Welcome to the Fantasy Alarm NHL Playbook. This is your all-in-one resource for everything DFS related for tonight's 5-game slate. Let’s dive into the action and see which players we should watch closely.

For the NHL bets, we get back on the horse after a much-needed holiday break. We have a couple of matchups that stand one, but there’s one that really has caught my eye.  You can access all expert picks, including mine, right here.

Season Record: 15-24-0

Season Bankroll: -10.43 Units

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 NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 12/28

Montreal Canadiens vs Tampa Bay Lightning Prediction

The Montreal Canadiens enter this game having won three of their last four matches and are eager to continue their winning streak. They have performed well on the road, boasting a record of 10 wins, 3 losses, and 4 overtime/shootout losses, along with a top-five power play. Although goaltending has been a concern, Jacob Fowler is confirmed to start, and he has been outstanding since his call-up.

In contrast, the Tampa Bay Lightning played last night in a tough and physical matchup against the Panthers. The Canadiens are well-rested and, given their recent performance, shouldn't be considered such heavy underdogs. Therefore, we expect them to cover the Money Line.

 

Today's NHL DFS Cheat Sheet & Stacks

 

Goalie of the Day: Jet Greaves - CBJ

Jet Greaves stands out as the top goalie for this slate. Although the young goalie has had a solid season, his team hasn’t been very supportive. The Blue Jackets are up against the Islanders, who are playing their second game in two nights. David Rittich has performed well, but with Ilya Sorokin on injured reserve, Rittich may be required to play again on short rest. Greaves is likely to receive enough support from his team to secure a win and deliver value.

 

Honourable Mention: Jacob Fowler - MTL

I'm really supporting the Montreal Canadiens tonight, and it's not just because I'm a Habs fan. Jacob Fowler is starting his second consecutive game, and it's clear why. In just five starts this season, he has a 6.1 xGSA, which indicates that he gives his team a strong chance of winning every time he's on the ice. His price on DraftKings is very affordable, so I’m happy to take that discount and include him in my GPP lineup.

 

Player of the Day: Auston Matthews - TOR

Is Auston Matthews returning to elite form as a hockey player? Over the break, the Maple Leafs fired Marc Savard, who was responsible for the power play, and brought in Mike Sullivan. It’s just one game, but the new power play looked impressive. Matthews finished yesterday's game with three points and nine shots on goal, a performance we haven't seen from the Leafs’ captain in a while. Can he maintain that energy tonight? I’m not sure, but there aren’t many elite players to choose from, and AM34 has the skill to get there.

 

Honourable Mention: Sidney Crosby - PIT

If you're looking for a more affordable option than Auston Matthews, Sidney Crosby is a great alternative. Although he tends to be less dominant on the road, the fact that Chicago will be playing its second game in two nights could create some opportunities for Crosby to find space. With Chicago struggling with multiple injuries, there isn't much coverage for him on the ice. While the Penguins rank 26th in goals scored on the road, if they manage to find a way to score, Crosby is likely to be a key contributor.

 

Value Play of the Day: Ryan Donato - CHI

There are several great value options for tonight, but the one that stands out the most is Ryan Donato. With the injuries to Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, Donato has moved back to center on the second line. He has a proven ability to score goals, so including him in your lineup as a gamble isn’t a bad idea, especially given his discounted price.

 

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Player Pool

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