NHL DFS Picks For April 17, 2021

Recently we mentioned how there are a couple of guys who we pass over too often and so are going to rectify that and put our money where our mouth is. We have some big games to cover today and are really excited about a couple in particular. The Tampa Bay Lightning vs the Florida Panthers rivalry is quickly becoming must watch hockey. They are neck and neck in the standings and every point matters. Up north the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets are battling for second place. A win by Winnipeg would give them some much needed breathing room but the Oilers are fresh after getting nearly a week’s rest. Tune in and buckle up, these are going to be hot.

Here’s a frosty lineup For DFS Hockey 4/17/21 (using DraftKings Values)

Leon Draisaitl is not technically playing center right now but we are not that worried about it. He is slotting into the top line with McDavid and they are hungry. They got lit up like a christmas tree against the Calgary Flames last week and they will have been working hard to get ready for this tilt.

Patrick Kane continues to tear apart the league and somehow is doing it quietly. The Blackhawks are slowly slipping away from the playoff picture but they are nowhere near out of it. Kane has the ability to put that team on his shoulders and drag them to the postseason. If he did not score another point this season he would still end up at a point per game. 

Darnell Nurse probably enjoyed the time off a little more than his teammates. The 6’4” defenseman is one of the most physical players in the game and puts his body on the line every shift. He plays huge minutes and fills up every category. He will be sending a message to Winnipeg tonight. Be on notice.

Andre Vasilevskiy costs how much!? Sure the Panthers are an offensively gifted team but they are up against the front runner for the Vezina. Even if he lets in a couple goals the guys in front of him will be lighting the lamp. There is just too much value here to pass up.

Here’s a frosty lineup For DFS Hockey 4/17/21 (using DraftKings Values)

Jordan Staal – C is another guy having an under the radar monster season. He is one of the few guys where we need to point out his prowess at the faceoff dot. He is one of the best in the league and it gives the Canes a ton of opportunities knowing they are likely to get the puck. The veteran knows what is necessary to win and he is a lot of fun to watch.

Frank Vatrano – W. It is a little bit poor form to take someone who is shooting on the goalie you took but this line is deadly. Patric Hornqvist is on the other side and those two together are a couple of beefy power wingers. The Lightnings third line is going to have their hands full if that is the assignment they draw.

Alex Barré-Boulet – W. Stick with us on this one. His numbers in the three games he has played so far are not exactly inspiring but with Steven Stamkos out he is going to see top line minutes. He was already up to 16 minutes in his last game and that is very encouraging even if we did not see that translate to the stat sheet. He was over a point per game in the AHL and the dude can score.

Ryan Ellis – D. We gave Ellis a few games back after his return to play and we feel now is the time to pounce. He looks to have everything back in order and makes Nashville that much more dangerous. He will get a couple shots, a couple blocks, and we feel like he will make it on to the scoresheet as well. 

Ross Colton – U. Where did this guy come from and how has it taken so long for us to get him on our list? This is just a testament to how many awesome new players are making an impact across the league. There is just so much to keep up with. Just look at his stats and all the goals he is scoring. Even if he does not get one tonight he is worth knowing about. 

Welcome to the weekend where we relax by screaming at our television as we let NHL players know that they ought to shoot the puck. Seriously, shoot! Find us on Twitter (@FantasyDFSX). Let’s go!