Fantasy picks: Flyers offer solid stack option

Each day this season, NHL.com's fantasy staff will provide daily picks for DraftKings NHL contests. This list of targets includes expensive and value options at each position to help you build a winning roster.

C - Claude Giroux, PHI at CAR ($6,700)
The Philadelphia Flyers captain leads the NHL in assists (nine) and is tied for first in power-play points (seven) in nine games. He's on an eight-game point streak where he's had at least 3.2 DraftKings points per game. The Carolina Hurricanes are allowing the sixth-most points to opposing centers and giving up 3.71 goals per game. Giroux scored his first goal of the season Saturday, but his chances of getting another against the Hurricanes are high and he's a safe, affordable play at center. If you're looking for a nice stack option, Giroux with Jakub Voracek (W; $6,500) and Wayne Simmonds (W; $6,400) is appealing.
C - Anze Kopitar, LA at CHI ($6,000)
The Chicago Blackhawks penalty kill continues to be historically bad (15 goals allowed on 30 shorthanded situations) and Kopitar is second on the Los Angeles Kings in power-play ice time per game (3:10). He's on a three-game point streak and is averaging 4.1 DraftKings points per game mostly because of his ability to get shots on goal (2.8 per game) and blocks (eight in seven games). Kopitar is another safe play that gives you some cap flexibility with the added bonus that his ownership percentage will likely be low.
W - Jeff Skinner, CAR vs. PHI ($5,800)
The Hurricanes top line of Skinner, Victor Rask (C; $5,600) and Lee Stempniak (W; $4,900) continues to be one of the most productive stacks in DFS. Skinner is currently the hottest member having scored three goals with four assists (three PPP) on a four-game point streak. The Flyers enter Saturday having allowed 11 goals in their past three games and after facing the Pittsburgh Penguins will be on the second of a back-to-back. Skinner had an assist with three SOG against Philadelphia on Oct. 22 and has a high ceiling in the rematch.

W - Vladislav Namestnikov, TBL at NYR ($4,100)
With Nikita Kucherov expected to be out this weekend, Namestnikov should see an expanded role for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was already playing with Kucherov and captain Steven Stamkos, which resulted in a goal and an assist (6.0 DraftKings points) against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday. Namestnikov should see time on the second power-play unit and has a chance to provide a ton of value if the Lightning's offense stays hot against the New York Rangers.
D - Alec Martinez, LA at CHI ($4,600)
When it comes to defensemen in DFS, you've got to ride the hot hand. There are few players at the position who have been more productive than Martinez. He has two goals and four assists on a four-game point streak and is another Los Angeles player that will get exposure to the Blackhawks terrible penalty kill. Martinez also provides great peripherals with 12 SOG and eight blocks in his past four games.
D - Travis Hamonic, NYI vs. TOR ($3,600)
Hamonic finally found his offense against the Penguins on Thursday, scoring a goal with an assist, five blocks and five SOG for 10.0 DraftKings points. The Maple Leafs are allowing 3.86 goals per game and lead the League in shots per game (34.3), so the New York Islanders defenseman has decent odds to be involved in a scoring play and should have an opportunity to block plenty of shot attempts from Toronto.

G - Michael Hutchinson, WPG vs. BUF ($7,600)
Hutchinson is coming off a 37-save shutout against the Colorado Avalanche on Friday (12.4 DraftKings points) and you've got to assume coach Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice will want to ride him into Sunday after that strong performance. If he does start, Hutchinson will draw a great matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, who have allowed the most points to opposing goaltenders this season. There aren't many elite goaltending options Sunday, which will result in high ownership percentages for Cam Talbot of the Edmonton Oilers ($7,800).
G - Brian Elliott, CGY vs. WSH ($7,100)
If you can believe it, the Washington Capitals have struggled on offense so far this season (2.33 goals per game entering Saturday). The Calgary Flames would normally be a great matchup for Alex Ovechkin and Co., but unfortunately Washington will be playing its second of a back-to-back. After a slow start to his first season in Calgary, Elliott has won three straight games where he's allowed five goals on 90 shots (.945 save percentage). He's a risky play, but could pay dividends as a contrarian option in tournaments.
---
Check out DraftKings.com to play 1-Day Fantasy Hockey today. Entering is quick and simple: sign up for a free account, enter the $3 1-Day Fantasy Hockey contest and set your lineup, catch the games and win!
DraftKings fantasy hockey contests are operated by DraftKings Inc. and are in no way sponsored or administered by the NHL and/or any of its affiliated entities. Prohibited and/or not available in AL, AZ, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, LA, MT, NV and WA. Offered in IL and TX pending litigation. See terms (LINK: https://www.draftkings.com/terms-of-use) for additional eligibility rules.