This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
The Avalanche and Stars begin the day with a restart to their series after Colorado took Game 3 Wednesday. The Avs will need to get as much production out of their top line of Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen if they want to take the series. However, the more important matchup is their bottom-six who will need to improve their performance against a Stars' side that continue to outwork opponents following a rather mediocre series against Calgary.
The Islanders and Flyers continue on short rest after the Islanders took a 2-1 lead yesterday. Philly will either play at their peak performance from the Montreal series or they'll keep taking penalties. The Isles need to continue their puck cycling and two-way play on all four lines to keep the Flyers at bay. If they can get quality performances and control possession of play, they shouldn't have a problem advancing.
We continue to see a consistent Vegas squad under first year coach Peter DeBoer, but the Canucks look extremely inconsistent defensively. They either play a very tight game and control the possession with crisp passing and fast paced breakouts, or they are sloppy and create odd-man advantages for the Golden Knights.
GOALIES
Semyon Varlamov, NYI vs. PHI ($7,800): After multiple Vezina-worthy performances, Varlamov got chased by the Flyers in Game 2. He rebounded with an almost perfect performance putting the Islanders into a series lead. Whether Varly starts or it's his counterpart Thomas Greiss ($7,600), either one should be able to maintain the Isles' winning ways.
Pavel Francouz, COL vs. DAL ($8,000): I could have gone the safer route taking Anton Khudobin ($7,600), but Francouz is most likely Colorado's man between the pipes for the rest of the playoffs and needs to start improving in net. He should also see less coverage compared to Khudobin because he's more expensive and allowed four goals in back-to-back performances.
VALUE PLAYS
Joe Pavelski, DAL vs. COL ($5,200): Pavelski continues to be a very big part of Dallas's success this postseason. The pivot produced a rather average season at best, but has shown his playoff side can be dominating.
Anthony Beauvillier, NYI vs. PHI ($4,900): Beauvillier has been a leader in the resurgence of the Islanders' second line and has been piling the pucks on net over the last few games, so it's only a matter of time until those shots start going in. He will continue to get looks as long as he continues his current form.
Alex Tuch, VGK vs. VAN ($4,200): I mentioned Tuch last time and I will continue to call his until he lets me down. He's been an absolute revelation for the Golden Knights and continues to take advantage of the better matchup against the Canucks' third line by marking four goals and one assist across his last four games and has racked up 32 shots since the restart. For this salary and the matchup, it's a no-brainer.
Alexander Edler, VAN vs. VGK ($5,300): Another situation of not fixing something that isn't broken. For whatever reason, Edler continues to remain at the lower range of the $5Ks even though he easily makes that price up just with peripheral stats - and any points are an added bonus. The defenseman offers one of the highest ceilings on any slate and for this price, so sign me up.
LINE STACKS
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche
Roope Hintz (C - $4,100), Corey Perry (W - $3,500), Jason Dickinson (W - $3,000)
The Stars' third line represent one of the bright spots this series and a major reason why Dallas go into Sunday with the lead. Hintz and Perry have been huge in both wins for Dallas in even-strength play and on the man-advantage. It does not take much to hit value with this line and it helps Hintz and Perry both skate on the power play.
New York Islanders vs Philadelphia Flyers
Brock Nelson (C - $5,600), Anthony Beauvillier (W - $4,900), Josh Bailey (W - $4,500)
Another day and another mention for the Isles' second unit. Nelson has been the main mention as of late, especially during their dismantling of the Capitals. However, Beauvillier is the newest shining star as detailed above. As long as this line keeps producing, all three players will keep serving as solid additions.
Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars
Nathan MacKinnon (C - $8,500), Gabriel Landeskog (W - $6,300), Mikko Rantanen (W - $7,300)
As mentioned earlier, this line needs to do a lot of heavy lifting if the Avs want to move on. You are paying a premium with this trio based on their projected ceiling, but it's worth it.
DEFENSEMEN
Shea Theodore, VGK vs. VAN ($6,200): Theodore continues to do it all for the Golden Knights and might find himself winning a Norris Trophy sooner rather than later. He's certainly been one of the best players these playoffs and the Knights would not be succeeding without him.
Esa Lindell, DAL vs. COL ($4,500): Lindell represents one of those two-way defenders who can earn a lot of peripherals. Colorado will need to start applying more pressure and taking shots from anywhere. When this happens, Lindell often finds himself in perfect position to block shots. He's basically a cheaper version of Alexander Edler ($5,300) with a similar ceiling.
Nick Leddy, NYI vs. PHI ($3,100): Leddy is on the second power-play unit with the Isles' top guns. He also happens to receive ample time with their hot second line. I'm not gonna complain about someone who is just more than minimum salary getting exposure to the top two lines. Leddy may be a little riskier, but it only takes one at that salary.
