This article is part of our DraftKings NHL series.
GOALIE
Matt Murray, PIT at NYI ($7,500): It was always going to be a close series, and that was confirmed when Game 1 went to overtime. He made 29 saves and generally played well; the biggest letdown was the defense in front of him, which was pinned and pressured by a very quick and energized Isles squad. Even if the Pens go back to Pittsburgh down 2-0 they should still feel pretty confident, but captain Sidney Crosby, who had zero points in Game 1, probably won't let that happen.
CENTER
Brayden Point, TB vs. CLS ($6,600): It is slightly concerning that the Lightning's big guns were nowhere to be seen in Game 1, but the series still tilts in their favour. Point is an elite center, and it just seems unlikely that David Savard and Markus Nutivaara will be able to shut him down for a second straight game. They're a clear step down from Seth Jones and Zach Werenski, and if Point can't score against them, then the Lightning might really be in trouble.
Joe Thornton, SJ vs. VGK ($4,100): He had an excellent game with an assist and five shots, but perhaps what was most shocking was how much of the game the Sharks controlled. Martin Jones looked like playoff Martin Jones, and the Sharks' offensive depth was that much better. The Knights should bounce back with a stronger effort, but look for Thornton to skate around 16 minutes again and take advantage of Nick Holden and that third pairing.
WING
Artemi Panarin, CLS at TB ($5,900): No matter how unglamorous the Blue Jackets' style, Panarin will make the highlight reel. He assisted on Jones' game-winning goal and much of the offense still runs through him. The Jackets are pretty balanced so it's unlikely Panarin plays over 20 minutes unless it goes into overtime, and the Lightning will definitely come out stronger, but this is a good price for him. Of the nine wingers more expensive than Panarin, only Blake Wheeler ($6,300) scored more points.
Patrik Laine, WPG vs. STL ($4,800): The biggest silver lining in their Game 1 loss was Laine snapping his six-game goal drought, and if he starts scoring again like he did in November, he could single-handedly win the series. It'll be tight and the Blues defense and goaltending is very good, but at this price there's tons of upside.
Tom Kuhnhackl, NYI vs. PIT ($2,700): He had a goal called back after Matt Martin failed to get on-side, but more importantly played a very good all-round in Game 1. He registered a shot and blocked two, and played more than 17 minutes in a very impressive debut after averaging just 12 minutes during the season. He's playing on a very effective second line with Josh Bailey ($4,200) and Brock Nelson ($4,800) and he's one of the best bargains tonight.
DEFENSE
Dustin Byfuglien, WPG vs. STL ($5,200): He played three minutes more than Jacob Trouba ($5,500), so for the first time in a while Byfuglien is the better buy. He had a typical Big Buff game contributing in nearly every category, registering an assist, a blocked shot and three shots on goal in 25 minutes of play. It's hard to say no to Byfuglien at this price.
Marcus Pettersson, PIT at NYI ($2,500): Pettersson was just one of three Penguins defensemen to play more than 21 minutes, and if Olli Maatta and Brian Dumoulin struggle again, Mike Sullivan will have no choice but to keep giving him ice time. The return of Justin Schultz bumps Petteresson down the power-play depth chart, but this series could feature so many penalties Kris Letang and Schultz can't play them all. Pettersson had three shots on goal in Game 1, which featured seven goals and 77 shots.
