DFS: Using Shots to Create a Balanced NHL Lineup

In daily fantasy hockey, partial points are awarded for shots on goal.

Though a shot on goal is not as rewarding as a goal or assist, the accumulation of these partial points can make a difference in any DFS format. Similar to points per reception (PPR) in fantasy football, the partial points for shots on goal likely won't be what you build your lineup around - but they can better help you identify value players.

Low- to Mid-Point Players with a High SOG Average

In DFS, players are predominantly priced by their point production. When accounting for the shots on goal (SOG) bonus, it is an effective strategy to select forwards that may not produce points at the same rate as Alex Ovechkin, but instead take a high amount of shots.

Names like Rick Nash (3.85 SOG/G), Max Pacriottey (3.78 SOG/G) and Patric Honrqvist (3.44 SOG/G) stand out as players that average a high amount of shots but won't deplete your salary like Ovechkin.

Mid priced players like Brendan Gallagher (3.10), Craig Smith (3.07), Jeff Skinner (3.05 SOG/G) and Nathan Gerbe (3.01 SOG/G) are also names to keep an eye in terms of lower point totals but higher shots on goal. Though the shots on goal strategy requires an extra step of research, it can be highly beneficial in finding value in lower-tier players.

Identifying Special Teams Matchups

Power Plays/Game + SOG/Game = More shooting opportunities

Make sure to identify which teams draw penalties and like to shoot the puck. Logically, teams with a high amount of power-play opportunities are more likely to possess the puck and generate shots.

For instance, last year it may have been more effective to select power play skaters on a team like Chicago - which had the eighth-most PPs/G and the most SOG/G - instead of players on the Montreal Canadiens, which averaged the 11th-fewest PP/G and the sixth-fewest SOG/G.

Exploit the Undisciplined

Penalties Taken + Shots Allowed (SA/G) = fantasy opportunity

Following similar logic to the strategy above, also try to select players facing undisciplined teams.

Teams that take a lot of penalties and allow a high number of shots against are ripe for the fantasy pickings. Last year's exploitable teams included Buffalo, Columbus, Vancouver, and Ottawa - all of whom ranked high in both shots against and penalty minutes per game.

Take the Scorer over the Playmaker

Some players are better at setting up their linemates while others are better at converting those opportunities. In DFS - where goals earn more points than assists and shots on goal award partial points - always go for the scorers.

From the comparisons below, you can see how shooting forwards like Patrick Kane and Daniel Sedin are preferred DFS plays compared to their setup men. Though these players are often associated with one another and can have similar season long point totals - the shooters generate more points in DFS because of their shots and goals. On nights when these players are priced similarly, the choice between the two is obvious.