection of 40.5 points with a solid value of 1.87 pts/$1000 on their combined $21,700 salary. While the average ownership is relatively high at 31.8%, the optimal lineup rate of 35.8% suggests this stack is slightly underutilized in terms of its ability to contribute to winning lineups. The high ownership reflects the stack’s popularity, but its positive leverage (optimal rate exceeding ownership) indicates it remains a viable option in tournaments despite its cost and chalkiness. This power-play-focused trio provides concentrated upside that aligns well with DFS strategies prioritizing ceiling potential.

VGK PP1 ($18,200)

Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Pavel Dorofeyev

The VGK PP1 stack of Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Pavel Dorofeyev carries a total salary of $18,200 with a projected point output of 32.9, translating to a solid value of 1.81 points per $1000. With an average ownership rate of 19.8%, this stack is moderately popular but not overly chalky, offering some leverage given its strong optimal lineup rate of 22.9%. The gap between ownership and optimal rate suggests the stack is slightly underutilized relative to its potential upside in lineup construction. As a power-play unit, it provides concentrated scoring opportunities that enhance its viability in DFS contests without relying on speculative matchup narratives.

C Plays

Top Play: Mark Scheifele ($7,100)

Mark Scheifele stands out as one of the top center options on tonight’s slate, and his $7,100 salary is more than justified given the matchup against San Jose. The Sharks have been a defensive liability all season, allowing the third-most goals per game in the league. Scheifele has been producing consistently with nine points in his last six games, and his 31.96% optimal lineup rate reflects just how strong a play he is. His ability to contribute across categories—124 shots, 47 hits, and even some blocked shots this season—gives him a solid floor to pair with his multi-point upside in this favorable spot.

The main drawback here is Scheifele’s projected 38.3% ownership, which makes him one of the chalkiest plays on the slate. While that could limit his appeal in tournaments where differentiation is key, it’s hard to argue against the numbers backing up his value. With a projection of 12.5 DraftKings points and a strong 1.76x value rating, he’s well-positioned for both cash games and GPPs if you’re comfortable eating the chalk. If you fade him in tournaments, make sure you have another high-ceiling option to replace him because he’s in an elite spot tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Jack Eichel ($7,300)
• Macklin Celebrini ($6,200)

W Plays

Top Play: Kyle Connor ($7,600)

Kyle Connor is in a fantastic spot tonight against the San Jose Sharks, a team that has struggled defensively all season. At $7,600, he’s projecting as the top tournament play on the slate with a 44.2% optimal lineup rate and strong value at 2.1x. His recent form backs up those metrics—Connor has 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in his last seven games and just logged a game where he fired 10 shots on goal. With Winnipeg heavily favored and the Sharks allowing the second-most goals per game in the league, this matchup sets up perfectly for Connor’s high-volume shooting and offensive upside.

The main drawback here is ownership, as Connor is expected to be rostered by nearly 40% of the field. While that level of chalk can sometimes be worth fading in tournaments, it feels justified given his elite projection and matchup. If you’re playing cash games or smaller-field contests, locking him in makes sense given his combination of floor and ceiling. In large-field GPPs, though, you’ll need to differentiate elsewhere in your lineup if you’re rolling with him. Overall, Connor’s profile tonight makes him one of the best plays on the slate despite the heavy ownership concerns.

Honorable Mentions

• Nikolaj Ehlers ($7,000)
• Gabriel Vilardi ($6,600)

D Plays

Top Play: Josh Morrissey ($6,000)

Josh Morrissey ($6,000) steps into a prime spot against the San Jose Sharks, one of the weakest defensive teams in the league. With a projection of 11.3 DraftKings points and appearing in 24.6% of optimal lineups, Morrissey offers both a strong floor and ceiling at his price point. His ability to contribute across categories—114 shots on net, 84 blocked shots, and 46 points through 56 games—makes him an appealing play, especially in a matchup where Winnipeg should control possession. The Sharks’ defensive struggles only amplify his upside, particularly with his power play involvement.

However, his hefty 34.9% projected ownership warrants consideration in tournaments. While he’s highly likely to deliver value at 1.89x and ranks third among DFS Hero plays, this level of chalk limits your leverage unless he significantly outperforms expectations. Still, given the favorable matchup and his consistent production, fading him could be risky if you’re looking for stability on your blue line. If you’re going contrarian elsewhere in your lineup, Morrissey remains a justifiable anchor despite the ownership concerns.

Honorable Mentions

• Jake Walman ($5,300)
• Neal Pionk ($5,200)

G Plays

Top Play: Connor Hellebuyck ($8,400)

Connor Hellebuyck is in a prime spot tonight against the Sharks, making him one of the strongest goaltender options on the slate. San Jose has been an offensive liability all season, ranking near the bottom of the league in goals per game and generating minimal high-danger chances. At $8,400, Hellebuyck offers solid value with a 1.71x projection and appears in nearly 40% of optimal lineups, signaling both a strong floor and ceiling. Winnipeg is heavily favored at home, which only bolsters his win equity and further enhances his appeal for DFS contests.

The main concern here is ownership, as Hellebuyck is projected to be rostered by over 38% of the field. While that’s significant chalk for a goaltender, it’s justified given his matchup and overall profile. In tournaments, fading him could create leverage if he underperforms or if Winnipeg falters defensively, but this isn’t a situation to overthink in cash games or single-entry formats. His combination of matchup security and high upside makes him worth eating the chalk in most builds tonight.

Honorable Mentions

• Adin Hill ($8,000)
• Darcy Kuemper ($7,400)

Good luck tonight! Make sure to check the Lineup Optimizer for latest updates before lock. Visit DFS Hero for our full suite of DFS tools including the Lineup Optimizer, Contest Simulator, Player Projections, and Ownership Projections. Use code HEROPLAY15 to get 15% off your first month!