FREE 03/18 NHL Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s 9-game NHL slate offers a mix of intriguing matchups and potential DFS opportunities. The Penguins-Islanders game stands out with a 6.0 total, and both Tristan Jarry and Ilya Sorokin are confirmed in net, making it an interesting spot to target skaters despite strong goaltending. Meanwhile, the Stars host the Ducks in another 6.0-total game where Jake Oettinger anchors Dallas, giving them an edge in what could still be a high-event contest.

On the lower-total side, matchups like Flames-Rangers (5.5) and Blues-Predators (5.5) could lean more defensive with elite netminders like Igor Shesterkin and Juuse Saros between the pipes. However, there’s sneaky upside in games like Kraken-Blackhawks (6.0), where Spencer Knight and Joey Daccord are confirmed starters—both less proven options that could open the door for offensive production. With nine games on tap, tonight’s slate has something for every DFS strategy, whether you’re stacking high-scoring environments or looking for value plays in tighter contests.

Top Stacks

EDM PP1 ($24,400)

Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, Evan Bouchard

The EDM PP1 stack of Leon Draisaitl, Connor McDavid, and Evan Bouchard offers a high-ceiling option with a combined projected total of 43.2 points at a hefty salary of $24,400. This results in a value of 1.77 pts/$1000, which is solid for a premium stack but slightly below elite efficiency thresholds. With an average ownership of 9.9% and an optimal lineup rate of 10.9%, the stack provides positive leverage, suggesting it is slightly underutilized relative to its chances of appearing in the optimal lineup. As a power-play unit, this trio consolidates scoring upside into a concentrated core, making it an appealing choice in tournaments despite the high cost.

WSH PP1 ($19,200)

Alex Ovechkin, Jakob Chychrun, Tom Wilson

The WSH PP1 stack of Alex Ovechkin, Jakob Chychrun, and Tom Wilson offers a solid combination of projected points and value for NHL DFS contests. With a total salary of $19,200, the stack is projected for 34.7 points, resulting in a respectable value of 1.81 pts/$1000. Its average ownership sits at 7.7%, which positions it as moderately low-owned relative to other stacks. Additionally, the optimal lineup rate of 9.9% exceeds its ownership rate, indicating positive leverage and an above-average likelihood of contributing to winning lineups compared to its popularity. This combination of efficiency and leverage makes it a viable tournament option without excessive exposure concerns.

DAL PP1 ($22,000)

Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston

The DAL PP1 stack of Jason Robertson, Mikko Rantanen, and Wyatt Johnston offers a solid projection of 40.0 points with a value of 1.82 pts/$1000 on a $22,000 salary. While the projected ownership is moderate at 12.0%, its optimal lineup rate of 9.4% suggests the stack is slightly over-owned relative to its likelihood of appearing in top lineups. This makes it a viable option but not necessarily an elite leverage play. The power-play correlation within this stack enhances its upside potential, but its efficiency as part of an optimal lineup may require careful consideration in the context of other high-salary options available on the slate.

C Plays

Top Play: Nick Suzuki ($5,800)

Nick Suzuki ($5,800) stands out as a strong mid-range option at center in tonight’s matchup against Ottawa. With a projection of 11.36 DK points and a solid value rating of 1.96x, he offers both floor and upside, particularly given his recent form. Over his last nine games, Suzuki has racked up 17 points (five goals, 12 assists), including six multi-point efforts, making him one of the more consistent contributors in this price range. His power-play role adds further appeal against an Ottawa team that ranks middle-of-the-pack in penalty kill efficiency. At $5,800, he fits comfortably into most lineup constructions without sacrificing upside.

The 13.3% projected ownership is relatively high but not unreasonable for a player with Suzuki’s combination of recent production and opportunity. He appears in 12.4% of optimal lineups, which suggests the chalk is justified here despite being above field average ownership (2.6%). If you’re looking for differentiation in tournaments, there are lower-owned pivots at center, but Suzuki’s consistency and ability to deliver multi-point games make him an appealing option even at elevated popularity. Given the game environment and his current form, he’s worth considering as part of both cash builds and GPP lineups.

Honorable Mentions

• Leon Draisaitl ($8,700)
• Connor McDavid ($9,000)
• Sidney Crosby ($7,500)

W Plays

Top Play: Jason Robertson ($7,400)

Jason Robertson ($7,400) is in a prime spot tonight against an Anaheim team that has struggled defensively all season. The Ducks rank near the bottom of the league in goals allowed per game and penalty kill efficiency, which bodes well for Robertson given his significant role on Dallas’ top line and power play unit. With 16 points in his last 10 games and an average of nearly three shots on goal per contest this season, his combination of consistency and upside makes him one of the strongest plays at wing. His projection of 14.7 DK points reflects both his floor through shot volume and playmaking ability as well as his ceiling in this favorable matchup.

The main concern here is ownership, as Robertson is projected to be rostered by over 16% of the field, making him one of the chalkier options on the slate. However, this appears justified given his strong value (1.99x) and inclusion in over 14% of optimal lineups. While he’s not a contrarian play by any means, fading him could be risky considering his elite matchup and recent form. In tournaments, pairing him with linemates like Roope Hintz or stacking Dallas’ power play could differentiate your lineup while still leveraging Robertson’s upside in what should be a high-scoring game environment.

Honorable Mentions

• Alex Ovechkin ($8,000)
• Artemi Panarin ($7,200)
• Cole Caufield ($6,200)

D Plays

Top Play: Ryan Pulock ($3,600)

Ryan Pulock ($3,600) stands out as a strong value play on this slate, particularly in tournaments. His 2.42x value projection and 9.1% optimal lineup rate highlight his efficiency at this salary, making him an appealing option for lineups needing salary relief without sacrificing upside. While Pulock isn’t known for consistent offensive production, his ability to contribute across multiple stat categories—like blocked shots and occasional power play involvement—gives him a solid floor. The matchup against Pittsburgh is intriguing as the Penguins allow their fair share of chances to opposing defensemen, which could boost Pulock’s peripheral stats.

At 6.1% projected ownership, Pulock offers moderate leverage relative to the field average for defensemen, making him a viable tournament option. He’s not sneaky enough to fly under the radar but isn’t overly chalky either, which fits nicely in balanced builds or as part of a contrarian Islanders stack. While his ceiling isn’t massive, his strong value metrics and ability to generate points from non-scoring stats make him a smart play in this price range.

Honorable Mentions

• Jakob Chychrun ($5,400)
• Thomas Harley ($6,100)
• Adam Fox ($5,200)

G Plays

Top Play: Igor Shesterkin ($8,200)

Igor Shesterkin ($8,200) projects as one of the top goalie options on the slate, and it’s easy to see why. He’s facing a middling Calgary offense that ranks 22nd in goals per game, and the Rangers are slight home favorites, giving him solid win equity. Shesterkin has been steady in net lately, posting a respectable 2.53 GAA over his last 11 games with two shutouts during that stretch. While his 15.1 DK point projection isn’t groundbreaking, his combination of floor and ceiling—bolstered by heavy shot volume against—makes him a strong play in both cash games and tournaments.

At 18.6% projected ownership, Shesterkin will be one of the chalkier goalies on the slate, but this seems like justified popularity given his consistency and matchup. His appearance in 11.5% of optimal lineups further supports his viability despite the high salary. If you’re building tournament lineups, fading him could create leverage given goalie variance, but it’s hard to argue against his safety for single-entry formats or smaller-field contests. The Rangers’ playoff push should keep their defensive focus sharp, which only adds to Shesterkin’s appeal here.

Honorable Mentions

• Spencer Knight ($7,000)
• Ilya Sorokin ($7,900)
• Jake Oettinger ($8,600)

Good luck! 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!