Scoring System
Salary Cap: $100k
Positions: LW(2), RW(2), C(2) D(2), G, Flex (any additional skater)
Goalies:
Wins = 3pts
SO = 2pts
Saves = 0.3pts
Goals against = -1pt
Skaters
Goals = 3pts
Assists = 2pts
+/- = 0.5pt
PIMs = 0.5pts
PPG = 1pt
PPA = 1pt
SHG = 1pt
SHA = 1pt
Shots = 0.5pts
Strategy
First off, when you're getting familiar with the league, get to know the system. Rosters feature the usual 2 spots at all 4 skater positions (LW,RW,C,D), along with 1 goaltender.
Draftstreet throws in a flex position that allows you to add any skater. Sorry, no doubling up on goaltenders.
The point system is well-balanced and doesn't over-emphasize goalie wins or plus-minus (both are good features in my book).
A quick run through the FPPG shows that, as usual, goalies tend to carry the most value (expect 7 FPPG on a decent night), while defensemen barely register (1 to 3 points).
A decent forward with earn you 3 to 5 fantasy points a night. Of course, salaries also reflect points, so goalies will cost you much more than defense.
That said, your best general approach is always pick the goalie with the best chance of winning.
However, with a high value on saves (.3) versus goals against (-1), it's not a total loss to grab a goalie likely to get peppered with shots. Consider:
• A decent game - 30 save win, 2 GA --> 10 points
• A busy loss - 40 saves, 4 GA --> 8 points
• A bad game - 10 saves, 3 GA --> 0 points
There can be a huge variance in goalie salaries, so there is a balance to consider.
On opening night, I was able to claim Anton Khudobin (MIN) for $5,831, while Tim Thomas (BOS) was going for $23,201.
Both ended up being worthy picks that night, but I saved $15k to stock up elsewhere. That's a rare situation, but there are obviously bargains to be found.
As for defense, I don't recommend spending much coin. You'll find plenty of decent options in the $5k to $7k territory, leaving you ample space to load up your roster with higher scoring forwards.
It should go without saying, but the flex spot should be filled with a forward.
In general, pricing seems to be closely tied to past performance, versus projected performance. Salaries are recalculated daily based on season-to-date stats,
with a higher emphasis on recent games. In other words, if a player is hot, his price will adjust up accordingly more quickly that on other sites.
The challenge is to be ahead of the curve on player values.