NHL · Stacking
What Is Stacking in DFS?
Last updated October 23, 2026 by Ship It Nation
In NHL DFS, stacking means rostering skaters who share an even-strength line or power play unit. A goal can produce fantasy points for its scorer and assisting teammates, connecting several roster spots to the same play.
Why It Matters
Shared ice time creates opportunities for your skaters to score together, which makes line and power play stacks useful in tournaments. Verify current combinations rather than assuming teammates play together. A defenseman adds a stronger connection when he shares power play time with your forwards.
Example
Say you roster two forwards from the same line and a defenseman who joins them on the first power play unit. On a power play, the defenseman passes to one forward, who sets up the other for a goal. The scorer and both assisting players contribute to your lineup from that single sequence.
Before locking a stack, explain how its players benefit together. Then check their actual roles, combined salary and whether adding another player strengthens that connection or just fills a spot.
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Common Questions
How many players should you put in a DFS stack?
The right size depends on the sport and contest format. Football stacks commonly pair a quarterback with one or two pass catchers, sometimes adding an opponent. Baseball stacks often use several hitters, while hockey stacks focus on shared lines or power play units. Check your contest's roster restrictions before choosing a size.
Should you stack in cash games?
Sometimes, but the sport matters. A quarterback and receiver can both be strong individual plays, while a large baseball stack concentrates your risk in one offense. In MMA, pairing opponents in an active, long fight can reduce dependence on picking the winner. Evaluate projected scoring and salary rather than applying one cash-game rule everywhere.
What is the difference between a team stack and a game stack?
A team stack uses players from one team; a game stack includes players from both sides of the same matchup. In football, pairing a quarterback with his receiver creates a team stack. Adding an opposing receiver creates a game stack that benefits if both offenses keep producing.