This series uses the FantasyLabs Tools to analyze three key NHL players in the day’s slate. The series does not provide play or fade recommendations. It provides analysis.
Kevin Shattenkirk: Defenseman, Capitals
The Washington Capitals will attempt to even up the series after dropping their second straight overtime contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 3.
The Capitals, perennial playoff underachievers, made a splash at the trade deadline by acquiring offensive defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk from the St. Louis Blues. With the Caps, he has been a DFS stud with a FanDuel Plus Minus of +3.36 and a 63.6 percent Consistency Rating vs. just +0.17 and 37.5 percent with the Blues this season.
Based on some typical defenseman splits, they tend to provide more value and are more consistent at home. Surprisingly, Shattenkirk has been better on the road. When Washington has been a road favorite, Shattenkirk has been an elite play (per our Trends tool):
Given his ownership history in comparable situations, Shattenkirk warrants stacking consideration in GPPs with his power play linemates, especially Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. With our Lineup Builder, it’s easy to incorporate stacks into DFS rosters.
Ovechkin: DFS Scouting Report
Backstrom: DFS Scouting Report
Shattenkirk has also experienced a recent spike in peripheral stats, ranking in the 90th percentile in blocks and shots per game over the past month — up from the 78th and 75th percentiles over the past year. Nearly $2,000 cheaper than Erik Karlsson, Shattenkirk is especially attractive with his 91 percent Bargain Rating on FanDuel.
Kris Versteeg: Winger, Flames
The last time the Calgary Flames hit the ice (April 17), Kris Versteeg had the highest GPP Grade of any punt forward (per our DFS Ownership Dashboard):
If you’re looking to save salary, Shea Theodore is in play yet again in this same game — but he’ll probably have higher GPP ownership than Versteeg. There’s a decent edge in targeting wingers as Vegas favorites, and the Flames could see reduced ownership tonight, even at home, as many DFS players could flock to the Bruins and Capitals, both of which have higher implied totals.
This season, the Anaheim Ducks have surrendered 3.43 power plays per game — the highest mark in the league. Versteeg could offer high-end cheap exposure to the Flames’ top power play unit: He leads the entire slate with 1.2 shots per game on the power play. This season, Versteeg has a DraftKings Plus/Minus of +1.53 with a 66.7 percent Consistency Rating and three percent ownership when the Flames have had similar Vegas totals as home favorites.
Versteeg’s currently one of our highest-rated forwards under $4,000 on DraftKings. Pro subscribers can review the rest of our ratings in the Player Models.
Tuukka Rask: Goalie, Bruins
In a slate lacking attractive peripheral options, the Bruins are the top moneyline favorite (per the Vegas Dashboard):
Given the moneyline odds, Tuukka Rask is likely to have the highest GPP ownership of the slate’s starting goaltenders: Historically, home favorite goalies have the highest ownership.
However, Rask probably deserves some fade consideration: Over the past two years, he has underperformed at home with a -0.15 DraftKings Plus/Minus and 46.2 percent Consistency Rating (on 13.3 percent ownership!) when possessing moneyline odds of at least -150.
Good luck, and be sure to watch our FREE Eastern Conference and Western Conference editions of Inside the Lab on our Premium Content Portal!
