Entering the second week in December, there is now plenty of sample size for data to be analyzed. Most teams have played around 30 games. Tonight, 10 games are scheduled for a nice main slate. There are a couple of teams playing their second game in as many nights. However, it seems pretty clear that there are just a few teams to target for offense this evening. Let’s dive into this slate to find some of the best DFS options.
Center
Mark Scheifele (WPG): $8,400 vs. CHI
For the rest of the season, stacking players against the Blackhawks will be a wise strategy. Chicago is currently ranked 29th in the NHL in Goals For Percentage (GF%). During even strength, they are allowing 2.38 goals against (on average) and 3.68 per game. Mark Scheifele has been the Jets best player this season and will be in the conversation at the end of the year as a Hart Trophy candidate. With 35 points in 29 games, Scheifele will look to continue his production at home against an inferior defense.
Pierre-Luc Dubois (CLS): $5,600 vs. VAN
In his third season in the NHL, Pierre-Luc Dubois has solidified himself as a number one center for the Colombus Blue Jackets. Dubois has 25 points on the season and is the driving force on offense for this team. With 13 goals, Dubois has turned into a very dynamic scorer on a dangerous team. At just $5,600, Dubois is a great bargain for a top line center who also centers the top power-play unit.
Wing
Cam Atkinson (CLS): $7,100 vs. VAN
Playing alongside Pierre-Luc Dubois is Cam Atkinson. Atkinson is a bit of a streaky scorer and has two hat-tricks since November 17th. Along with Artemi Panarin, this top line for Columbus should find success against a weak Vancouver team. Although they have bounced back from losing 10 games in a row, the Canucks lack the defensive talent to slow down this forward group.
Blake Wheeler (WPG): $7,600 vs. CHI
Blake Wheeler is the second piece to a Winnipeg stack. Wheeler is the primary set-up man on the top line for the Jets and will look to feed Scheifele all night long. With 32 assists on the season, Wheeler ranks third in the NHL in this category. His combination of size and skill creates a very difficult matchup for anyone, let alone for a defensively-challenged Blackhawks team.
Kevin Fiala (NSH): $4,500 vs. OTT
For salary relief, look to forward Kevin Fiala. The Nashville Predators Are heavy home favorites against the visiting Ottawa Senators. The Senators are allowing the second most goals against on the road and will have a tough matchup against the Preds who are first place in the central division. With the injuries to Nashville, Kevin Fiala finds himself up on the top forward line and power-play unit. He will have plenty of opportunities to chip in on goals against a weak team.
Defense
Seth Jones (CLS): $5,700 vs. VAN
On the season, Vancouver is a bottom five team when it comes to goals allowed. Seth Jones is the top offensive defenseman on the team and positively correlates with the top forward line. Averaging 26 minutes a night, Seth Jones will have plenty of opportunities to rack up the fantasy points.
Mattias Ekholm (NSH): $4,600 vs. OTT
Mattias Ekholm is projected to play on the second defensive pairing while also logging power-play time for the Predators. With P.K. Subban out with an injury, more ice-time will be spread out to other defensemen. Ekholm provides some salary relief with plenty up upside in a great matchup.
Goalie
Connor Hellebuyck (WPG): $8,500 vs. CHI
Winnipeg is a -220 favorite in this game and while Connor Hellebuyck has not been as sharp as last season, he has a great team in front of him. The Jets should have no issue taking care of business this evening, at home. Chicago will generate chances and take a lot of shots, providing a high fantasy floor for Hellebuyck. Where the win is so important on FanDuel, paying up for goaltending is key.
Jeremy Maw is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jeremy, check out his archive or follow him @j_maw.
