FREE 05/06 NHL Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

Tonight’s two-game NHL slate may be small, but it brings some intriguing DFS decisions. The Hurricanes visit the Capitals in a game with a modest 5.5 total, featuring Frederik Andersen and Logan Thompson as the confirmed starters. While this matchup doesn’t scream offense, Carolina’s ability to control possession could make their top skaters worth considering in cash formats, while Washington’s stars offer contrarian GPP appeal.

The late game between Edmonton and Vegas is where the fireworks are more likely, with a slate-high 6.5 total. Calvin Pickard gets the nod for the Oilers against Adin Hill for the Golden Knights, creating a favorable environment for offensive upside on both sides. Edmonton’s top-heavy attack is always in play, but don’t overlook Vegas’ depth scoring for value options. This game should be the focal point of most lineups tonight.

Top Stacks

VGK PP1 ($18,300)

Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, Mark Stone

The VGK PP1 stack consisting of Jack Eichel, Tomas Hertl, and Mark Stone carries a total salary of $18,300 and delivers a projected value of 1.91 points per $1000, indicating strong efficiency relative to cost. With an average ownership of 36.7%, this stack is moderately popular among lineups but maintains a slightly lower optimal lineup rate at 31.8%, suggesting that it is selected in fewer top-constructed lineups compared to its raw popularity. The data reflects a solid balance between value and usage in optimal builds, making it a viable option for DFS strategies focused on cost-efficiency and roster construction frequency.

EDM PP1 ($24,000)

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard

The EDM PP1 stack featuring Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard offers a solid projected value of 1.74 points per $1000, indicating efficient scoring potential relative to salary. With a combined salary of $24,000, the stack carries moderate average ownership at 23.9%, suggesting it is a popular but not overly saturated choice among lineups. The optimal lineup inclusion rate stands slightly higher at 29.2%, reflecting its favorable positioning in top-performing builds. Overall, this stack presents a balanced combination of value and ownership metrics within the current NHL DFS landscape.

WSH PP1 ($19,300)

Alex Ovechkin, Jakob Chychrun, Tom Wilson

The WSH PP1 stack featuring Alex Ovechkin, Jakob Chychrun, and Tom Wilson carries a total salary of $19,300 with an average ownership of 21.6% and an optimal lineup inclusion rate of 20.8%. The stack delivers a solid projected value of 1.75 points per $1000 of salary, indicating efficient scoring relative to cost. Ownership and optimal rates are closely aligned, suggesting the stack is appropriately utilized in lineups without significant over- or underexposure. Overall, the data supports this WSH PP1 stack as a balanced option in NHL DFS lineups based on its value metrics and usage rates.

C Plays

Top Play: Jack Eichel ($7,500)

Jack Eichel is a solid play at $7,500 against Edmonton, especially given his recent form. He’s been driving offense for Vegas with strong shot volume and power play involvement, which is key against an Oilers team that has struggled to contain skilled centers this season. His 1.89x value and top tournament rank reflect the upside he brings in this spot, making him a reliable pivot option in DFS lineups.

The ownership around 46% is high but justified considering his role and matchup. Eichel’s presence on the top line and power play means he has both floor and ceiling potential, which supports the chalk ownership in tournaments. If you’re looking for leverage, it might be worth mixing him with less popular stacks rather than fading outright given his consistent production lately.

Honorable Mentions

• Connor McDavid ($9,000)
• Tomas Hertl ($5,600)

W Plays

Top Play: Leon Draisaitl ($8,500)

Leon Draisaitl remains a strong DFS option despite the $8,500 price tag, especially given his consistent production this postseason. He’s scored in every game so far with a solid mix of goals and assists, and his shot volume has been steady, totaling 15 shots on goal through five games. Facing Vegas on the road isn’t an easy matchup, but the Golden Knights have allowed a fair number of chances to top lines this series, which keeps Draisaitl’s upside intact. His power play role adds another layer of opportunity for points here.

The ownership around 25% is reasonable considering his profile as a top-tier forward with a 1.7x value multiplier and near 34% optimal lineup exposure. This level of ownership suggests he’s not overly chalky but still widely trusted in GPPs. Given Edmonton’s need to push offense in this tight series, Draisaitl offers a solid floor with the potential for multi-point upside that fits well as a centerpiece or core pivot in tournament builds.

Honorable Mentions

• Mark Stone ($5,200)
• Alex Ovechkin ($8,000)

D Plays

Top Play: Jake Walman ($4,500)

Jake Walman stands out as a strong value on the blue line at $4,500, especially considering his role with Edmonton’s second power play unit. His recent playoff performance has been solid, contributing an assist and maintaining positive plus-minus ratings while logging top-four minutes. Facing Vegas, a team that can be vulnerable to defensemen who generate shots and power-play points, Walman’s 2.18x value makes him an appealing tournament option.

Ownership around 16.6% is reasonable given his upside and price point, offering some leverage without being too low to suggest major concerns. The Oilers’ ability to score in bunches could boost his point opportunities in this matchup, and his involvement on special teams adds consistency to his floor. Overall, Walman provides a nice balance of floor and ceiling in tournaments against a Vegas squad that allows shot attempts from the backend.

Honorable Mentions

• Evan Bouchard ($6,500)
• Jakob Chychrun ($5,900)

G Plays

Top Play: Logan Thompson ($7,600)

Logan Thompson draws a solid matchup at home against Carolina, a team that’s scoring 3.80 goals per game in the postseason but has shown some inconsistency. Thompson has been reliable recently, posting a .923 save percentage and allowing two or fewer goals in four of his five playoff starts. His price at $7,600 offers strong value given his steady performance and the Capitals’ ability to limit high-danger chances.

Despite the high ownership at nearly 33%, this chalk looks justified. Thompson ranks first in tournament GPPs and appears in over 35% of optimal lineups, reflecting confidence in his floor and upside. The game environment should favor him with Washington likely to control pace at home, so while ownership is elevated, his combination of recent form and matchup makes him a safe core play rather than an obvious fade.

Honorable Mentions

• Frederik Andersen ($7,800)
• Adin Hill ($8,000)

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