This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
Normally, a Saturday in the playoffs would mean an afternoon game for the NHL. However, thanks to the Kentucky Derby, that isn't the case this week. You'll have until the evening to get your daily fantasy lineups set. Here are my recommendations.
GOALIE
Tuukka Rask, BOS vs. CLM ($8,000): There were some murmurs about Rask's play heading into the postseason, but those concerns have dissipated at this point. The Finnish netminder has a 2.11 GAA and .933 save percentage in the playoffs. Plus, the Bruins had a 2.44 GAA at home this year.
CENTER
Logan Couture, SAN vs. COL ($6,200): Couture has been regularly a 20-goal scorer in his career, but he's been particularly potent in the playoffs. That includes this year, as he has nine goals and three assists in 11 postseason contests. The Avalanche allowed 33.6 shots on net per game on the road this season, and they've allowed 32.0 shots on goal per contest in the playoffs as a whole.
Boone Jenner, CLM at BOS ($4,300): If you are going to spend big on Logan Couture, you'll want to try and save some money elsewhere. I like Jenner as an intriguing flyer. He's not a bad player, as he did have 16 goals on 170 shots this season. However, he's been unusually active recently. Over his last five games he's put 24 shots on net.
WING
Jake DeBrusk, BOS vs. CLM ($5,200): DeBrusk started 64.7 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone, highest among Boston forwards. While he's only scored two goals in the playoffs, he's put 35 shots on net in 11 games. That means he has a 5.7 shooting percentage, which seems likely to improve.
Gustav Nyquist, SAN vs. COL ($5,100): Nyquist has recently found himself on San Jose's top line, and also its top power-play unit. That lifts his fantasy potential to be sure. The former Red Wing has nine points in his last 15 games, and the Avalanche did have a 3.15 GAA on the road this season.
Kevin Labanc, SAN vs. COL ($4,300): Speaking of guys who started a lot of their shifts in the offensive zone, Labanc started 58.5 percent of his in that fashion. That was tops on the Sharks. He also tallied 20 points with the extra man, and the Avalanche had the 25th-ranked penalty kill.
DEFENSE
Tyson Barrie, COL at SAN ($6,000): Barrie tied his career high in goals this year with 14, but he also put a whopping 218 shots on net, a personal best by a wide margin. The defenseman also averaged 4:03 per game with the extra man, notching 25 power-play points in the process. His acumen with the extra man could come into play here, as the Sharks had the 15th-ranked penalty kill.
Cale Makar, COL at SAN ($4,300): The playoffs have been a coming out party for the Hobey Baker winner. His first seven NHL games have come in this postseason, and he has five points in those outings. Meanwhile, Martin Jones had an .896 save percentage this year.
