In NHL DFS pick’em contests on platforms like PrizePicks and Underdog, understanding and applying correlation can significantly boost your chances of winning. Correlation involves selecting players whose performances are likely to be linked, allowing you to maximize your entries’ potential by capitalizing on favorable scenarios. This article will guide you through the basic strategy of NHL DFS correlation for pick’em entries on PrizePicks and Underdog, et al., and show you how to leverage Stokastic’s +EV fantasy pick’em optimizers for the best results.
NHL DFS Correlation: Pick’em Strategy for PrizePicks, Underdog & More
In DFS, correlation refers to the relationship between players’ performances within the same game. In NHL DFS, this typically involves players from the same team or line who are likely to influence each other’s output. For instance, if a top-line center has a strong game, it’s probable that the winger playing alongside him will also benefit given their time on ice together and potential for shared points in goals and assists.
How to Use NHL DFS Correlation in Pick’em Contests
Forwards on the Same Line: A classic approach is to stack forwards who play on the same line. These players are often involved in the same scoring plays, meaning if one player scores, another might assist, leading to correlated fantasy points.
Power Play Units: Consider stacking players who share ice time on the power play. Power play goals are high-scoring events in NHL DFS, and players on the same unit often rack up points together.
Goalie with Defensemen: Pairing a goalie with one of his team’s defensemen can be a smart move. If the defenseman contributes to a low number of shots allowed or blocks shots, the goalie stands to benefit with a potential shutout or a high save percentage.
Defensemen with Forwards: Correlate an offensive-minded defenseman with the forwards from the same power play unit. If the defenseman racks up assists from the blue line, the forwards could be scoring, giving you a double boost.
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Using Stokastic and Stokastic’s +EV Fantasy Pick’em Optimizers
To effectively apply correlation strategies, it’s crucial to use tools that help identify +EV (positive expected value) picks. Stokastic offers advanced fantasy pick’em optimizers that can help you make data-driven decisions.
Identifying +EV Opportunities
The optimizers analyze odds, player stats and historical data to suggest entries with positive expected value. By focusing on +EV picks, you’re making selections that are statistically more likely to outperform projections and over time are expected to be profitable if you make that same entry over and over again.
Incorporating Correlation
Use the optimizers to identify correlated players. For instance, if the optimizer highlights a +EV opportunity on a top-line center, consider pairing him with his winger or defenseman to maximize the potential correlation.
Building Multiple Entries
The optimizer can help you diversify your entries while maintaining correlation. You can create multiple correlated entries by selecting different combinations of players from the same team or game, spreading your exposure across several high-upside scenarios.
The Downside of Correlation in NHL DFS Pick’em
Though correlating players does have the benefits laid out above, one thing to note is that pick’em sites may shift projections if you take multiple more picks from the same team in the same category such as points or assists. In essence, PrizePicks and Underdog try to counter correlation by reducing the payout multiplier each individual pick has.
That is why it is so important to use a fantasy optimizer like we have for PrizePicks, Underdog and DraftKings Pick6. These payout shifts are incorporated into the EV calculations, so you can see if the correlation is in fact leading to a +EV entry.
Don’t just assume a correlated entry is a positive one; you have to watch out for these payout shifts and stick to the entries that will be positive long-term.
Final Thoughts on NHL DFS Correlation and Pick’em Strategy
Understanding and applying correlation in NHL DFS pick’em contests is a powerful way to boost your entries’ potential. By stacking teammates, leveraging game environments, and using advanced tools like Stokastic’s +EV fantasy pick’em optimizers, you can build smarter, more profitable entries. Remember, correlation doesn’t just increase your upside; it also aligns your picks with the way hockey games unfold, giving you a strategic edge in NHL DFS pick’em contests.
