NHL DFS Picks For May 16, 2021

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are under way and we have already seen the first game go to overtime. Go get some stock in antacid companies before there is a shortage. The Pittsburgh Penguins face the New York Islanders this morning as we write this so we cannot take anyone from that match. There is also that weird Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames game that is still a regular season game happening while other the other matches are vying for the sport’s highest prize. We will not be covering that one either.

Today’s focus will be on the Vegas Golden Knights vs the Minnesota Wild and The Battle of Florida. The Florida Panthers managed to earn a better record than the Tampa Bay Lightning and will hold home ice advantage in the first round. And even though the Golden Knights finished solidly above the Wild, the Wild actually handed them their most losses this year. Both series are going to be insane. 

Here’s a playoff lineup For DFS Hockey 5/16/21 (using DraftKings Values)

Alexander Barkov has only played 10 playoff games in his career. Things did not go so well. This is the first time that he will be leading a very strong team into the playoffs and he will be the centerpiece of the attack. He has Verhaeghe back on his wing and an otherwise healthy team, Aaron Ekblad aside. He will give everything for this.

Steven Stamkos may last one game or a few series. We have no idea how healthy he is but he is always dangerous. His lone goal on his lone shift in the Finals last year was the stuff of legends. We will see how he and Kucherov do today and how that can change Tampa’s fortunes.

Alex Pietrangelo is the guy in Vegas. Shea Theodore will still play a large role but both will have to step up in the absence of Alex Martinez. On top of that they are missing their enforcer Ryan Reaves. The first game will be the most difficult for them but we know Pietrangelo is up to the task. He has won it all and knows what it takes.

Cam Talbot is the number one goalie in Minnesota right now. In some ways it is an uphill battle but, again, the Wild have played Vegas well this year and the Knights are without epic scorer Max Pacioretty. This is going to be a big tone setting game however it shakes out.

Here’s a playoff lineup For DFS Hockey 5/16/21 (using DraftKings Values)

Anthony Cirelli – C has not seen his price change even though he is getting Steven friggin’ Stamkos back on his wing. His value just skyrocketed. This is a stack we have to go after. At some point we will probably pick up Kucherov but after his surgery we want to give it a game. This is the time for Cirelli to make his mark on the league.

Carter Verhaeghe – W. We already hinted at this when talking about Barkov and we are really happy he is back in time for the postseason. He exploded this year after getting traded away from Tampa Bay and we promise he will be showing them what they missed out on.

Mattias Janmark – W is a great bargain pick since he is the one taking Max Pacioretty’s spot. He is a little bit of a wild card but top line time on a powerhouse team is nothing to sniff at.

Brandon Montour – D is another sneaky pick. He has been seeing his ice time tick up and has even gotten some time on the second power play. He is a decent shot taker and we feel like he is going to boost his block numbers as well.

Kirill Kaprizov – U. Did you really think we would skip out on this guy? Rookie of the Year. The thrill probably has an extra gear for the playoffs and everyone will be on the edge of their set every time he hops over the boards. He is a game breaking talent and he is about to show the world.

We hope you have been having a great weekend and that you get all your picks in. There is not a ton of time before puck drop so get over to DraftKings and fill out your cards. Follow us on Twitter (@FantasyDFSX) for any updates that may come down the pipe and have a great week.