If you’re new to daily fantasy sports (DFS), NHL on DraftKings is one of the most exciting ways to experience hockey as a fan. Unlike standard fantasy hockey, where you draft one team that you manage for the entire season, you instead create a new lineup every day –– competing for real cash prizes with every slate. Whether you’re into big tournaments or just looking to win your head-to-head contests, this NHL DFS 101 guide will help you better understand scoring, contest types, lineup strategy, and beginner mistakes to avoid.
Along with this guide, visit DraftKings Network for daily advice for fantasy and sports betting.
What is NHL Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)?
NHL Daily Fantasy Sports on DraftKings lets you draft a new team each day and compete for real cash prizes. Unlike season-long fantasy hockey, DFS is fast-paced, flexible, and offers a variety of contest types. If you’ve ever searched for how to play NHL DFS, you’re in the right place.
DraftKings NHL DFS Scoring
| Players | Points |
|---|---|
| Goal | +8.5 Pts |
| Assist | +5 Pts |
| Shot on Goal | +1.5 Pts |
| Blocked Shot | +1.3 Pts |
| Short Handed Point Bonus (Goal/Assist) | +2 Pts |
| Shootout Goal | +1.5 Pts |
| Hat Trick Bonus | +3 Pts |
| 5+ Shots | +3 Pts |
| 3+ Blocked Shots | +3 Pts |
| 3+ Points | +3 Pts |
| Goalies | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | +6 Pts |
| Save | +0.7 Pts |
| Goal Against | -3.5 Pts |
| Shutout Bonus | +4 Pts |
| Overtime Loss | +2 Pts |
| 35+ Saves | +3 Pts |
Scoring Notes
- Goalies WILL receive points for all stats they accrue, including goals and assists.
- The Goalie Shutout Bonus is credited to goalies if they complete the entire game with 0 goals allowed in regulation + overtime. Shootout goals will not prevent a shutout. A goalie must be the only goalie of record to get credit for a shutout.
Types of DraftKings NHL Contests
When learning NHL fantasy strategy for DraftKings, it’s important to know contest formats:
- GPPs (Guaranteed Prize Pools) – Big-field tournaments with large payouts. Great for chasing upside and taking shots with low-owned players.
- Cash Games – 50/50s, double-ups, and head-to-heads where consistency wins. Chalk plays are cornerstones of lineups.
- Showdown Contests – Single-game format where you pick 6 players, including one Captain with boosted points.
Beginner NHL DFS Strategy Tips
If you want to build better lineups, these DraftKings NHL DFS tips can help:
- Stacking – Pair full forward lines with goalies and/or one defenseman to maximize upside.
- Correlation Plays – Correlate goalies with one of your forward lines (If the forward line performs well, your goalie is likely securing the win).
- Value Plays – Look for underpriced players due to injuries, line changes or favorable matchups.
- Bankroll Management – Spread your entries between GPPs and cash to manage risk.
- Monitor Late News – Injuries, line changes and goalie changes can swing contests.
Why Stacking is Important for your NHL Lineups
Stacking is a powerful DFS strategy because it creates upside by linking players that share ice time with each other. When a center scores a goal, there is a strong chance that one of his teammates (LW, RW, or D) notched an assist on the play, or even recorded a shot on goal that led to a rebound. Now, this means that just one play can generate double-digit fantasy points for your lineup, helping you separate yourself from the field in big tournaments. See below for an example of how just one rebound goal can generate 16.5 FPTS on DraftKings.
| Player | Scoring Breakdown | Total Points |
|---|---|---|
| Center | +8.5 Pts (Goal) +1.5 (Shot on Goal) | 10 Pts |
| Right Wing | +5 Pts (Assist) +1.5 Pts (Shot on Goal) | 6.5 Pts |
| Combined Total | 16.5 Pts from one play | |
Common Mistakes to Avoid in NHL DFS
- Playing too many players from the same team in the same lineup (unless intentionally stacking).
- Ignoring injury reports, line/goalie changes, and late-breaking news.
How to Get Started with DraftKings NHL DFS
- Sign up on DraftKings – New users often get a deposit bonus.
- Build Your Lineup – Use player projections, matchup research, and advice from DraftKings Network.
- Enter & Watch – Follow your lineup live and enjoy the thrill of daily fantasy.
Useful DraftKings Resources to Help Your Lineup Building
- DraftKings Network – DFS, Sports Betting and daily news information and advice, specifically tailored for DraftKings.
- DraftKings Stats Hub – Updated betting trends, matchups, stats, and much, much more for every game of the NHL season.
