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NHL DFS Lineup Optimizer for DraftKings and FanDuel
The 5V5 Hockey NHL DFS Lineup Optimizer builds salary-cap lineups for DraftKings and FanDuel using a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) solver. Pick a site, set your rules, and generate up to 150 lineups at once from that day's player pool.
Every player in the pool carries the same projections used on our NHL DFS Player Projections tool, so lineups are built on the same daily-updated data, not a separate model.
How the Optimizer Works
Set your build rules before generating lineups:
- Stacking - choose a template (3-3, 3-3-1, 4-3, 4-3-1, 4-2-2, 5-3, 3-2-2-1, 2-2-2-2 or "Lines, every combo"), or pick specific lines to stack manually
- Affinity rules - require 2+ players from FL1/FL2, 2+ players from PP1, or build a bring-back stack against the opponent
- Exposure control - cap how often any player or position can appear across your generated lineups, from 1% to 100%
- Build rules - avoid rostering a skater against your own goalie pick, require confirmed starting goalies only, exclude FL4 players, set a minimum salary used, a maximum number of players from one team, a minimum lineup projection, and a minimum number of unique players between lineups
- Randomness - add variance to projections for building a mass-multi entry set
Start from a Cash, Single GPP or Mass Multi preset, or build your rules from scratch. You can also upload your own projections by CSV if you'd rather rank the pool yourself.
What is an NHL DFS lineup optimizer?
An NHL DFS lineup optimizer is a tool that uses math, specifically mixed-integer linear programming, to build the highest-projected daily fantasy hockey lineup that fits a salary cap. 5V5 Hockey's optimizer applies your stacking, exposure and matchup rules on top of that math, so every lineup it builds is one you'd actually play.
Does the optimizer work for FanDuel and DraftKings?
Yes. Switch between DraftKings and FanDuel at the top of the page, and the optimizer reloads that site's salary cap and player pool. DraftKings builds include an optional rule to keep defensemen out of the UTIL slot; that rule isn't shown for FanDuel.
How do I stack lines in the optimizer?
Pick a stack template in the Settings panel, such as 3-3 (3 players from each of two teams) or 4-3, or choose "Lines, every combo" to test all valid line pairings. You can also hand-pick specific lines under Pick Lines, and turn on Line Affinity to require at least two players from a team's top two lines.
Related NHL DFS Tools
Check the NHL DFS Lines tool for tonight's line combinations and 5v5 Matchup Score before you set your stacking rules, cross-reference player floors and ceilings on the DFS Player Projections page, and confirm the night's starters on the Starting Goalie Rankings tool before locking a goalie into the pool.