This guide shows how to build NHL lineups with the free NHL lineup optimizer. The NHL optimizer is for DraftKings classic and showdown. Its main feature is line stacking. If you are new to the optimizer, read the lineup optimizer guide for every sport first.
NHL Roster Rules
| Game type | Salary cap | Roster |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings classic | $50,000 | C, C, W, W, W, D, D, G, UTIL from at least 3 teams and 2 games |
| DraftKings showdown | $50,000 | 1 CPT and 5 FLEX from one game |
The slate sets the game type. Showdown slates have "[SD]" at the end of the name.
Set Up the Build
Select the slate. Then select the "Contest Type": "Cash / H2H", "150-Max", "20-Max", "3-Max" or "Single Entry". The contest sets the mode and the ownership numbers.
The pool has two NHL columns. "Line" shows the even-strength line, such as F1 or D1. "PP" shows the power play unit, such as PP1. Goalies show a tag such as "Likely" or "Confirmed". "Show OUT" shows the players who are out.
Why Line Stacks Matter
Hockey goals come from a line. When a forward scores, his linemates often get the assists. A three-man stack from one line collects all of those points. A power play stack works the same way.
The Line Stacks Panel
The "Line Stacks" panel is in the sidebar. It is on by default. These are its controls:
- "Primary Size" sets the main stack to 2, 3 or 4 players. The default is 3.
- "Secondary Size" sets a second stack to 0, 2 or 3 players. The default is 2.
- "Stack Types" has "EV line" and "Power play". Turn on one or both.
- "Max Exposure Per Stack" caps the share of lineups for one stack. The default is 40%.
- "Never play goalie vs my stack" keeps your goalie off the team that faces your stack.
- "Forwards only in stacks" keeps defensemen out of the stacks.
A 3-2 build uses a three-man primary stack and a two-man secondary stack. That leaves the UTIL, the two defensemen and the goalie. For cash games, a smaller stack is fine. For tournaments, keep the 3-2 build.
Build and Review
Lock or exclude two players, then click "Optimize". Each lineup card shows the stack at the bottom, such as a team and PP1.
Check the exposure panel after the build. If one stack is in too many lineups, lower "Max Exposure Per Stack" and build again.
Goalies
Confirm your goalie before lock. A goalie with a "Likely" tag can still sit. Use Late Swap if the starter changes.
Late Swap
NHL games start at different times. The "Late Swap" tab lets you change players in games that have not started. It has a "Keep stacks" option, so the swap does not break your line stacks.
How NHL Players Score Together
Correlation shows how closely two players' DraftKings points rise and fall together. We measured it on NHL games from the most recent full season. Linemates are the players who shared the most ice time in that game.
| Pair | Correlation |
|---|---|
| Two forwards on the same even-strength line | 0.32 |
| Two players on the same first power play unit | 0.17 |
| Two defensemen on the same pair | 0.14 |
| Top defense pair and the first line forwards | 0.07 |
| Goalie and his own skaters | 0.07 |
| Two forwards on the same team, different lines | -0.02 |
| Goalie and the other team's skaters | -0.19 |
| Goalie and the other team's top-6 forwards | -0.25 |
| Goalie and the other team's goalie | -0.36 |
Forwards on the same line have the strongest link. Two forwards from the same team but on different lines have no link at all. So a stack must come from one line, not only from one team.
The power play link is real but smaller. Use a power play stack when the team has a good power play and the opponent takes many penalties.
Your goalie links a little with his own skaters and strongly against the other team's forwards. "Never play goalie vs my stack" stops the worst pair.
NHL Strategy by Contest Type
Cash games
- Select "Cash / H2H". Keep line stacks on with a primary size of 2 or 3. Skip the secondary stack.
- Pay for a goalie who is a big favorite. Goalies have the highest average score of any position.
Tournaments
- Keep the 3-2 build. A three-man line plus a two-man stack from another line covers two scoring events.
- Turn on both "EV line" and "Power play" in "Stack Types".
- For 20 or more lineups, set "Max Exposure Per Stack" to 25 to 40%. Your lineups then use more lines.
- Pair your goalie with skaters from his own team when you can. Keep "Never play goalie vs my stack" on.
- Confirm the starting goalies before lock. Use Late Swap if a starter changes.
Common Mistakes
- A stack of forwards from one team but from different lines.
- A goalie against your own stack.
- A goalie who is not confirmed as the starter.
A Simple NHL Plan
- Select the slate and the contest type.
- Keep line stacks on with a 3-2 build for tournaments.
- Turn on "Power play" in "Stack Types" to include power play stacks.
- Confirm the goalies before lock.
See tonight's numbers on the NHL DFS projections page. Then go back to the lineup optimizer guide hub for the other sports.
DFS contests use real money. Only play what you can afford to lose. 21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.