FREE 05/08 NHL Cheat Sheet: Top DFS Plays

It’s a short but intriguing 2-game slate tonight, giving us fewer options but still plenty to think about. The Hurricanes visit the Capitals in the early game, which comes with a modest 5.5 total. Frederik Andersen is confirmed in net for Carolina, while Logan Thompson gets the start for Washington. This matchup leans more toward a defensive battle, so scoring might be harder to come by, but that could open up opportunities for contrarian plays.

The late game between Edmonton and Vegas carries a much higher 6.5 total and should be the focal point for DFS lineups. Calvin Pickard will start for the Oilers against Adin Hill for the Golden Knights, making this one an appealing spot to target offensive stacks. With Edmonton’s high-powered top line and Vegas’ depth scoring, this game has plenty of potential to provide the fireworks you’re looking for on a small slate.

Top Stacks

EDM PP1 ($24,000)

Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Evan Bouchard

The EDM PP1 stack, consisting of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard, has a total salary of $24,000 and delivers a projected value of 1.75 points per $1000, indicating solid efficiency for the investment. With an average ownership of 26.4%, the stack is moderately owned in the player pool, while its optimal lineup rate sits higher at 34.0%, suggesting it is favored in optimized builds relative to general user selection. These metrics reflect a balance between popularity and strategic deployment in lineups based on projected output and cost-effectiveness.

VGK PP1 ($19,100)

Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, Tomas Hertl

The VGK PP1 stack featuring Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Tomas Hertl offers a solid projected value of 1.84 points per $1000, indicating efficient scoring potential relative to its $19,100 total salary. With an average ownership of 34.6%, this stack is moderately popular among DFS players, reflecting a balanced consensus on its upside. The optimal lineup rate sits at 25.3%, suggesting that while the stack is frequently included in high-performing lineups, it is not overly saturated in the most competitive builds. Overall, the data positions this VGK PP1 stack as a reliable and reasonably leveraged option within the current NHL DFS slate.

CAR PP1 ($18,700)

Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, Andrei Svechnikov

The CAR PP1 stack featuring Sebastian Aho, Seth Jarvis, and Andrei Svechnikov offers a projected value of 1.72 points per $1000, indicating efficient scoring potential relative to salary. Priced at a combined $18,700, this stack commands a moderate average ownership of 26.3%, suggesting it is a popular but not oversaturated option among DFS players. Its optimal lineup inclusion rate sits at 21.9%, reflecting solid utilization in lineups that maximize projected scoring output. Overall, the data positions this stack as a cost-effective and strategically viable choice within the current NHL DFS slate.

C Plays

Top Play: Jack Eichel ($8,000)

Jack Eichel remains a strong DFS option at $8,000 facing Edmonton. He’s riding a four-game point streak with consistent shot volume, tallying 21 shots on goal over seven playoff games while centering Vegas’ top line and seeing power play time. The matchup against the Oilers isn’t ideal defensively, but Eichel’s role ensures steady opportunity, making his 1.8x value appealing in this price range.

Ownership is elevated at 42%, reflecting his status as a top-tier center and reliable contributor. While that ownership is high, it’s justified given his consistent production and involvement in scoring chances. If you’re looking to differentiate, consider mixing him with lower-owned options elsewhere, but he remains a solid core play in tournament builds given his combination of floor and upside.

Honorable Mentions

• Connor McDavid ($9,000)
• Sebastian Aho ($6,800)

W Plays

Top Play: Leon Draisaitl ($8,500)

Leon Draisaitl remains a strong DFS option at $8,500 given his consistent production and heavy involvement in Edmonton’s offense. He’s posted four multi-point games in seven playoff contests and has 20 shots on net this postseason, showing a steady shot volume that supports his floor. The matchup against Vegas isn’t easy, but the Oilers have already shown they can score in this series, and Draisaitl’s role on both the power play and at even strength keeps him involved regardless of game flow.

His value at 1.74x salary is solid, making him one of the better plays at his price point despite ownership nearing 30%. That chalk seems justified considering his usage and upside in what could be a tight series. While some may shy away from the elevated ownership, Draisaitl’s combination of shots, playmaking ability, and power play time provides a reliable floor with enough ceiling to warrant the investment in tournaments.

Honorable Mentions

• Alex Ovechkin ($7,800)
• Mark Stone ($5,500)

D Plays

Top Play: Evan Bouchard ($6,500)

Evan Bouchard offers solid value at $6,500 with a 1.8x value mark and ranks 10th in tournament builds, showing he’s a popular target in GPPs. He’s been logging heavy minutes and contributing offensively, evident from his four multi-point games this postseason and consistent shot volume (23 shots on net). His recent two-assist effort against Vegas highlights his ability to produce against this matchup, and the Oilers’ aggressive style should keep him involved on both ends.

The matchup on the road versus Vegas is intriguing since the Golden Knights have struggled to contain defensemen who generate offense. Bouchard’s power play role adds upside, even if most of his points have come at even strength so far. His moderate ownership around 17% offers some leverage given his ceiling and floor combination. At this price point, he fits well as a core defender option who can differentiate lineups without sacrificing upside.

Honorable Mentions

• Shea Theodore ($5,200)
• Darnell Nurse ($4,600)

G Plays

Top Play: Logan Thompson ($7,600)

Logan Thompson offers solid value at $7,600 against Carolina, a matchup that should keep him busy given the Hurricanes’ ability to generate shots. He’s posted a .926 save percentage and 2.17 GAA over six playoff games, showing consistency in net despite Washington being outshot regularly. The Capitals rely heavily on his performance to stay competitive, which supports Thompson’s floor in tournaments.

His ownership is elevated at 34%, reflecting confidence in his recent form and matchup. This chalk seems justified considering his strong numbers and the expected shot volume he’ll face from Carolina. Thompson’s presence in nearly 28% of optimal lineups highlights his appeal as a reliable goalie option who can deliver both steady floor and upside if the game stays tight or goes into overtime.

Honorable Mentions

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

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