This article is part of our FanDuel NHL series.
SLATE PREVIEW
An early start to the Islanders and Penguins series (12 p.m. EDT) and Wild at Golden Knights (3 p.m.) means the four-game slate will be split in half, with the matinee games available in early-only and all-day contests. The Lightning and Panthers (7:30 p.m.) and a regular-season clash between the Flames and Canucks (10:30 p.m.) represent the other half, but will also be featured on the main slate. NOTE: All salaries quoted are from the all-day schedule.
GOALIES
Tristan Jarry, PIT vs. NYI ($8,000): Jarry went 5-1 against the Isles during the season even though they used to give the Penguins problems. When the playoffs roll around, the Isles' suffocating defense usually wins out, but they are stumbling of late and haven't inadequately replaced Anders Lee. Meanwhile, the Pens offer plenty of goal support and have only lost six times since Apr. 1.
Marc-Andre Fleury, VGK vs. MIN ($8,300): The main cause of concern is Vegas having a tough time beating the Wild during the season. Fleury has produced a .919 Sv% against them, but only a 3-3 record with two of the wins in overtime. Still, it's hard to deny Vegas's talent and they enter the playoffs on a roll with only three losses over the past month. The series should be close, but I'll wait for the upset win when the series shifts back to Minnesota where the Golden Knights have a tough time winning considering they're 2-6-0 all-time.
VALUE PLAYS
Victor Rask, MIN at VGK ($3,700): Rask typically doesn't bring much to the table, but he'll be featured on PP1 and also with Kevin Fiala at even strength. The Wild have plenty of options at center, but none are particularly good, so look for them to operate on a timeshare. Rask and Nick Bonino ($3,800) are likely your best options with Rask getting the edge because of the slight discount.
Matthew Highmore, VAN vs. CGY ($3,500): Highmore scored two goals Saturday and continues to reap the benefits of playing within the top-six. On a line with Bo Horvat, Highmore's capitalized on scoring chances around the net. The Flames can be tough to score on and a lack of talent means the Canucks need to tally some tough goals, but that just happens to be Highmore's forte.
Tomas Nosek, VGK vs. MIN ($3,200): Is Nosek just a placeholder? With Max Pacioretty's status questionable for Game 1, he skated on the top line at practice Saturday. The third spot on the top line will likely feature a rotation of different players. But if Pacioretty can't go, look for Nosek to start there. He offers some offensive talent, but likely won't get a lot of playing time.
LINE STACKS
Panthers vs. Lightning
Sam Bennett (C - $4,600), Owen Tippett (W - $3,400), Jonathan Huberdeau (W - $7,700)
It's Playoff Sam time! This is a very inexpensive line stack for a trio that has played well since Bennett arrived from Calgary, and there's some PP1 exposure with Huberdeau. Tippett's skill set is also built for playoff hockey with his strength and shooting ability. And with Victor Hedman banged up, it doesn't sound like Tampa's defense will be exceptionally solid.
Flames at Canucks
Elias Lindholm (C - $6,700), Johnny Gaudreau (W - $7,300), Matthew Tkachuk (W - $5,800)
The Canucks will likely start Braden Holtby, which is good news for the Flames. Both Gaudreau and Lindholm have dominated them this season by scoring a combined 15 points over seven contests. There should be plenty of chances to pad their stats as the Canucks have allowed at least 30 shots in seven of their past 10.
DEFENSEMEN
Shea Theodore, VGK vs. MIN ($6,200): Theodore enjoyed an incredible playoff run last season and led the team in scoring with 19 points from 20 appearances. He enters this postseason on a bit of a dry spell with a five-game drought, but still continues to generate plenty of shots on net.
Mikhail Sergachev, TB at FLA ($4,300): If Hedman's injury continues to bother him and his minutes are limited, look for Sergachev to earn an increased role along with his duties on PP2. He was one of the Tampa's more productive defensemen against the Panthers this season with four assists across eight games.
MacKenzie Weegar, FLA vs. TB ($4,200): This is a big test for Weegar, who was a big reason why the Panthers were able to keep winning even after losing Aaron Ekblad to injury. Expect him to see a lot of ice time and he's riding the hot hand of late with three goals and eight assists in his last eight matchups.
