Today's NHL Lineups and Starting Goalies: Fantasy Start/Sit Guide
With injuries healing and new line combinations emerging, today's NHL lineups present a fresh set of opportunities and challenges for fantasy hockey managers. From marquee returns to sneaky streaming options, staying ahead of the latest roster moves and goalie confirmations is essential for maximizing your lineup's potential. Let's break down what matters most for your fantasy decisions tonight.
What’s New & Why It Matters
The big news for daily fantasy managers is the return of key forwards, including William Nylander for the Maple Leafs in a high-profile matchup against the Penguins. On the other side, the Blues get a boost with Robert Thomas returning to their top six. These changes ripple through power-play units and even impact the confidence in starting goaltenders, as both teams adjust to new chemistry and usage patterns. With Tristan Jarry confirmed in net for Pittsburgh and Jordan Binnington for St. Louis, managers have some clarity in the crease, but matchup context and recent team form should shape your start/sit leans.
Fantasy Implications
Points-Only
Nylander's return is a green light for managers in pure points leagues. He’s expected to slot right back into a featured offensive role, likely seeing heavy minutes and top power-play exposure. Thomas’s reentry for the Blues also puts him back in the mix as a must-roster player in these formats, especially if he immediately reclaims his place on the first unit.
Categories / Bangers
For multi-category formats, Brayden Schenn’s shift to wing could boost his shot and goal totals, possibly at the expense of faceoff wins but with more offensive upside. Jarry is a strong streaming candidate given Toronto’s recent power-play struggles and Pittsburgh’s improved defensive play. Binnington, while a volume starter, faces a tough Oilers attack and should be started with caution unless you’re chasing saves or desperate for goalie stats.
Dynasty / Keeper
Managers in long-term leagues should circle Thomas as a buy-low or add candidate if he’s available. His youth, deployment, and offensive ceiling make him a valuable asset, especially with a clean bill of health. Keep an eye on the ripple effect of these lineup changes for younger players auditioning on PP1 or in top-six roles, as these opportunities can be fleeting but impactful for dynasty value.
Who to Add / Stream / Watch
- William Nylander (TOR): Back from injury, immediate top-six and PP1 usage.
- Robert Thomas (STL): Returning to a prominent center role, key for assists and PP points.
- Brayden Schenn (STL): Position change to wing could spark offensive surge.
- Tristan Jarry (PIT): Confirmed starter with a favorable matchup versus a slumping Leafs offense.
- Jordan Binnington (STL): High-volume option but risky against Edmonton’s firepower.
- Matthew Knies (TOR): Elevated to a scoring line, worth a speculative add if you need upside.
- Jake Guentzel (PIT): Steady linemate for Crosby, but monitor for any last-minute changes.
Fantasy Takeaways
- Start William Nylander with confidence in all formats—he projects for heavy usage and immediate production.
- Robert Thomas should be rostered or at least streamed, especially in dynasty and points leagues.
- Watch for Brayden Schenn's positional shift; if he sticks in the top six at wing, his goal-scoring upside rises.
- Stream Tristan Jarry if you need a goalie start; matchup and recent form are both in his favor.
- Monitor power-play units closely—auditions and injuries can create short-term value spikes, so be ready to pounce on emerging PP1 options. For more on this, see how to value PP1 time.
Source: NHL.com. See the original for full details.