DraftStreet NHL Lineup and Value Picks

by landsharkhockey Last Updated 2011-03-18 13:27:03

Draftstreet has been up and running with fantasy hockey for two months now and seems to be building a strong following. This week, I’ll highlight players to target to give you top value for your dollar at each position. Keep in mind that Draftstreet changes their prices daily, so consider this short-term advice. Let’s start in net:

Goalie

Goalie selection on Draftstreet is a bit tricky, as the system is unique. Wins aren’t over-inflated and there is a higher premium on saves. That means, a guy like Martin Brodeur (5.48 ppg), who has been winning, but faces a relatively low number of shots per night, doesn’t earn as many points per game as Thomas Vokoun (7.48 ppg), who constantly gets shelled with shots but doesn’t win as often. That may explain why Brodeur ($14.2k) priced considerably lower than Vokoun ($17.7k), despite the fact that Brodeur’s winning percentage is much higher. Here are some goalies worth targeting right now:

• Tim Thomas (BOS – $21.2k) – Thomas remains (by far) the highest priced player on Draftstreet, but for good reason. His 9.21 points per game in unrivaled. No other active goalie tops 8 ppg. If you can find cheap options at other positions, he’s worth the substantial investment.
• Roberto Luongo (VAN – $18.4k) – Luongo’s value plummeted in early March when the Canucks struggled a bit. They’ve since gotten back on track and Luongo is now undervalued for his 7.95 ppg. Expect him to go up in price shortly.
• Jonathan Quick (LA – $17.1k) – Quick’s value just dropped yesterday, most likely due to the run that backup Bernier went on. He got shelled last night, but don’t let that scare you. Quick is the #1 and will get plenty of starts down the stretch. He’s earning 7.21 ppg at a fair price.

Center

Jonathan Toews just surpassed Steven Stamkos as the top-priced center, based on the amazing run he’s been on. Stamkos still has the best ppg on the season at 5.81 and should get back on track soon. Here are some others to target:

• Patrick Sharp (CHI – $11.1k) – Sharp has been riding the wave in Chicago along with Toews and Kane. His value just shot up this week, but he’s still at a fair price for the nearly 5 ppg he delivers.
• Ryan Getzlaf (ANA – $9.4k) – Getzlaf has been hot since returning from injury in early February. He has 17 points in his last 12 games, but most of those points have been assists. He’s a steal under $10k.
• Derrik Brassard (COB – $8.3k) – Brassard just returned from injury last week and is back to top line duty. He’s at the top of his game right now and should start to see better production down the stretch.

Left Wing

Ovechkin and Daniel Sedin takes turns as the top scoring / highest price option at left wing. Either way, you’re getting about 5.5 ppg, but paying handsomely for that right. Here are some wingers priced considerably cheaper than the $13.1k Ovie will cost you:

• Milan Lucic (BOS – $10.8k) – Lucic consistently provides offense in all categories and has been on a tear lately in Boston. His salary continues to creep up, but he’s delivering a healthy 4.27 ppg.
• Henrik Zetterberg (DET – $9.9k) – Hank dried up in early March, but is quickly getting back to form. His salary dropped considerably this week in response to the dry spell. Take advantage for the next week, as he’s a steal under $10k.
• Nikolai Kulemin (TOR – $7.9k) – Kulemin has been hot for the past month, but for some reason his salary hasn’t caught up to his value. Take advantage.

Right Wing

Corey Perry is far and away the highest priced ($13.3k) and top producing (5.35 ppg) right winger on Draftstreet. Here are some others to watch:

• Patrick Kane (CHI – $11.2k) – While still pricey, he’s producing points every night playing with Toews and Sharp.
• Alex Semin (WAS – $11k) – Semin seems to have found the magic with Ovechkin lately. He averages 4.65 ppg.
• Chris Stewart (STL – $9.5k) – He’s streaky, but can produce goals in bunches.

Defense

It’s just plain foolish to spend the cap space required on top-priced Byfuglien ($12.3k). He isn’t producing anywhere near the points he had earlier in the season. Save your cash and look to some of these options on defense:

• Dion Phaneuf (TOR – $7.7k) – Phaneuf seems to have suddenly found his offensive game.
• Brent Burns (MIN – $7.5k) – Burns is one of top offensive producers from the back end. He’s providing 3.33 ppg.
• Lubomir Visnovsky (ANA – $6.5k) – Visnovsky has quickly become one of the hottest options on defense. His 3.35 ppg is a steal at his price.

My Roster

Only four games to pick from tonight on Draftstreet, so it’s tough to find balance. I opted to front load on expensive stars (Ovechkin, Sedin, Luongo…) and fill in the gaps with value picks (Johansson, Okposo, cheap defense…). Here are my picks:

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About the Writer: ‘Chewy’ aka Gary Wilson, operates LandShark Hockey, and has been helping others dominate Fantasy Hockey Leagues for almost 20 years now. Landshark Hockey provides fantasy hockey fans with daily news, updates, and draft strategy including the LandShark Hockey War Room for Daily Fantasy Hockey Lineup Help.