Daily Fantasy Hockey Lineup Projections for November 14, 2025
Daily fantasy hockey managers know that winning margins often come down to the smallest lineup tweaks—especially on unique days like today, with the Penguins and Predators facing off in Stockholm. With projected lines, confirmed goalies, and injury news in constant flux, here's your in-depth, actionable guide to optimizing your roster for November 14, 2025.
What’s New & Why It Matters
Today’s NHL schedule is headlined by the Penguins meeting the Predators in Sweden. This neutral-site setting can throw a wrench into normal home/road splits and travel routines, so expect some volatility in player performance and ice time distribution.
Key lineup notes: Sidney Crosby continues to anchor Pittsburgh’s top line, ensuring he remains a must-start in all formats. The Penguins welcome back Mathew Dumba on defense, who replaces Connor Clifton and brings a physical edge. For Nashville, Juuse Saros is confirmed as the starting goalie, giving managers clarity for their crease decisions. Injuries to Rickard Rakell (PIT) and Roman Josi (NSH) could open up opportunities for new faces and shuffle power-play units.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
With Crosby locked in as the top-line center and likely to see heavy minutes, he’s a clear green light. The absence of Rakell may mean more top-six and PP1 time for players like Bryan Rust or Reilly Smith. On Nashville’s side, scoring depth is thinner without Josi, so expect the top line to shoulder more of the offensive burden. In a points-only format, prioritize the established stars and anyone seeing a bump in usage due to injuries.
Categories / Bangers
Dumba’s return is significant for leagues that count hits, blocks, and PIM. He’s a classic banger with multi-category upside, especially if he’s energized in his first game back. Saros remains a high-volume goalie play, with the potential for a heavy workload and plenty of saves. Watch for any last-minute line shuffles, as new faces on the third or fourth lines could rack up peripherals in a physical, travel-impacted game.
Dynasty / Keeper
With roster holes due to injuries, younger players like Ville Koivunen are getting a look in more meaningful roles. While he’s not an immediate must-add, dynasty managers should monitor his deployment and usage—if he sticks in the lineup and sees even a sniff of power-play time, his long-term stock could rise. Dumba’s return might be short-lived if the Penguins shuffle again, so dynasty managers should temper expectations and look for sustained role stability before making major moves.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- Mathew Dumba (PIT, D): Returning to action, he’s a strong banger-league play for hits and blocks.
- Bryan Rust (PIT, RW): Could see extra top-six and PP1 minutes with Rakell sidelined—short-term scoring boost.
- Ville Koivunen (NSH, LW): Earning a third-line audition; watch for increased opportunity if he clicks.
- Reilly Smith (PIT, LW): Potential for PP1 usage and added even-strength minutes in Rakell’s absence.
- Juuse Saros (NSH, G): Confirmed starter, always a high-floor option for saves and volume starts.
- Ryan O’Reilly (NSH, C): More offensive responsibility with Josi out; streaming appeal in deeper points leagues.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Start Sidney Crosby with confidence—his role is as secure as ever, and the unique Stockholm setting could favor veteran poise.
- Juuse Saros is a must-start in categories and volume leagues, given his confirmed status and potential for a busy night.
- Monitor Mathew Dumba for banger stats—he’s a priority add in leagues counting hits and blocks.
- Keep Ville Koivunen on your dynasty radar; his expanded role could accelerate his timeline if he impresses.
- Watch for late-breaking lineup news from Stockholm—unexpected travel and time zone factors can lead to last-minute scratches or line shuffles.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.